I am a 30-year resident in the Hamlet of Oyster Bay. In recent years I have observed this hamlet fall into decay. Empty storefronts, filth in the streets, weeds growing out of bricks along the curbs, trash/garbage on the ground under the trash receptacles, and Snouder’s corner drug store, vacant for years, now falling into decay (a historic building). Should a historic landmark be permitted to fall into disrepair just because it’s for sale? Shouldn’t the property owner keep it maintained? Just one more blight on the community.
I have notified Supervisor Venditto’s office more than once. A one-time cleanup to appease me is not the answer. The town officials go through town with blinders on, and it seems that my requests to bring this town up to speed fall on deaf ears. The town officials are not worthy of the offices they occupy, nor the salary we, the taxpayers, pay them. I am quite sure our town supervisor and council members don’t reside in towns that look like this one. It’s amazing that the seat of our Town of Oyster Bay governing offices are not maintained and beautiful. I think it’s time for a change of faces in our local government. Maybe new blood can get it right.
It appears that curbside trees have be removed along East Main and South Street. They need to be replaced. Our town is shabby, seedy and unwelcoming.
I ask myself, how is it that Bayville, Locust Valley, Glen Cove, Cold Spring Harbor and the Village of Huntington maintain a clean, lovely streetscape, and this hamlet is a such a poor excuse for a town. Our town could be so beautiful if the slumlords were made to maintain their properties. The residents that reside in the commercial district leave their filth in the streets. The building owners should be made to clean up.
Route 106 N from Route 25A needs repaving. The conditions along the entire length leave a lot to be desired. Actually, it’s a precursor to what you will see once you arrive in the hamlet.
I am hopeful this correspondence will create an awareness and light a fire under someone to turn this hamlet around. It is shameful in its present condition.
—June London
