After standing abandoned on Hempstead Turnpike for roughly five years, the Raven's Nest, a former adult entertainment club which was called an eyesore by community members for years, was torn down this Monday while community leaders looked on. County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, who promised residents last week that the structure would be leveled within a week, was joined by several elected officials, OTB representatives and community activists during the demolition, including Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, Farmingdale Village Mayor Joseph Trudden, Nassau OTB President Larry Aaronson, Nassau OTB Director of Corporate Affairs William Funk, Assemblyman Steve Labriola, Councilman Joe Muscarella, Councilwoman Bonnie Eisler, Dave Mejias, Greg Carman and Rose Walker.

Úquot;When you drive down the street and you see something like this building, it doesn't represent what Farmingdale is all about,Úquot; Suozzi said. Úquot;I am very pleased to be able to rid this beautiful community of this long-standing eyesore, which has only deteriorated over the last five years.Úquot;

Venditto added that the demolition of the blight will go down in history.

Úquot;This is really symbolic of the good things that can happen when concerned residents communicate with their local government officials,Úquot; he said, adding that the Town of Oyster Bay has closed several such locations in various communities. The supervisor also credited Assemblyman Steve Labriola for first bringing up residents' concerns of the establishment years ago to town officials, resulting in the closing of the building.

The Raven's Nest property was recently purchased by Nassau County Off Track Betting (OTB), which has a very successful branch next door to the property. Recognizing a parking problem at the OTB location, President Larry Aaronson and the OTB board of directors decided to purchase the property to expand their current facility and parking lot.

Úquot;Our initial plans are to use this additional property for parking and to beautify and clean up the area,Úquot; said Aaronson. Úquot;This will serve both our customers and the surrounding community.Úquot;

Mike Grello, president of the Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale, noted that the organization worked for years to remove the blight from the community.

Úquot;It is very rewarding to see Nassau County work together with our citizens, the village and the town to make a better tomorrow,Úquot; Grello said. Úquot;Now that the blight will be gone, we also hope to follow a path that will be a benefit for the entire community.Úquot;

Noting that the establishment is the Úquot;best kept secret in Nassau County, Aaronson said that the expansion of the next-door facility will not only beautify the area, but will also assist in generating revenue for Nassau County.

Úquot;It certainly takes teamwork to make a dream work,Úquot; Suozzi said. Úquot;I look forward to clearing this valuable property so it can be used to profit and benefit Farmingdale and South Farmingdale.Úquot;