The Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce held their monthly meeting on June 17 at Chestnut Grove in Plainview. The meeting, originally scheduled for June 18, was moved to allow the economic development team from County Executive Thomas Suozzi's office to attend and discuss the future vision for Plainview and Old Bethpage.

Francesca Carlow, co-owner of Trio Hardware with her husband Bruce, opened the meeting by introducing the new officers and board of directors for the chamber. Donna Goldstein, David Dender and Francesca Carlow were elected to a three year-term on the board of directors; Marianne Plummer, Richard Schatzel and Linda Greenbaum were elected to a two-year term and Anna Goidell, Charlene Calise and Sheila Kreisberg were all elected to a one-year term.

The first item on the board of director's agenda was to elect officers. Francesca Carlow was elected president; Donald Ingram, a CPA with his office in Plainview, was elected vice president; Cheryl Hodes from Astoria Federal was elected treasurer; Beth Bleistift from Met Life was elected recording secretary and Charlene Calise from Chestnut Grove was elected corresponding secretary.

Lou Yevoli and Katie Schwab, both in attendance representing Suozzi's Economic Development Team, were joined by Abraham Poznanski, CEO of Northern Bay Management Group, the managing agent for Plainview Properties.

Plainview Properties, LLC is the owner of 144 acres in Plainview-Old Bethpage. Purchased from Nassau County in December 1999, it is located on the southwest corner of Round Swamp Road and Old Country Road. The site includes a 46-acre parcel, which has been zoned for 420,000 square feet of office space.

"We're early in the planning process for Plainview Properties so we'd love input," said Poznanski. "By the time we go to the town and the county, we want to know that everyone is on board. Our goal is to develop the property in harmony with the community. We are looking at many options including retail, office, hospitality (hotel) and residential uses. We want to keep it as green as possible."

Yevoli explained that he was not there to tell residents what to do and how to construct the future of Plainview and Old Bethpage, but rather listen to suggestions and make a plan that includes input from residents - the ones affected most by any changes that may occur.

He also explained that the county has no zoning authority and any suggestion that may happen from these meetings that requires a change of zoning must be put before the Town of Oyster Bay Board.

This chamber meeting brought many groups together to discuss what the future vision of Plainview and Old Bethpage is and how smart growth can impact the area. The main concern, first mentioned by Yevoli, was the lack of a downtown area. "Unless you have an actual Main Street, there is no downtown area," said Yevoli. "Here, the stores are in the back with parking in front of them and sidewalks in front of that. This is not conducive of a downtown area and the likelihood of changing that is remote."

Yevoli explained that the meeting, which was a follow-up to the meeting Suozzi held earlier this year, was to put ideas out there and start discussions on what the future of Plainview and Old Bethpage should be. He encouraged residents to think of ideas and suggestions, write them down and, at the next meeting, everyone as a group will make a "to-do list", in order of importance, for the local community.

Affordable Housing, S-2 Housing, a walkable community, beautification ordinances, building an identity for the community, the need for a community center and overall smart growth were the main issues brought up at the meeting. Chamber members explained that they already created a logo and are working on a welcome sign to be placed at the entrance to the community.

Representatives from the school board were also present and questioned Abraham Poznanski on specific questions regarding taxes on Plainview Properties. Both sides are investigating the issue and speaking on their own to remedy the situation. Anna Goidell, a member of the chamber's board of directors, said that the main problem has been lack of communication between the many groups in the area and this meeting was a good start to communicate better with everyone who has a vested interest in Plainview and Old Bethpage.

"We all have to work together," said Francesca Carlow. "If the chamber can be that central unit then we can be successful. This effort is going to take input from all facets of the community in order to get things accomplished."

Kevin Langberg, one of the commissioners from the Plainview Water District, and Richard Tousey from the Fire Department both stressed that whatever is built in Plainview must be done while working in conjunction with the water district and fire department. Both could be greatly affected by major construction on the 146 acres known as Plainview Properties as well as other projects in the community. The groups exchanged phone numbers to continue communication.

In the time between now and the next meeting, that will be scheduled for the fall, residents are encouraged to write down ideas to help the economic development of Plainview and Old Bethpage and brainstorm. "Let's try and set goals and get things accomplished," said Yevoli.

To contact the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce write to P.O. Box 577 Plainview, NY 11803, call 937-5646 or check the website www.plainview-oldbethpage.com.