By Andrew Hackmack
Village officials and legislators, however, say they are confident that the money will come through.
The grant was secured last year by Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) and Assemblyman Bob Barra (R-Lynbrook), to aid the village in its downtown revitalization. Since then, the village board has hired a planning group - Frederick P. Clark Associates of Rye - to help guide the process.
According to Scott Reif, a spokesman for Skelos, the governor's proposed budget removed $15 million in community project fund money from both the Senate and the Assembly CPF accounts for the current year. Reif said that the Senate had only $15 million remaining, leaving the account empty, and forcing the state comptroller's office to withhold all grant payments.
Reif said that Skelos is fighting the decision, and hopes to have the money released soon. "We did speak up to the governor's office and said this is the wrong thing to do," Reif said. "A lot of these organizations were promised money, and we should make good on that."
Village Clerk Vinny Ang said that the village would proceed with its downtown revitalization plan, and officials are confident that the money will eventually come through. "We've gotten nothing in writing that tells us otherwise," Ang said.
He explained that with the grant, the village would not receive the money up front, but rather would be reimbursed for expenses, the biggest being the hiring of the planning firm. Ang added that Mayor Ed Cahill and the rest of the village trustees are committed to revitalizing Rockaway Avenue. "One way or another, we'll find a way to pay for it," he said. "The downtown business district needs attention."
Cahill said he understands that future grants will likely be hard to come by because of the state's budget deficit, but he does not think promised funds will be affected. "We're moving ahead with the premise that it's OK," he said. "If not, we'll have to look at other avenues."
The mayor and his Business Improvement Committee, which consists of local professionals, merchants and village residents, were scheduled to meet with a representative from Frederick P. Clark Associates Thursday evening at Village Hall. Cahill said that the purpose of the meeting is for the planner and business owners to begin an exchange of ideas. "It's a little brainstorming," he said.
Village Trustee John Tufarelli described the revitalization plans as one of the administration's top priorities. He said the planners have already begun a "fact-finding" mission by visiting various locations in the village to see what the community needs. "Their main job is to see what will make Rockaway Avenue work," Tufarelli said.
The business improvement committee is chaired by attorney Dominick Minerva Sr. One committee member, AAMCO Transmissions owner Danny Rakow, said he looks forward to beginning a discussion on how to revitalize Rockaway Avenue. He said he hopes that his 35 years of business expertise - 22 in Valley Stream - will be an asset to the process. "I understand this community just as much as anyone else," Rakow said.
Barra said that the village needs a reason to bring people downtown. He cited Lynbrook as an example, where people go if they need eyeglasses. "It is so important that we have a revitalized Valley Stream that has a business theme," Barra said.
Within the next week or two, he explained, legislators and village officials should know about the status of the grant. Barra added that he would be prepared to vote against a state budget that he felt was unfair, such as one that takes away money promised to municipalities and other organizations. "I'll do what I have to do," he said.
Cahill said he has shared his concerns with his two legislators. "I know they will do all they can to come through with the grant," he said. "I have confidence in Assemblyman Barra and Senator Skelos."
Comments about this story? AHackmack@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
