Lora Cusumano has become a symbol of commitment, leadership and vision in Glen Cove. As the founder of Shore Road Neighbors and the recently appointed chair of the Beautification Commission, she has spearheaded transformative projects that have enhanced her neighborhood’s safety, aesthetics and sense of community. Whether rallying residents to advocate for change or organizing events, Cusumano’s dedication reflects a deep love for the city she calls her “forever home.”
Born at Glen Cove Hospital and raised in Hicksville, Cusumano, 57, had an early connection to the North Shore. “I’ve always thought it was the most beautiful area to live in,” she said. “For some reason, I just feel like it’s home to me.”
That sense of belonging drew her back to the area, and she bought her home in Glen Cove two decades ago. Despite the problems with flooding, traffic and noise on Shore Road, she embraced the neighborhood’s charm, describing it as a place where “neighbors actually know each other.”
Her passion for community engagement led her to found Shore Road Neighbors in 2018, with a mission to improve “safety, beauty and enjoy ment for all” along the scenic thoroughfare that runs through Glen Cove, Sea Cliff and Glenwood Landing. Recognizing the area’s potential as a recreational waterfront hub, Cusumano took the lead in addressing concerns about traffic congestion and pedestrian safety.
“We were trying to figure out ways to make our neighborhood safer, more walkable, bicycle-friendly, and not a cut-through for people rushing from Glen Cove to the (Long Island) expressway,” she said.
With her leadership, the group notched a number of successes, including reducing Shore Road’s speed limit to 25 mph, which made the road safer for residents and visitors alike. Beyond advocacy, Shore Road Neighbors became a catalyst for community engagement. Cusumano has organized cleanup events and holiday gatherings to bring neighbors together.
“There’s power in numbers,” she said, emphasizing the importance of collective action.
“She’s tenacious, but in a gentle way,” Richard Berka, Cusumano’s neighbor on Shore Road and a SRN member, said. “She has a point to make, and a reason for everything she’s doing.”
Cusumano’s influence extends beyond Neighbors. Appointed chair of the Glen Cove Beautification Commission last week, she will oversee projects that enhance the city’s appearance, from litter prevention campaigns to streetscape improvements. Her role builds on years of grassroots efforts to beautify as well as improve Shore Road.
Michael Ktistakis, a city councilman and a liaison to the Beautification Commission, describes Cusumano as “our diamond in the rough” and credits her with fostering an open and welcoming environment that inspires volunteers to get involved. “She brings so much to the table with her marketing and social skills,” Ktistakis added.
One of Nassau County’s most ambitious projects is the planned comprehensive renovation of Shore Road, set to begin in 2026. The cost of the work has been estimated at between $14 million and $18 million, and it will address flooding, upgrade traffic signals, add bike lanes and improve sidewalks. Cusumano was instrumental in advocating for the changes, collaborating with local officials as well as County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, who praised her organizational efforts.
“Her passion definitely showed the need, which always helps in pushing projects with the county,” DeRiggi-Whitton said.
Cusumano’s journey to becoming one of Glen Cove’s most respected advocates was shaped by her diverse background. A former competitive figure skater, she spent her youth balancing skating with modeling gigs in Manhattan. Her early experiences instilled a strong work ethic and a knack for multitasking. Later she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from SUNY Empire and a master’s in real estate, becoming the first beneficiary of the National Association of Realtors’ program in New York state.
In her professional life, Cusumano is the founder and director of Lux House Hunters, a firm specializing in exclusive buyer representation. Her approach to real estate is rooted in integrity.
“I wanted to practice in a way where I knew I was doing the right thing for the buyer,” she said. That ethos mimicks her community work, in which she advocates for the collective good.
“She deserves a lot more credit than she gets,” Berka said. “She’s a real workhorse in getting things done.”
Whether it’s organizing an American flag project, hosting a fundraiser or mobilizing neighbors for a cleanup, Cusumano’s impact is felt throughout Glen Cove. Her work ethic and ability to inspire others have made her a beacon of progress in the community.
