Elected officials ‘no shows’ at Elmont Chamber event

The Elmont Chamber of Commerce held its first Elmont Economic Summit on May 5, and nearly 100 residents came out to support the chamber, and economic sustainability for the community. However, for several local elected officials, who confirmed they would be attending the event, the feeling wasn’t mutual.

New York Racing Association CEO Charlie Hayward, Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Nassau County Legislator John Ciotti, Assemblyman Ed Ra, Sen. Jack Martins and Town of Hempstead Councilman Ed Ambrosino were invited and confirmed as panelists for the event, and only Hayward and Martins attended.

The event started after a short delay, and Muzzio Tallini, owner of Signature Homes, Ltd., a member of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, led the discussion and suggested an improvisation: that community members in the audience help answer the questions prepared for the panelists. Residents eagerly took the microphone, in order to share their ideas for the future of Elmont.

Noah Sheroff, an Elmont resident, spoke about his vision for Elmont transforming into an aesthetically pleasing, trendy community, much like Williamsburg, Brooklyn has done. “I think Nassau County needs more development, and the place to start should be Elmont and Franklin Square,” Sheroff said. “I would settle for something entrepreneurial that can attract young people.”

Sheroff explained that Williamsburg, as well as Fort Greene, offer unique shops, restaurants and flea markets that attract a younger crowd. Elmont, however, does not have these types of developments. Implementing more affordable housing in the area would also help attract a younger crowd, he said.

Julie Marchesella, a member of the Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development, spoke about the possibility of store-to-store sharing in Elmont — something several stores in Merrick do to increase traffic.

“I think the event galvanized the community, and the community is more committed now, than it ever was, toward achieving meaningful economic development throughout Elmont,” Tallini said.

Martins, who arrived at the meeting more than an hour late due to a prior commitment, said he would everything he could to work with the Town of Hempstead and make Elmont more economically stable, and sustainable for the future. He also spoke about working with the town to implement the Coalition for Sustainable Development’s Community Vision Plan, which was established more than three years ago.

“Despite the electeds not showing up, it turns out that that was probably the best thing that could have happened to this community,” Tallini said.

Toward the end of the chamber meeting, someone from the audience shouted, “Let’s do it again!” and the group cheered.