By: Nicole Falco
Approximately 75 residents of Valley Stream and South Valley Stream gathered in Central High School-s Keller Auditorium Nov. 10 to discuss the economic future of their communities. The meeting was called to give residents a voice in shaping that future, and to give the county executive an opportunity to present the county-s Economic Development Plan to them.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss where we want to be in five years, in 10 years, in 50 years, Suozzi told the crowd. To plan for our future. To make [the county] a greater place than it is today.
A handful of community leaders, representing various civic associations, schools and village government, joined Suozzi on a two-hour bus tour prior to the public meeting. The tour included Rockaway Avenue, Green Acres Mall, Central Avenue, the King Kullen Shopping Center, and the Gibson and Valley Stream Long Island Rail Road stations. According to Suozzi, downtown business districts, such as Rockaway Avenue, are vital to the county-s economic plan.
The plan, outlined on the county-s Web site at www.nassaucountynydevelop-ment.org, divides the county into 35 economic development areas. Suozzi kicked off the plan in February 2003 in Elmont and North Valley Stream with a bus tour and public meeting. Valley Stream and South Valley Stream comprise the 27th zone toured by the county executive. Suozzi told those at the public hearing that the county will consider including North Valley Stream in the same zone a notion that met with almost unanimous approval among the audience.
During the meeting, Suozzi reiterated many of the points he made during the bus tour. He spoke of the need for economic development, including expanding the county-s tax base and creating high-skill, high-wage jobs, while preserving the quality of life. He also mentioned further development of the Nassau County hub, the area encompassing the Nassau Coliseum, Nassau County Community College and the Roosevelt Field Mall. He detailed the challenges, including the lack of open space for development, the decline of downtown areas, congestion, the high cost of living and lax code enforcement, which he said is not as much of a problem in Valley Stream as it is in unincorporated areas.
The goals of the county-s Economic Development Plan are to promote the high-tech industry, revitalize downtown business districts, redevelop brownfields, create affordable work force and senior housing, preserve open spaces and promote sports, entertainment and tourism. Suozzi hopes to realize these goals through a partnership with the Town of Hempstead, government officials and business and community leaders. According to Suozzi, these goals are vital to ensuring the county-s future economic success.
To help with the continued growth of Valley Stream-s downtown, Suozzi explained, the county is increasing the amount of money the village will receive next year through the Streetscapes program. The money is used to beautify the area.
During the question-and-answer session, one resident complained of what he says is the proliferation of discount stores and nail salons in Valley Stream. Suozzi and village Mayor Edward Cahill, who sat in the audience, agreed that the only way to stop such businesses from cropping up around town is to avoid shopping in them.
Another resident, who said she has lived in Valley Stream for 45 years, wondered how the community can promote its downtown with shopping malls and strip malls in such close proximity. Suozzi suggested luring anchor tenants to the strip that would, in turn, lure other businesses. And he suggested creating housing above the stores along Rockaway Avenue and other shopping districts. Not only would housing in shopping districts supply stores with customers, but it would create much-needed affordable housing in the county, Suozzi said. If people live right there, then they-ll shop right there, he said.
Suozzi also suggested creating a business-improvement district, which would be funded by local businesses. The money the businesses would contribute could be used to hire a manager, similar to a mall-s manager, for the downtown area. If we can help you with that, Mayor Cahill, we-d like to help you with that, Suozzi said.
Another resident complained of an increase in illegal multiple-family houses. I-m paying taxes, there-s no parking spaces anywhere and there-s nothing being done about it, the resident said.
According to Cahill, there are 75 cases pending in village court involving illegal apartments. We do follow through on every one that we get, Cahill said.
Comments about this story? NFalco@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 208.
