Skelos, Murray And Darcy Announce $680,000 In Funding To Beautify The Woodmere Central Business District

New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos (R-Rockville Centre), Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Town Councilman Jim Darcy today announced $680,000 in funding to beautify Woodmere’s central business district.

"These are investments in Woodmere’s future," said Senator Skelos. "The streetscape and train station projects will help revitalize Woodmere’s central business district and help our local small business owners. By creating a more beautiful and welcoming atmosphere, we are making a commitment to their success and the continued prosperity of our community."

"I want to thank Senator Skelos for partnering with Councilman Jim Darcy and me to make Woodmere even more beautiful and for helping to stimulate the local business community," said Murray. "Utilizing joint funding, this area will soon be improved with new brick paved walkways, Victorian lighting and other attractive upgrades."

"Supervisor Murray and I are committed to Woodmere and the entire Five Towns area," stated Councilman James Darcy. "By investing in our local business districts we are creating attractive destinations for visitors and neighbors to shop, dine or simply enjoy a stroll. What's more, attractive downtowns help support surrounding home values."

As the State Senate’s Representative on the four-person MTA Capital Program Review Board, Senator Skelos included funding within the 2005-09 MTA Capital Program to rehabilitate both the interior and exterior of Woodmere’s train station. This $480,126 project will replace the station’s doors and windows, repaint the building and install new sidewalks. In addition, the interior ticket waiting room will be completely renovated, including a new public address system. The station’s roof was replaced earlier this year.

To further beautify Woodmere’s central business district, the project includes $200,000 to streetscape Broadway between Franklin Place and Hartwell Place. The Broadway Streetscape Project will replace the existing curbs and sidewalks, repave this section of Broadway and install decorative brick pavers and ornamental lighting. Senator Skelos secured $100,000 in state funding for the Broadway Streetscape Project, with Supervisor Murray and Councilman Darcy providing an additional $100,000 in Town funds.

Woodmere Merchants Association President Seymour Glass said, "On behalf of the Woodmere Merchant's Association and the community I want to thank Senator Skelos, Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilman Jim Darcy for what they are doing to improve our community. I hope this will bring business to our area and I look forward to meeting again at the completion of this project."

Dr. John L. Santopolo of Long Island Endodontics P.C. said, "I would like to commend Senator Dean Skelos, Supervisor Murray and Councilman Darcy for their efforts in renewing the Woodmere Business District. I am sure that this revitalization will benefit everyone in the community."

Owl Art Center Proprietor Ric Michel said, "At a time when Main Street merchants face increased challenges from mega malls and online vendors, our central business districts require governmental assistance to remain vibrant and competitive. By leading the effort to fund these needed improvements, Senator Skelos, Supervisor Murray and Councilman Darcy have demonstrated a real commitment to the Five Towns community."

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