Customizing the corner

Change is becoming contagious around Lynbrook with their efforts to beautify another intersection — Union and Scranton Avenue. The village is decking the commercial area with brick sidewalks, ornamental lighting, trees and benches for pedestrians. Recently awarding a bid to Stasi Brothers Asphalt, work began shortly before Nov. 30.

“We began streetscape efforts and various locations were targeted,” said John Giordano, village administrator. “Union and Scranton were an off-shot of our Broadway and Union project.”

Giordano noted that the Union and Scranton facelift was the next step after beautification on Broadway, a streetscaping project started earlier this year.

A cooperative agreement between the village and Nassau County Office of Community Development allows officials to use $100,000 for their Broadway and Union Avenue streetscape project. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awards community development grants to the county and villages can use that money to do streetscaping or beautification initiatives.

After applying for a grant in February, the village was awarded it in August — and the good news was shared with the public at a village board meeting earlier this year. “We hope to increase beautification of a strategical intersection and help commercial areas,” Giordano added.

Village officials estimate the work to be finished within 90 days.

“The construction is good for the businesses,” said Sophia Leu, owner of SSW Cleaners at 150 Union Avenue, “because there will be better paved sidewalks. However, with the parking meters, customers might not want to pay to park.”

Emily Wang, an employee at Mom’s Kitchen at 146 Union Avenue, said she did not know about the streetscaping before it began. She said that though it was initially unclear to her why the village was doing the project, she would find out more.

And Dr. Todd Kshonz of “A Caring Dentist,” located at 142 Union Avenue, said the streetscaping is wonderful. “Lynbrook is putting money back in the community to spruce up local [area,”] he said. “[I hope] they deliver on that promise.”

Giordano is hopeful about the aesthetic upgrades. “The project is one of many initiatives undertaken by the village to enhance the business area,” he said. “It will sustain property values in the business district.”

The village was also awarded $110,000 for a 2010-11 county community development grant to continue their efforts in other locations.