Members of the Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale recently met with village officials to discuss several ongoing and upcoming construction projects, including the development of Jefferson Plaza along Secatogue Avenue, the Staller project—also known as “the Loft”—at 231 Main St. and the streetscape improvement project.
Among the topics discussed, the civic group focused its attention towards the shrinking number of vacant retail space along Main Street.
Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand said that in recent years, the number of vacant retail space has dropped substantially, going from 23 down to just two—the old Victor’s Jewelers location and Empire Gaming, located right next to Village Hall at 337 Main St., which shuttered its doors on Oct. 1.
One major reason for this drop-off in vacant retail space is due to Vision Long Island, which advances livable, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible growth on Long Island.
At the meeting, Eric Alexander, director of Vision Long Island, said downtown Farmingdale was recently rated one of the top 10 downtowns on Long Island.
“We would put it closer to the top five,” Alexander said. “You’re seeing a lot of energy on Main Street; a lot of restaurants and having a recent festival with 10,000 people was excellent.”
Alexander also played a key role in the visioning, recommendations and planning that brought together public consensus for many of the ongoing and upcoming construction around the village.
Vision Long Island had a contractual relationship with the Village of Farmingdale that ended in 2008-2009. However, since then, it has played an advocacy oriented role, promoting
events and making connections with new and prospective tenants.
“We stayed involved with residents on what they want to see in the downtown area, and not just building projects; they want to see parks, safe street initiatives, events downtown and clearly want to revitalize Main Street,” Alexander said. “We see Farmingdale as a great example of downtown renewal.”
According to village officials, one empty furniture store downtown will soon re-open as a Zumba exercise facility.
