Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto recently announced that the Syosset Hamlet Plan Committee, in cooperation with the town, is distributing a survey to both residents and business owners to help develop a plan to improve downtown Syosset. Residents should receive the survey in the mail by the end of February.

"The results of the survey will assist the Syosset Hamlet Plan Committee in establishing a plan for the revitalization and redevelopment of downtown Syosset," said Venditto. "Syosset is already one of the most desirable places to live, but that doesn't mean we can't make it even better."

The town has retained the planning firm of Nelson, Pope & Voorhis, LLC, who conceptualized the survey with help from Hofstra University's Scott Skodnek Business Development Center. Nelson, Pope & Voorhis, LLC will then evaluate the results and work with the committee to help outline a vision for the Syosset community."

Venditto said Councilman Chris J. Coschignano, a lifelong resident of Syosset, first advanced the Syosset Hamlet Plan and the development of a steering committee.

"Councilman Coschignano has his business in downtown Syosset and has a unique and thorough perspective of issues pertaining to the area," said Venditto. "As Chairman of the Syosset Hamlet Plan Committee, he'll continue to take a leadership role in identifying needs and methods for implementation. The town, in turn, will benefit greatly from his insight, and he will act as a liaison between the Syosset community and the Town Board."

Coschignano said it is incumbent upon the Town Board to see that development in Syosset, and throughout the town, achieves an appropriate balance between the preservation of community character and new improvements. "Downtown Syosset has a unique charm that we must protect and further enhance," he said. "I believe the committee's work will be invaluable in achieving our goals."

Anyone who does not receive a copy of this survey can download it from the town's website, www.oysterbaytown.com or call Councilman Coschignano's office at 624-6303.