Markey Funds 36th Avenue Rebirth

Local business owners and George L. Stamatiades, CALDC executive vice president, and Marie Torniali, CALDC executive director (left side, third and fourth from l.) met at Greek Captain Seafood Restaurant on June 16 to discuss revitalizing the 36th Avenue Business Association. The Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC) met with business owners along 36th Avenue on June 16 to discuss the rebirth of the 36th Avenue Business Association and to establish priorities for a spruce-up along the commercial strip. Owners representing 12 businesses gathered at the Greek Captain Seafood Restaurant for the meeting.

CALDC, with funding provided by Assemblymember Marge Markey, is in the process of re-establishing the business association along 36th Avenue, where owners agreed that a "can-do" spirit is the best way to create change that would draw new customers to the strip.

Markey will also fund a new Shoppers' Directory for 36th Avenue - a guide designed to spread the word of the myriad international shops, supermarkets, clubs and restaurants that line the strip. "Central Astoria is excited to see the positive spirit of business owners along 36th Avenue. We thank Assemblywoman Markey for funding these programs," CALDC Executive Director Marie Torniali commented.

CALDC is also working to establish a street cleaning program for 36th Avenue funded by Markey through CALDC and state Senator George Onorato through the Dutch Kills Civic Association.

"Teamwork is the cornerstone of this community and Central Astoria, in partnership with our elected officials, a 36th Avenue business association, and the Dutch Kills Civic Association, looks forward to great things for the 36th Avenue business district." Torniali said.

"It was a very productive meeting," Efrem Pertsinides said. Pertsinides, proprietor of 36th Avenue Wine & Spirits, said the group was "very enthusiastic" about the rebirth of the merchant group - and appreciative of CALDC's support and effort on their behalf. He also thanked Gerry Walsh, Dutch Kills Civic Association president, for that association's support.

"We are thrilled that Central Astoria is giving 36th Avenue so much time and assistance to help re-establish our merchant association and effect cleanup along the strip," Pertsinides said.

He said merchants and business owners who attended the meeting expressed a willingness to work together to make change happen. "Everyone agreed that we're not willing to sit back and wait for change to occur on 36th Avenue," he said. "We agreed that this is something we must do for ourselves - and with the help of the Central Astoria LDC, this goal is finally within our reach."

CALDC Executive Vice President George L. Stamatiades, said massive redevelopment of neighboring communities promises to bring new residents to the area - potential customers that would be drawn to shop and dine along a revitalized 36th Avenue. Pertsinides agreed saying "With Central Astoria's help, we will be able to send a message to our new neighbors, an invitation to come and see what 36th Avenue is all about."

Central Astoria has tentatively scheduled a second meeting with 36th Avenue merchants on June 30 for further discussion of a rebirth of the commercial corridor.

For meeting details or more information, call Torniali at CALDC, 718-728- 7820.