In only its first year of existence, the Syosset Chamber of Commerce has been very active. In the first of this year's monthly meetings, the compiled achievements of the past year were reflected upon in a letter of appreciation from Chamber President Frank Urso. The meeting also addressed the development of a membership directory that will be distributed to the majority of residents in the township. Nassau County Legislator Brian Muellers attended and spoke at the meeting.

Muellers discussed the need for change in Nassau government and held an open dialogue with concerned parties on the issues of the proposed Robins Lane Mall and the troubled parking at the Syosset train station. Reflecting on the devastation inflicted on the town of Hempstead when the Roosevelt Field Mall was built, Muellers agreed that, if built, the Robins Lane Mall will not only devastate the local small businesses, but will bring down the town around it. Regarding the Syosset train station parking situation, if this congestion is not resolved and customer parking protected, local businesses may be suffocated, according to Muellers. Muellers initiated a meeting between county officials and the Chamber's Village Planning Committee on Jan. 18 to address this issue. One topic that was discussed at this meeting was the implantation a public education campaign to alert residents of the illegal parking and its repercussions. These measures would include new signs and letters mailed to parking tag holders who are up for renewal. Also discussed was the possibility of increasing parking fines from $15 to $25.

In Frank Urso's letter of appreciation to the chamber, he highlighted the following: a rise "from a fledgling 23 members to nearly 130 members" thanks to the Membership Committee, "gains toward improving adequate parking, traffic flow, railroad whistle noise/safer crossings and public awareness" thanks to the Village Planning Committee, the improved aesthetics of the town by adding "decorative wooden planter barrels," supplying the town with "six large trash receptacles" and installing "50 holiday banners" thanks to the Beautification Committee, and the planning and great success of the Holiday Lighting Ceremony which drew approximately 500 people thanks to the Holiday Planning Committee. Also mentioned with great appreciation were: the development of the Chamber's Web Site (www.syossetchamber.com), the soon to be installed "Welcome to Syosset" banners sponsored by local businesses, the installation of holiday music in downtown Syosset, the planning and orchestration of the upcoming Second Annual Installation Gala and Silent Auction to be held at Villa Victor on Feb. 2 (which is open to the public) thanks to the fund-raising committee and the support of four grand openings (Handle with Care Packaging Store, Nostalgia Cafe, Back & Neck Chiropractic of Syosset and Del's Doo-Wop).

Special mention was also made toward thanking the Second Precinct's Officer Scott Gregory, Officer Rudolph Stanganelli, Sgt. Raymond Flood (Officer in Charge) and Sgt. Kevin Matthews as well as the Auxiliary Police Officer Kevin Miller for their assistance with controlling the automobile and pedestrian traffic during the Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Their assistance ensured that the event was uninterrupted and safe for all that attended.

Besides reviewing the successes of last year, the hopes and plans for this year were also unveiled at the recent meeting. These plans include expanding membership to over 200, adding an event for Easter, the development of a newsletter and media kit, the planning of a golf outing and the grand opening of a Day Spa located at Scissors Salon Feb. 11, at 11 a.m.

For those not yet familiar with the Syosset Chamber of Commerce, all are invited to join the meetings on the second floor of the Fleet Bank on Jackson Avenue on the second Thursday of every month at 7:30 a.m. For additional information, please call president Frank Urso at 921-0220 or membership chairperson Jerry Siegel at 364-1116 ext. 21.