Problems and solutions filled the air as the Suozzi Economic Development bus tour looked at Economic Development Area 4. It gave a great view of what is happening in the entire area. As the bus drove by the recently closed Hallock Chevrolet dealership, Abraham Poznanski of Island Properties said he is planning residential use for the site. He is applying to the town for a Special Use permit for putting up high-end apartments, he said.

Driving by the Oystermen's Dock at Frank M. Flower & Sons, Inc., Mr. Suozzi said he was photographed there for a special 14-page section for Forbes magazine. He said the Forbes yacht was docked at the Oystermen's Dock for the interview. The lack of access to the water on the eastern waterfront area was noted by Mr. Suozzi.

Passing by the LIRR station area someone commented that when the Syosset train isn't running, the Oyster Bay lot fills up. Mr. Suozzi said he wants to work toward getting the LIRR to run an express train from Oyster Bay, to Glen Cove, Roslyn, Mineola and to Penn Station. He said the railroad wants a full train to come into the New York station and he believes he can guarantee the needed ridership to get it under way in six months to a year.

As the bus stopped to look at the old LIPA building, Jack Bernstein said they have formed a corporation for the proposed LIPA museum through the Main Street Association. It is the site off West Main Street near the Mill Pond stream that leads to Beekman Beach and the harbor.

Going through the western waterfront area, Rob Crafa, executive director of the Main Street Association, took lead of the tour and said just that day, March 4, 68 boat racks were delivered to the Sagamore Rowing Association for use at their new site in one of the former Jakobson buildings. "That means the town will soon take down the Quonset hut used by the SRA," he said. Mr. Crafa said showers have been installed in the DEC brick building for use by visiting sailors, a great benefit for people coming ashore. It will facilitate boaters coming into Oyster Bay and staying to visit the commercial area of town. He said the WaterFront Center, the Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Association were working with the Friends of the Arts, taking advantage of special concert performance dates: July 4, Aug. 2, 3 and 4 and Sept. 15 to bring boaters into the hamlet.

As the bus passed the Mill Pond, Katie Schwab, formerly with the Main Street Association and now with the Suozzi team, explained the plans to create a senior citizen complex in that area.

As the tour entered Bayville, Mayor Victoria Siegel pointed out that the two parcels flanking the end of the bridge are currently owned by the village and are being preserved as open space. She said the Bayville Commons owns the Meat Market which pays rent that is covering the cost of creating the parking lot/passive park in the heart of downtown Bayville.

Mayor Siegel said in 1984 the sidewalks were installed and a drainage system was put in during the 1950s that needed upgrading. She said they are working with FEMA to get grant money for pumping stations in the "president" blocks area to solve flooding problems.

The mayor pointed out the amenities of the Renaissance Center for 60 adults with cerebral palsy and Jones Manor for 48 residential seniors' care. The Maples apartments have been grandfathered in since 1898, she said. Next to Steve's Pier I, she pointed out an area with 16 buildings that will be torn down to allow four homes to be built.

As the bus entered the Bayville "stands" area, Mayor Siegel pointed to Poseidon's Cove Restaurant and explained it was closed because of illness in the family. She said it was difficult to settle the problems of the site. She said Marra's of Glen Cove will be operating one of the restaurants in the area and that a Starbucks type of restaurant will be opening up on the strip. "This area needs the most work to revitalize and retool it," she said. Mayor Siegel said she is working with the Town of Oyster Bay to put a skateboard park on the area between Ransom and Stehli Beach.

She said at the town meeting that the village was working with Hofstra University School of Business and had been involved in focus group meetings. "Unfortunately, not all the businesses come," she said, "So the view is lopsided on the residents' side. The vision is being formed. We want business to be a part of it."

Driving by the area in front of the Tides Motel of Locust Valley, she said is the site of a Nassau County DPW flooding project. This fall they are going to elevate that part of the road, she noted. Nassau County is going to plant islands of greenery down Bayville Road, along the strip. There is an adopt-a-light program to put in antique lights and two retailers have already opted into the program, she said.

Arriving in Locust Valley, the "tourists" were informed that a furniture retail store will soon take over the burned-out fish store location on Forest Avenue. "Parking at the LIRR station is a problem," said Locust Valley Chamber of Commerce President Kaye Weninger. Another problem to be addressed is that of the day laborers lining up in the Locust Valley numbered streets area. Mr. Suozzi was aware of it. He solved the same problem by creating an indoor facility in Glen Cove for the workers that includes an educational element.

As the bus climbed the hills in Mill Neck, Mr. Suozzi said, "The topography here is great. The waterfront areas are an incredible asset and a great destination for tourism."

As the bus returned to Chelsea Center the county executive said there is a proposed plan for a bed and breakfast at Chelsea. The "tourists" would meet again at 7 p.m. for the town meeting.