One Week Left! Come Celebrate with OBMSA during our End of the Season Benefit

Trivia Night Continues in Oyster Bay...

Join the Oyster Bay Main Street Association

the First Tuesday of Every Month

for a fun-filled evening of trivia & competition!

Dancing in the Street Continues for two more Friday Nights this July!

Please Join Us!

Grants for Oyster Bay businesses help retain its beauty

The owner of Osteria Leana in Oyster Bay used a $3,000 grant from the Oyster Bay Main Street Association to help lure customers to his restaurant on South Street in Oyster Bay. Wednesday, July 13, 2016 Photo Credit: Howard Schnapp

Originally printed in Newsday

Updated July 14, 2016 6:00 AM
By Ted Phillips  ted.phillips@newsday.com  

When Peter Van Der Mije opened Osteria Leana in the hamlet of Oyster Bay, he was faced with the problem of how to bring people into a restaurant off the beaten track.

The restaurant opened May 23 in the former location of the Oyster Bay Brewing Company, which faces a parking lot behind South Street and Audrey Avenue.
“We’re not in the best area; we’re not on Main Street,” Van Der Mije said.
The red brick storefront with black awnings and gooseneck lighting used a $3,000 grant from the nonprofit Oyster Bay Main Street Association that requires recipients to adhere to aesthetic choices intended to maintain the historic character of the hamlet and promote visual cohesion.

“For our style restaurant the best thing was a simple, elegant design, but also it had to be functional,” Van Der Mije said. “First and foremost we wanted something to be classy, something timeless, but also portrayed a little bit of the sense of Oyster Bay.”
The grant program, which began in 2012, has expanded and with it the fundraising needs have grown, too. This year the sign and improvement program increased its award to up to $3,000 from $2,000. The business must cover at least 25 percent of the cost of the sign and facade improvements.

Meredith Maus, executive director of the association, said its fundraising campaign has increased its goal for next year to $15,000 from $10,000.
To receive a grant, businesses must submit plans to the association to be approved by the group’s design committee. The association awards four or five grants a year on a first-come, first-served basis.

A 12-page design guide calls for things like the restoration of architectural elements and use of natural materials and choices that are in keeping with buildings’ style and history.

“We want a cohesiveness throughout the downtown,” Maus said. “We like the general look and feel to be one of a historic hamlet.”
Ryan Schlotter, co-owner of the Oyster Bay Brewing Company on Audrey Avenue, said the grants make it easier for businesses to invest in better signage. The brewery was allotted a $3,000 grant for its signage and facade at its new location, where it opened in February.

“Signage might be the last place some places will spend money,” Schlotter said. For their new location, the brewery went “for that Nantucket kind of city-by-the-sea kind of look.”
Schlotter said he sees the cumulative impact of the program on the hamlet.

“You can see when you walk up and down the street the signs are a step above what most places do in other towns; it adds to it and makes the whole street look really nice,” Schlotter said.

Oyster Bay Councilman Chris Coschignano said discussions are ongoing within the planning and development department about creating an overlay district that would incorporate some of the aesthetic choices promoted by the association “to enhance what they’re doing now and maybe expand it and give them some help.”

“We like what they’re doing and the town definitely wants to do more,” Coschignano said.

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For more information on the Grant please visit: http://www.oysterbaymainstreet.org/obmsa-facade-and-sign-grant.html

To help us continue this positive momentum in the downtown, please consider contributing to our fundraising campaign: http://www.oysterbaymainstreet.org/fundraising-initiatives.html

Making Waves in Oyster Bay

Please Join Us for an Opportunity to

MEET MAIN STREET!

You may be familiar with OBMSA and all our initiatives or you may only know us by name, but now is your opportunity to learn more about Main Street and meet the Board and staff behind the organization making waves in Oyster Bay!

JANUARY 28, 2016

7:00 in the evening

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OAKCLIFF SAILING CENTER

4 South Street, The Great Room

Oyster Bay, New York 11771

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Join us as we reflect on the past year and discuss our objectives for the year to come in the Great Room of the new dormitory constructed for the staff and students of Oakcliff's rigorous training programs.  While there, learn more about Oakcliff and all the great work the organization is doing in the world of sailing and for the reputation of Oyster Bay!

