By Anthony Rifilato
Concentrating mostly on Grand Avenue and Merrick Road, the response from landlords was positive, those in attendance said, if few in numbers. With only two landlords invited showing up, the meeting on Oct. 28 with chamber members and Suozzi was seen as a first step towards communicating with landlords in the hopes of revitalizing Baldwin's downtown.
Despite the low turnout, chamber member and Baldwin Kitchen and Bath Designs owner Howard Gainsburg said, "it was a good initial meeting."
The discussion with landlords follows last summer's economic development tour by Suozzi and some of the initiatives he had outlined, such as stepping up building code enforcement and improving Grand Avenue.
"Baldwin is an area that has great potential for growth," said Suozzi spokesperson David Chauvin. "The county executive is open to meeting with his constituents."
Among the issues discussed, Gainsburg said, was how the county was willing to share a portion of the costs with landlords in order to refurbish their buildings, with new facades and signs, among others. They also discussed attracting new businesses and creating greater access to the parking lot on Merrick Road, which some said was currently restricted as a result of the ongoing building expansion at the Baldwin Fire Department headquarters.
Now that plans for moving the First Precinct to Grand Avenue are officially over, Gainsburg explained that landlords may be willing to invest in their properties. Because plans to move the precinct meant that properties would have been torn down, Gainsburg said there had been no incentive for landlords to improve the area.
Ultimately, more follow-up meetings are going to be scheduled, and Gainsburg explained that all involved have to agree on a vision.
"I think we need that master plan," said Gainsburg. "I hope we have more meetings with them [the county]."
