ONLINE EDITION FRIDAY NOVEMBER 02, 2001

Opinion

Veterans Memorial Park will be the future home of the "East Meadow Town Square," complete with gazebo, brick-faced walkways, path lighting, benches and assorted plantings. According to Supervisor Rich Guardino, the "square" will be the result of a successful partnership between the town and the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and it will be used for community events and celebrations.

The "town square" will be built upon a 140' x 100' area in Veterans Memorial Park on the corner of Prospect and East Meadow Avenues. The town is funding engineering and design aspects of the project and the chamber is responsible for the cost of materials and construction. Upon completion, the town will provide year-round maintenance of the "town square."

A unique feature of the project will be the availability of individual bricks for purchase and personalized inscription. The bricks will be placed along the walkway areas. The chamber of commerce is selling the bricks to defray construction costs.

"The town welcomes the opportunity to help the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and the local community realize the dream of a town square to host local events such as Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, wreath layings, veterans" memorials, performances and the ceremonies," commented Guardino.

"We needed a site and we needed some guidance and, fortunately, the town was very supportive," added Chamber of Commerce President Jim Skinner. "What better place for a community meeting site than a popular town park, easy to get to and able to accommodate all guests and their vehicles."

"Modeled after village greens in neighboring municipalities, the East Meadow Town Square will be a source of genuine hometown pride," said Councilman Gary Hudes. "By combining resources with the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, we are building a convenient and attractive gathering place for local residents."