As a result of the work of many local groups working over a long time, the Pine Hollow area will soon make the community proud. At one time, wealthy residents said they gave specific directions to friends coming to visit locally – they avoided going through the “industrial” area of Pine Hollow.
Soon, people will be directing friends to drive down to Oyster Bay through the attractive streetscape of Pine Hollow.
A great many people deserve recognition including Alex Gallego, past president of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, and President Michele Browner. At the May 12 Oyster Bay Civic Association meeting, Rob Brusca gave some of the details. A call went out from the Town of Oyster Bay to alert the community leaders that a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant was available from the Federal Government – with a short timeframe to apply.
Luckily the OB-EN Chamber had already been at work on the project and they were able to get architect Louis Baldino, Carla and Chuck Panetta, John DeBellis, and Michele Browner to supply the needed information. Dottie Simons, the chamber’s beautification chair, has been working on the project for some time. It will bring planters, brick pavers and trees to the Pine Hollow area.
Added to the success of the program is that the OB chamber has extended its interests to the Pine Hollow and East Norwich areas. Added to that the Pine Hollow Business Association has been revived under newly elected President John DeBellis, adding gravitas to that area.
It is all coming together. Wonderful.
The next sore spot in the OB-EN community is the area along Route 106 in East Norwich. Optimistically speaking Woodstock Landscaping is promising to create a nursery there. If that doesn’t happen, maybe there is an entrepreneurial focused person who can see the potential of a new business in East Norwich. Please note that all the stores in East Norwich are filled and they are prospering.
It is about time that small patch of neglect is spruced up. What do you think?
– DFK
P.S.
Several people have been telling us saying that Stop & Shop is closing for a five week renovation starting on July 5. Judith Barnett said at the Oyster Bay Civic Association meeting that this might be a great time for them to put in a turning lane. Although, she said, the state won’t give it to them unless they change the configuration of their parking lot. Well there is more hope there.
The Oyster Bay-Pine Hollow-East Norwich area is blossoming. Things are happening. It is delightful to see how things are unfolding, and it is all because of all the wonderful volunteers putting so much time into all the projects.
Add to that a responsive town board: take a bow Supervisor John Venditto. You give a helping hand to those who are trying to help themselves.
– DFK
