The completion of Operation Downtown along Broadway in Massapequa, an economic development initiative created by County Executive Thomas Gulotta in 1996, was announced recently by Massapequa Chamber of Commerce. It is designed to revitalize the County's downtown business districts and enable local "mom and pop" shops to grow and prosper.

"It gives me great pleasure to join with the members of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce for the unveiling of Broadway's Operation Downtown," said Gulotta. "The County recognizes that small retail businesses have been the backbone of Nassau's economic strength," he said.

The Broadway improvement project includes adding street scapes, decorative sidewalks edged in brick, decorative street lighting, new trees, park benches and garbage disposal baskets.

"Many downtown areas in Nassau County have experienced a gradual decline as large malls and "big box" developments have become the shopping destinations of choice for many local residents," said Gulotta.

But hopes are that added emphasis on downtown areas can reverse the decline.

"Operation Downtown provides seed money to revitalize local community business districts, and works in conjunction with local Chambers of Commerce and municipal governments. Nassau County is currently working with 40 downtown areas within the County. As a result of Operation Downtown, Nassau County business district occupancy rates have increased," he said.

Nassau County's Operation Downtown is the recipient of the National Association of Housing and Renewal Officials (NAHRO) Award of Excellence.