Hope to see you there!

Townsend Park Renovation is Underway in Oyster Bay!

Current state of Townsend Park

Oyster Bay, NY – In cooperation with the Town of Oyster Bay and local merchant Main Street Nursery, the Oyster Bay Main Street Association is pleased to announce the renovation of the public park in between the historic Oyster Bay Post Office and the historic Oyster Bay Town Hall known as Townsend Park.

Originally designated a public park in 1906, when the Townsend Family subdivided their lot and created Audrey Avenue, the area was largely used as a public gathering space and in 1909 a bandstand was erected on the site to suit this purpose.  After the original bandstand was torn down in the 1930s, the park was given fresh life when a replica bandstand was created and dedicated in 1981.

Original Bandstand and Layout of Townsend Park circa 1910
Postcard courtesy of the Oyster Bay Historical Society

In the ensuing 35 years, several piece-meal renovations have been completed in the area.  While originally no trees adorned the public park, over time three Honey Locust trees were added to the west side; approximately 20 years ago, a Christmas tree, originally intended to be temporary, was added to the east side; and most recently, within the last five years, two Purple Leaf Plums were also added to the east side in an attempt to even out the lot.  These mismatched and overgrown trees have severely limited the visibility of the bandstand and the usable space within the public green.

The plans, provided by Main Street Nursery and sponsored by the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, seek to create a uniform and attractive design for an area that has great potential to be the focal point of the downtown once again!  Based off of the assessment of certified arborist, Jason LaMay, the existing trees were recommended for removal to be replaced with six Zelkova Green Vase trees more suited for the area and properly spaced on the property to improve sight lines.  Plans also include improved lighting, the placement of benches, improved landscaping and repair of the brick walkway in the area.  In total, a substantial improvement to a small but important area, resulting in another great asset to the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Community!

With support from the Town of Oyster Bay and other local organizations – including Friends of the Bay, the OB-EN Chamber of Commerce, Oyster Bay Civic Association, Oyster Bay Historical Society, Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, Oyster Bay Rotary Club, OB-EN Youth Athletic Association, Raynham Hall Museum, Sagamore Hill NHS and the East Norwich Civic Association - we are excited to move forward with this renovation and have it complete for the whole community to enjoy during the Old Fashioned Holiday Market and Christmas Tree lighting on Saturday, December 12, 2015!

A Time for Specters & Spooks in a Historic Haunted Home known for Soldiers & Spies

In the heart of downtown Oyster Bay...

stands the ancestral home of one of the most influential families in the Hamlet's history

- the Townsend Family -

 

(Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara)

The home has stood through the centuries, bearing witness to the passing of generations and the build up of the downtown that now surrounds it.  Known as Raynham Hall, the home has received some notoriety beyond its historic ties to the Revolutionary War and George Washington's Culper Spy Ring by being named one of the most haunted places on Long Island by Newsday.

Fittingly, for this season, the home has been chosen as the venue for a killer Halloween Party hosted by Raynham Hall and the Oyster Bay Main Street Association! 

Enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the homestead outside of normal museum hours, while delighting in live music provided by the band Mad Pursuit and partaking in our open bar and hors d' oeuvres!

Further details below:

Before the trick-or-treating commences on the 31st,

 Raynham Hall Museum 

& The Oyster Bay Main Street Association 

cordially invite you to join them 

for a Halloween Party that is sure to be a treat! 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2015

AT RAYNHAM HALL MUSEUM

20 WEST MAIN STREET, OYSTER BAY

$125 per person including a seated buffet banquet at 7 pm
or
$75 per person for the after-party only, from 9 pm to 12 am

Music by Mad Pursuit
Beer by Oyster Bay Brewing
Cocktails, hors d' oeuvres

Dress Code: Spook-tacular (prizes for best costume)
Please Call 516.922.6982 for more information

Order Tickets Online Below:

Order Online

Save the Date: Third Annual End of the Season Benefit

The Oyster Bay Main Street Association

requests the pleasure of your company at our

Annual End of the Season Benefit

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

6 o’clock in the evening until 9 o’clock

The Creek Beach Club

1 Horse Hollow Road Locust Valley, New York

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Prior to the Event...

Beginning at 5 in the evening, a small cocktail party will be hosted by the Main Street Association at the Main Club House for an additional contribution of $75 per person. 

