Committees Formed ‘With a Unified Focus’
Since an initial “visioning presentation” in March, the Downtown Hicksville Revitalization project has made significant strides in streamlining efforts to re-energize the region – specifically through three distinct committees with various community-based goals in mind.
“Things have been happening in the weeks since the visioning meetings, where over 350 Hicksville residents and businesses participated in shaping a downtown revitalization plan and action agenda,” said Lionel Chitty of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce.
On June 27, the Revitalization’s first phase was carried out with the launching of the Farmers Market behind the Hicksville train station. The market came to fruition as a result of collaboration between the Farmers Market subcommittee and the Town of Oyster Bay, and the market will continue each Sunday through Nov. 21.
The two other committees formed as a result of the visioning presentation include: the Beautificaition, Code Enforcement and Walkability Committee; and the Economic Revitalization, Housing and Parking Committee.
The Beautification, Code Enforcement and Walkability Committee plans to encourage reporting of code violations to appropriate town departments, develop guidelines for attractive storefronts, develop methods to encourage storefront improvements and beautification, identify sources of funding, look into street furniture to enhance sidewalks and identify “problem spots” of pedestrian safety and walkability, according to the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
The Economic Revitalization, Housing and Parking Committee aims to identify strategies to accommodate commuter parking as well as customer and employee parking for local businesses, locate commuter parking so that commuters are encouraged to patronize local businesses between their parking spot and the platform, look for ways to improve the appearance of existing lots so they don’t detract from the pedestrian environment, identify missing uses within the downtown area to help “round out” the variety of establishments and create a more vibrant center, as also stated on the chamber’s Facebook page.
“The groups have also met with Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker to find out how the county can help in the revitalization. A follow-up meeting is planned with the New York State Department of Transportation to discuss the implementation of traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures on Broadway and Newbridge Road,” said Chitty.
The next steps are to meet with each of the civic groups in the Hicksville area to have more in-depth discussions with local residents on ideas for downtown Hicksville’s future.
“We need your help and continued participation … if you are interested in helping the vision move forward, please join a committee,” said Chitty.
To sign up or for more information, call or email the Chamber at 931-7170 or info@hicksvillechamber.com, or Vision Long Island at 631-261-0242 or ea@vision longisland.org.
