More than $34k awarded town-wide to local organizations to stimulate downtown projects

North Hempstead, NY – Town of North Hempstead Business and Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) Chairperson Judi Bosworth and Executive Director Kim Kaiman announced that the BTDC has awarded the Great Neck Plaza Business Improvement District a $7,043 grant as part of their Downtown Beautification Program. This grant will be used specifically for Great Neck Plaza streetscape improvements including an upgraded pedestrian alleyway or passageway at 44 Middle Neck Road and a Welcome to Downtown Great Neck Plaza sign at the Long Island Railroad station.

This is part of a town-wide effort where six not-for-profit organizations and business improvement districts have been awarded $34,000 in grant funding.

“In order to maintain the vibrancy of North Hempstead, we must continue to focus on restoring the economic vitality of our downtowns and Main Streets,” Chairperson Bosworth said. “The distribution of these funds to spearhead six much needed downtown revitalization projects, will help to achieve that goal.”

Council Member Lee Seeman (District 5) said of the project, “Enhancing the beauty of our downtowns is of critical importance to me as it helps attract visitors and boosts our quality of life. I am overjoyed by the prospect of this upcoming project and thank the BTDC for providing this funding.”

The Downtown Beautification Program is a unique initiative designed to assist the Town’s chambers of commerce and civic associations in the revitalization of commercial and mixed use downtown districts. Funds may be utilized for streetscape improvements such as tree planters and other landscaping, as well as street furniture, trash receptacles and signage.
Great Neck BID Executive Director Ron Edelson said of the project, “What Supervisor Bosworth, the Town Council and the BTDC are doing with this grant program is both smart government policy and good use of government funds. Helping our downtowns with beautification projects that enhance shopper appeal and friendliness can only help our merchants and make Great Neck Plaza a more vibrant and exciting downtown district."
Great Neck Plaza Village Mayor Jean Celender was also excited about the project and said, “The town grant and matching support from the BID will enable us to move forward on the alleyway project, helping to create an exciting, attractive gathering place in the downtown that will foster greater social interaction, attract customers, and enhance consumers’ enjoyment of our charming, historic Village of Great Neck Plaza.”
Other beautification projects scheduled for the Town include:

• Council District 1
    o Pearls and Ivy Foundation of Westbury, Inc.; Prospect Avenue Revitalization: $5,000 (Project cost: $10,000)
    o Westbury Business Improvement District; Post Avenue Beautification: $5,000 (Project cost: $10,000)
• Council District 4
    o Manhasset Chamber of Commerce; Plandome Road Beautification: $10,000 (Project cost: $25,845.00)
• Council District 5
    o Great Neck Plaza Business Improvement District; Great Neck Plaza Streetscape Improvements: $7,043.20 (Project cost: $30,000)
    o Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce; Welcome to New Hyde Park Landscape Design: $2,956.80 (Project cost: $8,400)
• Council District 6
    o Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington; Anchoring Main Street with Beauty & History: $4,465 (Project cost: $8,930)

For more information on the BTDC log on to www.btdc.biz.

From left, BTDC Deputy Director Roy Smitheimer; Supervisor Bosworth; Great Neck BID Executive Director Ron Edelson; Council Member Seeman; Great Neck Plaza Village Mayor Jean Celender and BTDC Executive Director Kim Kaiman, in the alleyway at 44 Middle Neck Road which is slated to be upgraded with use of this grant.