A day after Farmingdale village officials marveled at the start of the long-awaited TDI-Bartone development project, they were eager to begin the next initiative: a board-generated proposal to boost the aesthetic appeal of Main Street, in
Farmingdale.
The nearly $1 million streetscape project, which is set to begin in upcoming months, looks to bolster the economy of Farmingdale, a village being heralded as a model for revitalization in growth in Nassau County and beyond.
“Over the past year and a half, [the village] has been infilling vacant storefronts,” said Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand. “The Main Street streetscape project complements the transit-oriented development projects and downtown walkability that our village needs for continued economic growth.”
The project includes new curbing, brick pavement, concrete sidewalks and paving in the downtown area. The construction will be handled by Deer Park-based Tri-State Paving, Inc., at a total cost of $978,590.
According to Ekstrand, the roadway improvements will include the installation of bump-outs as a safety precaution for pedestrians at some of the major crosswalks downtown, such as the intersections closest to Croxley Ales, Minuteman Press, Gino’s Pizza, and Stuff-A-Bagel, on Main Street.
“This project will enhance the community of Farmingdale,” said County Legislator Joe Belisi. “I am pleased to provide funding for this project and to finally have this project emerge.”
Through the use of federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Nassau County government has played a helping hand, providing Community Development Block Grants that this year totaled $225,000.
“The Village of Farmingdale continues to climb the ladder of success and set an example for other villages in the county for long-term growth,” said County Executive Edward Mangano.
With the addition of the block grants, the village is able to subsidize up to 80 percent of the total cost for businesses to improve their façades. This portion of the project includes new signage, sign board accessories, lighting and awnings for retailers on Main Street. Phase II of the project will focus on improving rear facades and entrances.
According to Ekstrand, the village has already seen an surge of interest in participating in the façade rehabilitation, with roughly 35 businesses on a wait list. The streetscape renovations are expected take a total of three months.
