The Syosset Chamber of Commerce held their monthly meeting on Jan. 10 to discuss, among other topics, the troubled parking situation in Syosset.

Newly sworn-in Town of Oyster Bay Councilman and Syosset chamber member Chris Coschignano spoke to chamber members and local residents present at the meeting about the parking troubles and some possible solutions.

Coschignano, who was joined by Town of Oyster Bay Clerk Martha Offerman, gave a brief background on the situation. At the end of last year, the Village Planning Committee of the Syosset Chamber met with Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, who agreed that a master plan is needed for the revitalization of Syosset.

The Committee, under Chairman Joe Hilker, met with Venditto to discuss a master plan for the town of Syosset. Senator Carl Marcellino, Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs, Assemblyman David Sidikman, Town Clerk Martha Offerman, Town Councilwoman Bonnie Eisler and Supervisor Venditto were all present at the meeting.

The town agreed to provide funding for an outside planner to develop a master plan for the Hamlet of Syosset, similar to the ones being done for Hicksville and the Hamlet of Oyster Bay. Syosset is in the process of forming a steering committee, comprised of community organizations and local residents, who will implement a process of researching the issues facing Syosset and solicit community input with the objective of developing a full master plan that is supported by the entire community.

Úquot;I have no political affiliation when it comes to Syosset,Úquot; said Coschignano. Úquot;I want what is best for the residents. This is your program and your plan so decide how you want to see your community.Úquot;

The steering community encourages community input and that input will be weighed heavily when making decisions affecting Syosset. The master plan, an idea that has been suggested many times for the entire Town of Oyster Bay, will allow all local residents and business-owners to decide their overall plans for the hamlet of Syosset.

The train station and current parking situation around the train station is one area that needs immediate attention and remedy in Syosset.

Úquot;Syosset is divided in half by train tracks and is not a safe crossing and there is no parking,Úquot; said Coschignano. Úquot;This is something that needs to be addressed immediately.Úquot;

The reopening of the Landia train station is an option being considered by residents and also the idea of providing a jitney that runs from the under-used Oyster Bay train station to the Syosset train station. Many people are currently driving from the hamlet of Oyster Bay to the Syosset station. Only Town of Oyster Bay Parking stickers are issued at this time, and not divided specifically by towns.

Úquot;Landia station is pitting a lot of communities against each other. What you are saying is open it up in the Jericho/Syosset community rather than the North Syosset community,Úquot; said Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury). Úquot;The situation is not an easy one. The parking situation in Syosset is abominable.Úquot;

Although there have been many suggestions made, Syosset residents need to decide what they want to see in their community. Community involvement and input is imperative to make the revitalization and master plan concept happen.

The chamber of commerce meets on the second Thursday of every month from 7:30 - 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Children and Family Services at 525 Convent Road in Syosset. Community members are encouraged to attend and discuss important topics, such as this one, with fellow residents.