Calling it another important component to revitalizing downtown Syosset, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto and Town Councilman Chris J. Coschignano recently welcomed Wachovia Bank to downtown Syosset.

"Wachovia is a tremendously well-respected financial institution," Coschignano said. "The new branch, which will be located on the corner of Convent Road and Jackson Avenue in Syosset, marks the first inroad this bank is making in the Long Island market. We're proud that companies like Wachovia find the Syosset community a good business fit. More importantly, they share our ideals about strengthening the bond between merchants and residents and look forward to taking an active role in the advancement of the community."

The site of Wachovia Bank is owned by Kabro Associates, developers of the Southgate Shopping Center in Massapequa and Woodbury Commons. "Kabro has an outstanding reputation for being good neighbors and enhancing the community," Coschignano said.

Noting that it is no accident that Syosset is listed as one of the most desirable places to live, Coschignano said that the infusion of new businesses like Wachovia Bank in the downtown area is vital to the success of the Syosset Hamlet Plan currently being developed.

"The Syosset Hamlet Plan is a vision for the Syosset community to improve the quality of life in the downtown area," Venditto said. "The Town of Oyster Bay, the Syosset Hamlet Plan Committee and residents of the Syosset and Woodbury area are working collectively to advance the plan and ensure its viability."

Coschignano said he looks forward to developing concepts to enhance the function and appearance of the downtown Syosset area. "Key issues to be addressed include parking, traffic, making the area pedestrian and bicycle friendly, downtown marketability and the implementation of overall aesthetic improvements," the Councilman said. "I expect the plan to include recommendations for landscaping, streetscapes and façade design, and other critical planning issues."

Venditto praised Coschignano, a lifelong resident of the Syosset area, for his innovative approach to revitalizing downtown Syosset.

"Councilman Coschignano, who often serves as a liaison between the Syosset community and the town board, has his business in downtown Syosset," Venditto said. "He has a unique and thorough perspective of issues pertaining to the area. As chairman of the Syosset Hamlet Plan Committee, he continues to take a leadership role in identifying needs and methods for the development and eventual implementation of the plan. The Town, in turn, benefits greatly from his insight."

Coschignano said it is incumbent upon the town board to see that development in Syosset, and throughout the town, achieves an appropriate balance between the protection of environmental resources, preservation of community character and sensible sustainable uses.

"Downtown Syosset has a unique charm that we must protect and further enhance," he said. "I believe the addition of Wachovia Bank is another positive step toward achieving our goals. Not only will the bank help local businesses and provide jobs, it is a tremendous aesthetic improvement for the parcel, which had become a bit of an eyesore over the years."

Coschignano noted that this is the first in a series of announcements concerning the revitalization of downtown Syosset and the progress of the Syosset Hamlet Plan.