In addition to the facade improvement project the Westbury Business Improvement District (BID) has launched, the Village of Westbury initiated a Downtown Beautification Program recently.

A collaborative effort between the village and the BID, the program was kicked off with the placement of flower baskets on the lampposts on Post Ave. With the help of Hicks Nursery, pottery planters filled with flowers can also be found along the business strip, and the Clock-Triangle at the corner of Post and Union Avenues has been decorated with planters as well.

Village of Westbury Mayor Ernest Strada credits Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta and Legislator Richard Nicolello with being instrumental in getting the program running.

"I think we've had what I would describe as a very successful start," said Strada.

According to the mayor, the village has established a good relationship with the BID and the Westbury Chamber of Commerce. This relationship, he said, has been crucial to the success of getting the project started. Noting that Post Ave. is a county road, Strada added that it was important to have support from Gulotta as well. He said the county executive has "looked upon Westbury favorably" over the years and said Nicolello has also been very supportive.

Nicolello volleyed the credit back to the village officials, saying that it is good to see the revitalization efforts emanating from the community as opposed to being county-dictated.

Meanwhile, Strada said he is hoping that the combination of the Post and Union Ave. beautification projects will result not only in a new look but a new image for Westbury. "Revitalization certainly increases the potential of elevating property values," he added.

And although much focus has been directed to the area's business district, Strada said the village is working equally hard in residential zones including the restoration of village streets and the removal of dead trees.