The 20,000 drivers who travel on Post Ave. on an average day will soon have something new to see, as the Business Improvement District (BID) Facade Improvement Program puts its first project in motion.

Alfredo's Pizzeria at 163 Post Ave. began a facade transformation Oct. 25 with help from a combination of county, private, and BID funding. Sal Aurora, the owner of Alfredo's, was already prepared to commit his own funds to improving his building when the BID approached him in January. However, the Facade Improvement Program helped to defray the cost of renovation by 50 percent. Additionally, Alfredo's new look will be consistent with the BID vision for a Victorian theme in the village's commercial district.

"Not only do landlords realize significant savings," said Andrea Feinberg, BID board member and director of public relations, "but by participating in this program, they are helping to create a singularly attractive downtown community with a visually striking main street."

Alfredo's building improvement, scheduled for completion within 90 days, is the first of nearly 20 facades slated for enhancement in the upcoming months. Valet Cleaners, the Tear and Gershon Building, Etzel Insurance, Westbury Valet, Post Cafe, United Stationery, and Chrysalid are some of the businesses committed to the program.

By creating an inviting shopping district, the BID's primary goals are to attract new tenants and prospective shoppers. "The investment we are making in Westbury's building stock is the first step required to entice new retailers and shoppers to our community," stated John Petras, president of the BID. "We want to ensure Westbury's future as a vibrant commercial center for its merchants, residents and employees."

The BID also wants to take advantage of the many vehicles that travel on Post Ave. every day. "The amount of traffic is due, in part, to the fact that Post Ave. has its own exit on the parkway, and also because it provides easy access to both Jericho Tpke. and Old Country Rd.," Feinberg explained. "Unfortunate, but true, many use Post Ave. as a means for shopping elsewhere, such as Roosevelt Field, or The Source mall. We want to entice those people who are just passing through, to give them a reason to actually stop and shop here."

Further efforts to beautify Westbury's commercial district are being achieved by participation in other county and state programs. Recently, 40 trees were purchased and planted along Post Ave. Buckets with seasonal plantings are also being displayed. Additionally, the street lamps will be changed so that their appearance is consistent with the lights on the new building facades. "These new Victorian-style lamps will throw tremendous lighting onto the street, adding to the sense of safety in the evenings," Feinberg said.

A BID is a state mandated organization that relies on property taxes from properties within a given district. The Westbury BID has also embarked on a fund-raising program to generate private donations. Together, with help from county and village municipal agencies, the BID seeks to advance trade and commerce in the Westbury community.

Property owners interested in participating in the BID's Facade Improvement Program should contact John Petras at 333-4573.