Valley Stream

Community embraces chance to create vision

Posted

More than 60 residents came out to the Firemen’s Field Clubhouse on Aug. 26 to learn about a new group, Envision Valley Stream, and share their own ideas for the future of the community.

Envision Valley Stream was founded by 23-year-olds David Sabatino and Joseph Marchione, a pair of lifelong community residents. Sabatino presented the mission statement and goals of the organization, which includes putting together a community vision plan.

Sabatino said that community participation is the foundation to creating a vision plan. Over the coming months, Sabatino wants to build a coalition that strongly represents Valley Stream. It will include elected officials, church, school and community group leaders, business owners and residents.

Elise Antonelli, a 29-year resident of Valley Stream, said she believes that a group like Envision Valley Stream is a necessity. She noted that there are many groups with different interests and needs –– Envision Valley Stream can be a chance to bring them all together.

Antonelli said she is particularly excited to see the group being led by –– and drawing much interest among –– people in their 20s. “It is really has a buzz amongst the younger community of Valley Stream, which I think is needed,” she said. Antonelli that she hopes to be involved with the organization in some capacity.

Amelia Pascocello, a resident since 1971, wants Envision Valley Stream to serve as a voice for all who live in the community. “They can bring our feelings and wants back to the powers that be,” she said, “and they hopefully can work together.”

Pascocello said she first heard about the group by reading a story about the organization’s launch in the Herald two weeks ago. Antonelli said she found out about Envision Valley Stream through Facebook.

Village trustees John Tufarelli and Ed Fare both spoke about the plan being developed to revitalize Rockaway Avenue and asked Sabatino to think of ways Envision Valley Stream could contribute to the process. “As long as we all work together I really think this can be a homerun,” Tufarelli said.

Fare also noted that in recent years, many civic groups that were once very active have disbanded. Those groups, however, focused on a small segment of the community while Envision Valley Stream is targeting the whole community –– the village, the surrounding unincorporated areas and all demographics. He said that could be the key to the group’s success.

Chamber of Commerce President Debbi Gyulay said it is important the group looks to build upon and promote the community’s assets. “It’s great to have a room full of positive energy about Valley Stream,” she said.

Sabatino said the next step will be to hold additional meetings in North and South Valley Stream. “Solidifying our base and building the coalition is important right now,” Sabatino said. “From there we will begin to work with members on a community assessment.”

A community assessment will include reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of Valley Stream, as well as examining potential opportunities and challenges. He said a lot of this work will be done by committees. That’s where Envision Valley Stream will ready need people to give their time and expertise, Sabatino explained.

Valley Stream resident Pete Frangos encouraged Sabatino and the other leaders of Envision Valley Stream to capitalize on the strong showing of support for the new group. “I think you should strike while the iron is hot,” he said. Frangos added that he thinks the group can be a way to get information out to the people about what is going on in Valley Stream.

Sabatino said the turnout at last week’s launch is a clear sign to keep moving forward with Envision Valley Stream. “I never doubted that our neighbors, business owners and officials were interested in organizing for positive change,” he said. “This is our community, we are the only ones that can make it better. The community’s questions and discussions showed our organization that they were excited about what Envision is trying to do and that they are interested in actively participating.”