What was once only bare blacktop and debris, is now an oasis of beauty on Post Ave. for all to enjoy.

The combined efforts of the Westbury Business Improvement District (BID), local business owner Michael Cesere, and the Village of Westbury are responsible for improving the half-a-block long streetscape in front of the Cesere Funeral Home parking lot.

Improvements made include an extended sidewalk, multiple barrels filled with seasonal flowers, five-inch-caliber shade trees, and additional landscaping. The BID also plans to erect the first of many new "old fashioned" street lamps in front of Cesere's.

"It was really a nice cooperation between everyone involved," said Chris Hobbs, a member of the BID Board of the Directors. "Cesere agreed to put in a little more money, the BID agreed to do a lot of the work, and the village carted away all the debris and will be maintaining the barrels. Everyone had a hand in it, and we all benefit by getting something back that looks 10 times better." Hobbs was responsible for designing the plans, picking up the supplies, and supervising the volunteers who did the work. "We couldn't have done it without his vision and hard work," said BID President John Petras.

According to Petras, the remainder of the block, as well as the Tear and Gershon building and the Post Ave. video store, is slated for facade improvement under Nassau County's Operation Downtown. "They are bidding on it this week, and construction could begin within 30 days," he said. "This is really exciting because it ties in so well with the improvements we just made."