Farmingdale Launches Business Improvement District: Mayor

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale Village Mayor Ralph Ekstrand recently announced the formation of Main Street’s Business Improvement District (BID), an upcoming celebration for small businesses and dedicating the Farmingdale Village Courtroom in honor of Salvatore J. Nicosia.

The BID will encompass the portion of Main Street from Prospect Street to North Front Street, just past the railroad tracks, according to Ekstrand. There has not been a new BID in Nassau County in more than 20 years.

A BID is a commercial district that assembles funds to be used to enhance the surrounding area. This new BID allows Farmingdale merchants to better plan and pay for maintenance and enhancements to the village's downtown. For example, funds could be used for snow removal, advertising, special events, security cameras, a directory kiosk, etc. The BID can also apply for grant money from federal, state, and local municipalities to promote downtown business, Ekstrand said.

The Farmingdale BID’s board of directors is comprised of village business owners: Nick DeVito (President), Tony Kathreptis (Vice President), Walter Priestley (Secretary), Joe Fortuna (Treasurer), Maria Josephine Winant, Chris Werle, Christina Bisbee, Bill Carman, and Joe Garcia.

The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce on Thursday plans to celebrate the relaxing of the coronavirus restrictions that were placed upon small businesses in New York state. A grand re-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday on the Village Green.

"We’re looking forward to seeing all of our members get back-to-business, especially the hardest hit restaurant industry, and thriving as they were pre-Covid," Ekstrand stated.

Ekstrand also announced the Farmingdale Village Courtroom would be dedicated in honor of Salvatore J. Nicosia, who died on Jan. 29 at the age of 84.

Beginning in 1979, Nicosia served as deputy village attorney, becoming village attorney in 1988. He was first elected village justice in 1994, serving until his death. Nicosia was also a traffic court judge for Nassau County and was an active member of the Rotary Club.

"We take great pleasure in dedicating the Village Courtroom in honor of Judge Nicosia," Ekstrand said. "His integrity, fairness and kindness will always be remembered by the Farmingdale community."

The Farmers Market, ran by Schenider's Farm, is set to return to the Farmingdale Village Green for the 2021 season on Sundays from June 6 to November 21. Each market will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.

Bob Gebbia, co-owner of Palmer's American Grille, will be honored at the third annual ACLD Foundation's "Poker for a Purpose." He was congratulated by Ekstrand.

The event is scheduled to be held at 5:30 p.m. July 13 at the Heritage Club, at Bethpage Golf Course. Palmer's is also hosting three ACLD fundraiser kick-off events in June: a Psychic Dinner Night on June 3, a Music Night on June 17, and a Comedy Dinner Show June 18. Anyone interested can call Palmer's for reservations or further details at 516-420-0609.