How
Do You See the “Future Elmont”?
By Ali A. Mirza
Ali Mirza |
Braving a raging snowstorm on
February 24, local civic leaders gathered to exchange ideas
on how to best achieve a better future for Elmont. Everyone
present expressed the need for timely and cooperative action.
Through the efforts of concerned residents and a local civic
group, the Americans of Pakistani Heritage Inc., the nonpartisan
expertise of the Sustainable Long Island (planning organization)
was shared that evening, eliciting a vibrant interchange of
ideas.
As a local business owner and resident of Elmont since 1991,
I have witnessed the erosion of services and facilities in
our community.
The disappearance of local family recreational venues and
the lack of quality supermarkets, etc. have led professionals
to describe Elmont as showing signs of “economic distress”.
I believe that a comprehensive plan is what’s necessary
to reverse the slow decline, not a series of quick short-sighted
fixes. Sure, a new storefront façade may be an esthetic
improvement, but it certainly does not represent a vision
for the future and does not fulfill the needs of the community.
Civic leaders meet to discuss the future of Elmont |
The general consensus at the
meeting was:
* A comprehensive plan should be developed for Elmont instead
of a ‘scatter-shot’ approach;
* The development of this plan should begin now, before it
is too late;
* The community should identify and prioritize its own needs.
What is needed, where and how soon? The best ideas will work
their way into a comprehensive plan;
* Concerned individuals, civic associations, and professional
planners should all work together to develop this plan.
What are your suggestions? Please write to let me know what
you think should be done to improve our community. Your views
will be a positive investment in times to come. (Ali A. Mirza,
4 New Hyde Park Road, Suite 2 Franklin Square, NY 11010)
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