Funds raised will support the commencement of our newest endeavor focused on incentivizing new business in the Hamlet through a revolving loan fund. The Board of Directors and staff welcome the community’s insight and invite all to learn more about MSA and the positive 

changes happening in Oyster Bay.

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Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available for purchase below:

Order Online

Dancing in the Street Concludes Most Successful Season!

DJ Mark James teaching the crowd some Swing!
Photo by Meredith Maus

Oyster Bay Main Street Association's

Event Bigger and Better than Ever

By Diane J. Meltzer

Starting with the holiday weekend full moon on July 3rd, and ending with the full “blue” moon on July 31st, DANCING IN THE STREET lit up downtown Oyster Bay for five Friday evenings. Perfect weather on all five dates enticed almost 800 people to “come on down,” with over 200 on the final night.

Dancing!
Photo by Meredith Maus

BMW of Oyster Bay was once again the sponsor for this fifth season, and brought a shiny new car every week to display. Two local boy scouts, hired with money generously donated by the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce Cruise Night, set up and took down the temporary barriers each Friday to close off the street near the bandstand. And everyone’s favorite DJs—Louis del Prete and Mark James—took turns returning to play a variety of music and give free dance instructions to the crowds.

Selection of BMW cars on display throughout the event

Photos by Meredith Maus

The difference this year was the greater diversity participating: young and old, singles and couples, from near and far, taking to the dance floor/street; families enjoying a night out together and not once checking their phones; senior citizens sitting in chairs and happily watching the action that brought back wonderful memories. With many walking through town and eating in the restaurants before and after, it was a win-win situation for all!

Dancing into the night!
Photo by Meredith Maus

The Fifth Season of 'Dancing in the Street' Coming to Oyster Bay!

Project Clean Sweep: Downtown Oyster Bay

Quick Glimpse of Downtown Oyster Bay:

We have all noticed the state of the downtown: the overflowing garbage cans, the loose garbage, and the dirty sidewalks and streets.  Numerous editorials have been written about the state of our downtown, some calling it a "sorry site" and still others comparing parts of it to a third world country.  Letters from concerned citizens have pointed out that "the filth, trash/garbage on the ground [and] under the trash receptacles is prolific"  and that spotted attempts to clean the downtown have not had an impact - as one resident put it, "doing it once is like spit in the ocean."

In response to this, the Oyster Bay Main Street Association is looking to fill a recently created part-time position within the organization through our Clean Sweep Initiative.  We are looking to hire an individual to work twice a week, or as needed, to get the garbage in this downtown under control.  The job description is as follows:

If you, or anybody you know, are looking for a summer job and are interested in learning more please contact Executive Director, Meredith Maus, by phone: 516.922.6982 or by email: mamaus@oysterbaymainstreet.org.

Energy Efficiency Programs & Financing Info Session

Attention all Homeowners, 

Small Business Owners, & Non-profits!

Are your monthly energy bills getting out of hand? 

Here are the facts:

Now learn how you can take advantage of these programs and receive similar results!

Free of Charge, Please RSVP to:

Meredith Maus, Executive Director of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association

516.922.6982 or Mamaus@oysterbaymainstreet.org

OBMSA Still Accepting Applications

OBMSA is still accepting applications for the third cycle of its privately funded Facade and Sign Grant.  We are currently halfway through the cycle and will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until August 11, 2015.  

The grant is eligible to new and existing businesses in the downtown who are interested in securing a new sign to positively highlight their business in the downtown.  The Main Street Association will work closely with business owners to design appropriate signage and will reimburse owners 75% of their pre-approved sign up to $2,000.  

For more information about eligible participants and for a copy of the application, visit: http://www.oysterbaymainstreet.org/obmsa-facade-and-sign-grant.html.

Since 2013, we have invested over $20,000 into the downtown, assisting 12 new and existing businesses.

Here are some photos from the previous and current grant cycles:

2013

4-8 Audrey Avenue Before

4-8 Audrey Avenue After

80 South Street After

9 East Main Street After

2014

2015

Join us for OBMSA's Annual Meeting!

Please Join Us!

