Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Person of the Year: Muzzio Tallini

The son of Italian immigrants, Muzzio Tallini learned the meaning of self-confidence and integrity by example, at a young age. Hard work and education were of utmost importance to his parents, and so they have been to him ever since.

Tallini grew up in South Floral Park and attended elementary school in Elmont. After graduating from Sewanhaka High School in 1990, he studied civil engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and earned a law degree at Brooklyn Law School. By 1999, he had a head full of ideas, and a few years ago, he brought them to the local community when he settled in Franklin Square.

Since then, Tallini has joined several local groups, including the Elmont East End Civic Association and the Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development, and has met regularly with politicians and other leaders in an effort to eliminate local development restrictions. In addition to community activism, he has become a smart-growth property developer as the owner of the Signature Organization in Elmont.

Although he has had a busy schedule over the past several years, he made 2011 a year full of accomplishment. He has spearheaded several new community initiatives over the past year. His ambition and eagerness have, at times, made waves, but they undoubtedly helped him effect real change — neighborhood improvements that will likely last for years to come. For those efforts, the Herald is proud to name Tallini its 2011 Person of the Year.

He has been an active member of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce since 2008, but in the past year alone he has brought several important projects and events from idea to fruition, helping the chamber bounce back after it was criticized in 2010 for what was perceived as a lack of activity and drive.

Tallini organized the chamber’s first Elmont Economic Summit on May 5, inviting elected officials and other local leaders to be panelists for a discussion of economic sustainability in the community. The event was a huge success, attracting nearly 100 residents who were glad to have a venue for discussion of future development and eagerly took the microphone to share their ideas.