The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas is spearheading a beautification project for Merrick Road, from Seaford Avenue all the way down to Countyline Road. A grant that New York State Senator Charles Fuschillo is seeking for the chamber will be the major source of funding for this project but it will be supplemented with donations from community businesses.

The current focus of the beautification project is putting up banners welcoming people to Massapequa. Patricia Orzano, who heads the Committee for Merrick Road Beautification, noted, "We have noticed that we're probably one of the few towns that do not have these decorative flags welcoming people to Massapequa. If you go through Suffolk County or the majority of Nassau County, along Merrick Road, it's a main business section and we felt we were lacking in not having these flags welcoming people and letting them know we're here."

The project is currently in the preliminary stages. Orzano brought the idea to the chamber and they began discussing the plans this past winter and set up a committee. On the committee with Orzano, who owns the 7-Eleven on Merrick Road, are Susan Maksym, of Maksym Home Inspections, and Jamie Bogenshutz, executive director of YES Community Counseling Center.

"I was surprised that it had never been in effect before, and since we are the business organization of the Massapequas I felt that we should take the initiative," said Orzano.

The chamber agreed that the plan was a good one and Bob Rubino, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas, brought the project to the attention of Fuschillo.

"The chamber's efforts to beautify this business district will build upon the community pride of the Massapequas and will welcome shoppers to visit local retailers," said the senator.

Fuschillo, who is a member of the New York State Small Business and Economic Development Committee, and in his words, "a true believer and supporter of the downtown business districts throughout my senatorial district," is trying to assist the chamber in their efforts to revitalize the downtown business district.

Fuschillo is seeking a $10,000 grant to assist the chamber of commerce. Those funds come out of the Senate Appropriations, so Fuschillo is seeking the grant through the Senate Finance Committee. Because the budget has not yet been approved there is no guarantee that Fuschillo will be able to secure the money but he said, "Once the budget is approved, I'm confident that the funds will be there."

Besides the grant, the chamber's main sponsor for this project is EAB Bank on Hicksville Road. According to Orzano, EAB will be highlighted when the project is completed. The project will not begin until after the funds from Fuschillo are secured but Orzano hopes the flags will be ready to go up by the holidays.

While the flags are the first phase of the project, chamber hopes that they will be able to do further beautification along Merrick Road such as garbage pails with the chamber's emblem, holiday banners and possibly, if there is enough money, plantings in the future.

Both the chamber of commerce and Senator Fuschillo feel that this beautification of Merrick Road will enhance the area and help the community as a whole. According to Orzano, "There's so many merchants and businesses along Merrick Road that, I'm sure, would benefit from that, aesthetically, it's great for the town...I think it'll bring some more decor to the atmosphere, in addition to welcoming people to use our merchants and businesses."

Fuschillo noted, "It will benefit the business owners, as well as residents of the Massapequas with the hope and the encouragement that individuals will shop locally."

"Senator Fuschillo has proven to be a friend and a fighter for the small business owners of the Massapequas and across the state," said Chamber President Bob Rubino. "This grant will help bring atmosphere and charm to Merrick Road."