Oyster Bay Main Street Association's

Annual Meeting 

January 29th at 6:00 pm

Thursday, January 29, 2015 join the Oyster Bay Main Street Association for their Annual Meeting to be held at the Christ Church Parish Hall - 61 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York 11771.

Enjoy refreshments as we review the accomplishments of the organization over the past year  and what we are looking to accomplish in the year to come.  

The meeting, which is OPEN and FREE to the public, is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Main Street Association and how you can get involved in the improvement of downtown Oyster Bay or, as the case may be, what we as an organization can do for you as a resident, building owner or business owner in the downtown.

SPECIAL GUEST - JOHN COLLINS

A special presentation will also be given by historic architect John Collins - member of the Town of Oyster Bay Landmarks Commission and President of Raynham Hall.  Mr. Collins will lead a brief discussion on how the maintenance and proper renovation of historic properties helps to sustain and attract appropriate businesses in a downtown, highlighting specific projects he has had an opportunity to work on in and around Oyster Bay.  

For all individuals concerned about local property values, the economic vitality of our downtown, and Oyster Bay's future - this is an event not to be missed!

Where You Shop Matters - Support Our Community

Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Market December 6, 2014
Hosted by the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce
Photographs Courtesy of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association

With the holiday season upon us, we want to stress the importance of shopping locally to support our local business owners, who are our friends and neighbors, and to support the downtown as a whole.  According to the 3/50 Project for "every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures."  It was encouraging to see the success of American Express' Small Business Saturday as well as that of the Holiday Market set up by our Chamber of Commerce during the Christmas tree lighting last weekend.  We would love to see this trend continue throughout the holiday season!

We do, however, understand that many supporters of Oyster Bay do not live locally and so, we wanted to let you know of an opportunity to give back to our community while shopping online - not only now, but all year long.  Amazon.com has created the AmazonSmile Foundation and has pledged to donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the Oyster Bay Main Street Association so that we can continue our mission of revitalizing the downtown.

To make sure a portion of your purchases go to support the Main Street Association please click the banner to the left and you will be taken to the AmazonSmile website.  

After selecting to support the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, you can continue to shop as normal and Amazon will take care of the rest.  Make sure that upon returning to shop that you visit the AmazonSmile website: smile.amazon.com to ensure your eligible purchases have twice the impact!

Happy shopping!

Hope your holiday season is merry and bright!

Oyster Bay Main Street Association

OBMSA's Adopt-A-Spot Program Continues to Roll Out

Before and After photos of Berry Hill "Spot" adopted by the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce.
Photographs courtesy of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association

The Oyster Bay Main Street Association is pleased to announce that, through the generous support of Mill-Max Mfg. Corp and the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, two additional locations in the downtown have been improved.  Since August of last year, three participants in the program have adopted and pledged to maintain three high visibility sites, which serve as the gateways to our downtown, including locations on West Shore Road, Cove Road and Berry Hill Road.  For more information about the West Shore Road improvement click here.

These sites, which had largely been ignored over the years, were a high priority for the Main Street Association.  On Cove Road and Berry Hill Road, specifically, the hand-carved “Welcome to Historic Oyster Bay” signs had both disappeared and been replaced with unsightly aluminum signs that did not match the tenor of the downtown.  With their adoption, the Chamber of Commerce and Mill-Max both purchased new welcome signs for their locations as well as new plantings, which will be maintained for two years by the adopters.  The Cove Road location is slated to have a sprinkler system installed with new plantings in the Spring.

Before and After photos of Cove Road "Spot" adopted by Mill-Max Mfg. Corp.  Complete plantings and an installation of a sprinkler system for the location will be completed in the Spring.
Photographs courtesy of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association 

About the Adopt-A-Spot Program

The Main Street Association’s Adopt-A-Spot program was designed to help enhance the overall appearance of the downtown.  The program invites community groups, downtown businesses, or professional landscapers who are interested in beautifying the downtown to adopt a spot for a minimum of two years.

How to get involved

If you are interested in adopting a spot or if you want to recommend a location for adoption, please contact Meredith Maus, Executive Director of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, at 516.922.6982 or mamaus@oysterbaymainstreet.org for more information.

Before and after of West Shore Road "Spot" adopted by Forest Iron Works of Locust Valley.
For more information about this Adopt-A-Spot click here.
Photographs courtesy of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association