Infrastructure Projects Underway In Farmingdale Village: Mayor

FARMINGDALE, NY — The new year has rolled in, and Farmingdale Village is ringing it in with infrastructure projects, relatively-new businesses and more.

"We hope everyone enjoyed the holidays!" Mayor Ralph Ekstrand wrote in a news release.

Infrastructure Projects

The rehabilitation of Five Corners Park, at the intersection of Main Street and Melville and Fairview roads, is one of the infrastructure projects underway in the village. A $150,000 grant from Nassau County is set to be used for the project. Upgrades are slated to include a new gazebo, new lighting, new shrubs/plantings, stones, several benches, new signage, and a stockade fence along the back of the park.

Work at the new 500,000-gallon water tower on Eastern Parkway is progressing, and the tower is rising, Ekstrand said.

Other infrastructure projects include the burial of electric wires along Main Street, which will be done in two phases: Phase I is set to begin in March and go from Prospect Street to Conklin Street. Phase II will follow and will be from Conklin Street to South Front Street. A $500,000 grant from State Senator Kevin Thomas is being used for this project.

The village has received a gift of six sculptures from the estate of former Farmingdale Village resident Sven Brost. The donated sculptures are throughout the village: at the Village Green, at 5 Corners Park, and two in Field 3, and one each in Fields 4 and 2.

"Thank you to the Brost family for this generous and wonderful donation of sculptures that the community can enjoy for years to come," Ekstrand said. "We look forward to the completion of 5 Corners Park and the installation of plaques by each of the sculptures."

Merchant Updates

The village has recently welcomed several new merchants over the past couple of months.

Bell & Whistle moved from the shopping center that houses Palmer's to a new storefront at 239 Main St., next to ScrubzBody Skincare and LeChe Hair Salon.

LaShanda Griffin opened “Leonza’s Treasure Box” at 449 Main St., along Vintage Row, near Back in Time and The Vintage Canvas. The new thrift shop was named after Griffin's late grandmother Leonza Snell and carries furniture, glassware, gifts, wall art, books, toys, jewelry, and more.

Back In Time, at 441 Main St., has been expanding its boutique. The vintage home décor shop is owned by Laura and Joseph Napolitano. They sell antiques/upcycled treasures in the shop and barn and feature an outdoor seating area with a fire pit. Their daughter, Jenna Napolitano opened “Elise’s Niece’s Café,” a bakery café in the back of the shop. Jenna always baked for fun and after her aunt, Elise, died in 2020 she started baking her recipes and offering boxed bakery items at the antique shop.

Well Strung Guitars has relocated to 330 Conklin St. from Main Street's Vintage Row. It is also a family business led by father-daughter team David and Paige Davidson.

Nunzi's restaurant, featuring modern Italian cuisine, opened at 125 Secatogue Ave., next to the Farmingdale LIRR station. The managing partners are Frank Azzara along with father/son Vincent and Michael Napolitano. Many of the Napolitano family work at Nunzi’s – which is named after Michael’s late grandfather, his namesake with the nickname “Nunzi”.

Kick’n Chicken in December opened in the heart of the village at 342 Main St. The restaurant is a collaboration between chef Ryan Carroll, Michael Lo Manto, Paul Schweid and Chris Dubato, partners in Vespa Italian Chophouse / Harley’s American Grille. Carroll is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and was a chef in Manhattan for eight years until the pandemic cost him his job. He then founded the nonprofit “Carroll’s Kitchen.” Carroll met Lo Manto through Carroll’s Kitchen while helping to feed those in need - more than 300,000 people during the pandemic. Lo Manto invited Carroll to the Main Street location to meet with the other partners, and they decided to move ahead, creating "Kick’n Chicken," a Nashville-inspired hot chicken restaurant.

"Welcome and congratulations to all!" Ekstrand said. "Thank you to all Village residents, merchants, businesses, and organizations, we are thrilled that you selected Farmingdale for your 'home.' Stay tuned for more updates including Rainbow Explosion, Burgerology, Wingmen Technologies, Cascone & Kluepfel (insurance defense attorneys), and others!"

Ekstrand congratulated Ken Marcus, the owner of the Marcus Family Agency with Allstate. Marcus was selected as the “2021 Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Businessperson of the Year,” courtesy of his significant contributions to the community.

'Thank Yous' From Ekstrand

The mayor gave special thanks to all first responders, from the fire department and the police department to emergency paramedics and EMTs, as well as healthcare workers and essential workers.

"Thanks to everyone for your patience during the pandemic – we are 'Daler Strong,'" Ekstrand wrote. "Just a reminder to shop and dine local throughout the Village and continue to support the local merchants! While we continue to adapt and move forward during the COVID Pandemic, the Board of Trustees and myself wish everyone a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year!!"

Ekstrand also thanked Schneider's Farm for running the seasonal farmers market on the Village Green on Sundays.

"We look forward to the Farmers Market returning for the 2022 season in June."

The village also ran community events during the holiday season, including parades, tree lighting festivities, and the 8th Annual Gingerbread House Competition at The Chocolate Duck.

"Congratulations to the contest winners, all of the entries were amazing and we look forward to next year’s competition!" Ekstrand said. "Thank you to Trustee Cheryl Parisi, the Village beautification committee volunteers, and the Fire Department and Juniors for the wonderful efforts decorating for the holidays! The lights, lighted wreaths, poinsettias, and decorations – all look spectacular, adding joy and holiday spirit throughout the Village."