The Incorporated Village of Farmingdale recently received some recognition for the downtown revitalization efforts its officials have pursued in recent years.

The village was cited by the Nassau County Village Officials Association's "Downtown Alive" awards, a program in its first year, for implementing parking solutions.

The parking solutions included the removal of parking meters on Main Street, the construction of an access road from Main Street into a public parking lot from Cornelia Street, and participation in a joint program with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to create more commuter and shopper parking. All of the projects were funded by grants and private contributions rather than taxpayer dollars, according to Farmingdale village officials.

The removal of parking meters was a proposal made by Mayor Joseph Trudden to make shopping and parking more compatible and convenient, according to Farmingdale Village Clerk John Giordano. Village personnel took out the meters a year ago, and replaced them with signs indicating two-hour parking zones. "We did something different from the norm," Giordano said, noting that most business districts favor meters because they encourage high shopper turnover. However, he noted, Farmingdale officials found the meters were a nuisance to shoppers, who often found themselves without the needed coins.

Now, the two-hour limit is enforced by Nassau County police and the village's code enforcement personnel. "We haven't had too many cases of people abusing the two-hour privilege," Giordano said, adding that the benefit has been significant. "It's created a more user-friendly downtown for our customers." He noted that although the removal of the meters has caused a loss of revenues (the annual revenue from meters and associated fines was over $30,000 a year), this has been offset by an increase in parking fines for other violations.

The construction of the access road into the parking lot from Main Street via Cornelia Street, which was funded by the New York state Department of Transportation, was completed three years ago. The village purchased a blighted building, demolished it, and paved the path. Previously, the only access to the lot was through residential side streets. The concept behind the project was that if parking was made more accessible, shopping in the business district would be more convenient. "Now the parking lot is used twice as much as previously," said Giordano. To enhance the new pathway, Farmingdale Rotary conducted a fund raiser and purchased a street clock for it.

The village's joint project with the LIRR to expand commuter and shopper parking is expected to be completed by the end of the upcoming winter. "That project will create 300 new parking spaces at no cost to the village," Giordano said, noting that the additional spaces will be near the Cornelia Street access path. The project is being funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Giordano noted that the village has received positive feedback from local merchants about the parking projects, and that removal of the parking meters was done only after receiving input from them.

The aim of the "Downtown Alive" awards is to recognize villages that have improved downtown areas. In a statement, Mayor Trudden expressed appreciation for the citation. "We are honored to be recognized by the Nassau County Village Officials Association," he said. "Everyone who lives and works in Farmingdale should take pride in this award."

Giordano added that the award is a mark of distinction. "It's another incremental step in helping to market downtown Farmingdale as a shopping area with vitality," he said.