The year 2017 was a very busy one downtown. In addition to so many community events, the department of public works has been working on infrastructure improvements and ongoing beautification efforts are enjoyed every day.
In addition to residents moving into new transit-oriented housing, the Village of Farmingdale has become a downtown destination attracting an array of new businesses and merchants downtown, and in several instances, business expansions. Near the historic Farmingdale Long Island Railroad Station, several businesses opened at Jefferson Plaza since it was completed, including: Starbucks, Hi Dental, Farmingdale Green Dry Cleaners, Fantastic Day Spa and T.O.A. Asian Fusion. Stay tuned, T.O.A. Asian Fusion is planning to open Station Market next door to the restaurant. The new market will serve fresh juices, gourmet sandwiches and healthy foods such as acai bowls and pitaya bowls, plus they do catering.
On Main Street, some new merchants and businesses have helped the transformation of the village: Flux Coffee, Kushner Dermatology, Thyme on Your Side Artisan Market & Cafe, Uncle Tony’s (“That’s what I’m talking about”), Vespa Italian Kitchen, That Meetball Place, Lithology, Daytona’s and the amazing “The Garden at Croxley’s.”
More recent openings include: Our Neighborhood Deli, Scrubz Body and Charlotte’s Speakeasy. CVS has moved into the former Walbaum’s center, and coming soon: Goldfish Swim School in the CVS shopping center. Look out for Harley’s American Grill across from Vespa, to open in 2018. Congratulations to all on their grand openings and much success in 2018.
One of my favorite new traditions downtown is filming “The Mayor on Main Street,” especially during the holiday season. While mostly visiting the newer merchants along Main Street, we also stop in to film existing merchants now and then and film short, informal videos. This year we visited The Nutty Irishman and filmed outside with Joe Fortuna, one of the proprietors there. The Nutty Irishman hosts one of the best Country Nights on Long Island on Tuesdays and showcases bands on the weekends. Amazing holiday window art “Selfie at the Nutty” was recently featured on News 12. Joe is very active in the village and heads up the Farmingdale Village Merchants Association, planning many community activities throughout the year.
Gino’s of Farmingdale is a family owned pizzeria, in the heart of the village, located near the Fire House. Stop in and see John and the team at Gino’s for a bite to eat; they have been serving fresh pizza since 1981 and they deliver.
Filming of “The Mayor on Main Street” at some of the newer merchants this holiday season included: Our Neighborhood Deli, the brand new deli that opened next to Chichimecas and the new parking lot 7, just north of the LIRR tracks. The deli is a welcome addition downtown, with a hot buffet food bar, fresh produce, natural juices and more. Stop-in for a sandwich, fresh salads and more, and say hello to Ray and the team.
Another stop included the brand new Scrubz Body, across from The Runners Edge, located in “The Lofts” retail storefront. Roberta Perry relocated the store from Bethpage and is thrilled to be in the heart of the village. There is an amazing selection of skin care products for head to toe. Plus, they host parties.
Just off Main Street adjacent to the LIRR station at Jefferson Plaza, we filmed at T.O.A. Asian Fusion. Kelly and Evan from T.O.A. joined Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce members in the video. T.O.A. has party rooms, offers outdoor dining and also delivers.
Brothers Nick and John Devito recently opened Charlotte’s Speakeasy below their popular yogurt/dessert shop. We filmed a short video with Nick in the speakeasy, which has already become a magnificent, historic destination in Farmingdale Village. The speakeasy features specialty drinks, great food, live music and also has an amazing outdoor deck.
Check out “Mayor on Main Street” short video clips on our Farmingdale Village events and happenings facebook page, www.facebook.com/farmingdale11735, @farmingdale11735, or on YouTube: Marketing Masters NY.
Stay tuned for more Mayor on Main Street videos in 2018. We hope to see you downtown. The Board of Trustees and all of us at Farmingdale Village wish everyone a healthy and happy new year.
