Work is proceeding on the Brower House at the corner of East Main Street and White Street, evidence of what has been happening with work inspired by a Main Street Association of Oyster Bay’s use of a grant from the New York Main Street Grant program of the NYS Office of Community Renewal. The MSA has invested $200,000 in five projects. Goals of this program include taking actions to prevent dangers to public health and safety, to preserve historic properties in danger of being lost, to reduce blight and contribute to the economic recovery of the area, and to improve properties with a residential component.
The Brower House rehab at 39-41 East Main Street, and Fiddleheads restaurant expansion are under way. Other projects include adding signs, awning, and lighting to the North Shore Bank Building (presently the Coin Galleries of Oyster Bay) at 90 South Street, renovation of the Townsend Inn Annex (9 Audrey Avenue), and tuck-pointing of the building at 63 Audrey Avenue now housing Shangri La Spa.
These projects build on the success of recent efforts to restore the Octagon Hotel. That building at Spring and West Main streets is rapidly nearing completion, and will have six apartments and three retail units when finished.
Meet the Sailing Community
The MSA is showcasing sailing in Oyster Bay at their meeting at Oakcliff Sailing Center on April 15.
Recently a nonprofit organization was formed to train the next generation of competitive sailors in the U.S. The headquarters of this organization are at 4 South Street, just north of the downtown area. There will be a Main Street Member Meeting on April 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Oakcliff Sailing Center. Their new director Dawn Riley will be present to share more about the work of the organization. David Waldo, executive director of The WaterFront Center will also be on hand to discuss some of the work WFC is doing. RSVP for the meeting on the MSA Facebook fan page.
Preserve America Grant
Presently Oyster Bay is being considered for a $250,000 grant from the Preserve America program of the National Parks Service to go toward a $500,000 project. This would allow the hamlet to improve existing signage and to add new way-finding and interpretive signage downtown, and to produce a website and brochure promoting Oyster Bay. Partners in this effort include the Town of Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District, and the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. The partners should know by early summer whether these funds are awarded.
Beautification Fundraiser April 19
A Spring Fling cocktail fundraiser with food tasting from local restaurants will be held Monday, April 19, at Dodds & Eder (221 South Street). Proceeds from the event – which costs $65 per person, will go toward efforts to beautify downtown Oyster Bay. The fundraiser is being organized by the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce. Reservations may be made by contacting them at 922-6464.
Oyster Bay Sundown
Summer will be exciting in the hamlet, as a live music series is being planned again for downtown Oyster Bay. Three restaurants: Canterbury’s, Fiddleheads, and The Homestead are all arranging to have live music every Thursday night. Live outdoor music will be provided the first Thursday of each month at Renaissance Plaza (behind 24 Audrey Avenue) on June 3, July 1, and August 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. each night. The kick-off for Oyster Bay Sundown will be held on May 3 at the Teaching Studios of Art to coincide with their spring registration drive. The last concert will be Sept. 2 at The Homestead. The concerts are free and open to the public.
