The revitalization of Hempstead Turnpike is a necessary effort that Levittown can hope to see in the next couple of years if certain aspects of the project are worked out.

One necessary element to the revitalization effort is the business community. In order for the Department of Transportation to approve the plans to put plantings in the median and make the improvements that have been requested on Hempstead Turnpike, they have to ensure that there will be companies willing to make the financial commitment of adopting a one-mile stretch of the road. These companies would then be financially responsible for the upkeep of their sections of road. In a sense this is a large responsibility but is it asking too much?

It really isn't asking too much of the business community to ask them to commit to this project because it will benefit them just as much, if not more, than it will affect residents. Community businesses suffer because of the condition of Hempstead Turnpike. Businesses will benefit from the revitalization effort because Hempstead Turnpike will be a more pleasant road to drive on. Very few people in the community would argue the fact that something has to be done to enhance the appearance of the Levittown portion of Hempstead Turnpike. Something must be done to attract rather than deter people from coming to Levittown.

There is more to the revitalization effort than just the median work. That is just the first step in a broader process. Businesses can also help improve the appearance of Hempstead Turnpike, the only "Main Street" Levittown has, by improving the facades of their stores. Tri-County Flea Market may stand out now because it is a different color than the other stores in that area, but does it attract or detract shoppers? A common, subdued color scheme along the sides of Hempstead Turnpike would give the appearance of a harmony in the business community. It would, simply put, look nicer. Right now many of the businesses on either side of the three mile strip of Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown are eyesores. Residents don't enjoy looking at them and it certainly does not encourage people from other towns and villages to go to Levittown to shop.

The business community could do so much. The simplest thing that Levittown store-owners could do to help in the revitalization effort, which will benefit everyone, would be to pick up the trash outside of their stores. It is a simple request that many residents have made, but has often been ignored.

At this point Levittown needs the support of the business community, especially the large chain stores on the Turnpike. Get involved in making Levittown a more attractive place. Adopt-A-Highway, improve your facade, clean up in front of your business. These are simple requests but if they were applied, everyone, especially the Levittown businesses, would benefit. Without the help of everyone, this project to improve Levittown will make no difference whatsoever.