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Revitalization
Funds Release Expected |
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September 5, 2001 The Suffolk County Legislature will vote next week on a proposal to distribute a total of $550,778 to local chambers of commerce, business improvement districts, civic associations and historical preservation societies for projects involving downtown revitalization. The biggest winner in the overall distribution is the Town of Brookhaven and its villages. A total of $199,241 is allocated for projects within that town's borders. Next in line is the Town of Islip which is receiving $116,000, followed by Huntington with a total of $82,825 being allocated for Huntington-based projects. Babylon projects are receiving $41,512, one Riverhead project is getting $10,000, Smithtown revitalization efforts will receive $55,550 in funding, two Southampton projects are allocated $27,775, and one Southold Project is getting $17,775. The remaining two Suffolk townships, East Hampton and Shelter Island, did not receive any Phase III funding. "In this era of shopping malls and super-stores it is very important that government take steps to promote small businesses in the hearts of our downtown areas which have traditionally been dynamic regions of business, recreation and culture," said County Legislator Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) who is chairman of the legislature's Economic Development Committee and sponsor of the resolution that allocates the funds. Applications for the capital improvement projects were submitted by local chambers of commerce, civic organizations, business improvement districts and historical preservation societies. More than 50 projects will be paid for by this fund, ranging from simple parking lot reconstruction to the acquisition of a trolley to promote tourism. Several of the groups partnered with other funding sources to increase the total dollars acquired for their projects. According to Jim Ainsley of Suffolk County's Economic Development Department, many of the projects focused on downtown beautification. The $32,000 received by the Ridge Civic Association will help them complete an $80,000 sidewalk project which according to Legislator Martin Haley's office is nearly complete. Other work includes the installation of public bathrooms and pay phones in Cold Spring Harbor and an assortment of benches, lighting, sidewalks and litter receptacles, all designed to spruce up downtown areas to make them more appealing to tourists and shoppers. "Whatever else we do it will be for the benefit of the community," said Elmer Hornberger, president of the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce. His organization hopes to use its $27,775 to construct a gazebo in the park adjacent to the armory building which they hope will become a focal point for summer and fall concerts. Hornberger said the funding the chamber is receiving is probably not enough to complete the project, but it will help them start the process, and give them the credibility to raise more money in the community. Erik Arif, co-president of the Farmingville/Holtsville Chamber said their allocation was destined for refurbishment of the small triangular park in the middle of town near the fire station, including the placement of seasonal banners and, if the money holds out, a standalone clock or watch tower. Call your local chamber of commerce to find out what work is being done in your area.
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