By MELISSA O'HARA
The streetscape project, a public enhancements program to make the streets of Valley Stream more attractive, consists of redoing the image of Rockaway Avenue. The sidewalks will have attractive partial concrete brickwork along the curbs and in a circular pattern around tree bases. For more character, carriage lamps, benches and trash receptacles will replace already existing aesthetic features to give the avenue an old-fashioned feel.
"We need this desperately. This will definitely increase business and make the avenue look great," said Susie Kerwick, a waitress at Micthell's.
J.J. Liguori Sr. of Dreyer Pharmacy agreed the project will increase business and make Valley Stream look great.
With construction crews set up on Rockaway Avenue, Tammy Boutelle of IL Corso Bakery said, "there is no real problem with the noise. They are right out side of our store, fixing the road, and I don't think this will affect our business."
"The project is planned to last three months but things are moving very quickly and it even may be done by Labor Day," said Village Clerk Vincent Ang.
The first section of Rockaway Avenue slated for restoration will be from Merrick Road to Mineola Avenue. According to Ang, construction will be during the day and the beautification process will continue to Sunrise Highway. Once the revitalization of Rockaway Avenue is complete, Ang said village officials will decide where future renovations may take place.
"Next year we want to do the other half of Rockaway Avenue," said Mayor Edward Cahill, "with the end point being to entice businesses into Valley Stream. The restoration project will enable store owners to follow through with fixing up their storefronts."
"This is great for business. We are really looking forward to having a spruced up avenue to take a leisurely stroll down or have a leisurely lunch, and this will increase business," said Carol Gallo-Turschmann, president of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce.
One store on Rockaway Avenue disagreed with Gallo's opinion of increasing business, but Jim Montgomery of Woods Locksmith and Door Service said, "It is a good thing that the street is getting a facelift, but I don't think that it will affect business. What will affect business will be making the rent cheaper. Look at all of those empty stores."
The project was arranged and paid for through the county Office of Community Development with $300,000 in federal funds for the first section of the restoration project. The remaining $65,000 of the project comes directly from county funds. The bid was awarded to Joe Kelly Construction Company, an outside contractor. The engineering firm of Lockwood Kessler and Bartlett, Inc. did the design plans.
