Islip Chamber installs board, mulls parking

By Mike Ebert - Islip Bulletin, February 5, 2004

ISLIP Vowing to alleviate downtown parking shortages and boost area aesthetics, the Islip Chamber of Commerce added seven new members to its Board of Directors earlier this week during the group's 2004 installation dinner.

The yearly event, which was held at The Gatsby restaurant located across from Islip town Hall on Tuesday evening, drew about 30 members to welcome their new board and discuss various town improvement projects. Founded in 1924, the 160-member organization is comprised entirely of volunteers and is intended to represent the businesses and community of Islip.

"I've only lived in Islip a year, and I've felt a great companionship as part of the Chamber," said John Corcacas, who was formally installed as vice president. "I believe this organization helps us get things done for the community."

According to Corcacas and other members, the main problem that the chamber is presently tackling concerns the need for more parking on Islip's Main Street. Specifically, attending members argued that residents of Locustwood Green senior complex, located between Locust and Grant Avenues, are using about 15 parking spaces that should be available to adjacent businesses.

"Every merchant is complaining that their customers have no place to park," said Corcacas, who owns Islip-based, Netweb Consultants, Inc.

Echoing Corcacas' sentiments was President Harvey Allen and member Lori Zegel, who were also among the chamber's newly-installed directors. While Allen noted that the chamber is working with the Islip Town Board to resolve this issue, Zegel stressed that the parking situation in general is a very serious problem.

"In order for the businesses to increase their success, the number of parking spaces must increase, said Zegel, who owns Nook & Cranny Collectibles and is also a member of the Islip Historical Society.

In addition to the parking concerns, members also briefly discussed the chamber's role in Suffolk county's $4 million acquisition on the 69-acre waterfront Scully estate, which had been owned by the National Audubon Society for 25 years. In December, the Suffolk County Legislature voted to buy the Islip property with plans to maintain its wetlands and have an existing building used for a nature center.

"We supported the issue along with other community groups and made it clear that we wanted the estate purchased," said Allen, noting that the land has 20 acres of wetlands, several barns and a three-story house built in 1919.

Other Islip issues pinpointed by members included the erection of town banners, snow removal and increased membership for the chamber, among other things.

"The more members we add, the more power we have to accomplish projects," said Corcacas. "Specifically, we are looking for someone that can help obtain grants. Right now, our street festival is our primary means of raising money."

According to Allen, the annual street fair, which is slated for May 2, raises about $12,000 to $15,000 that is then used to fund various town projects. In addition, member Fran Koltun noted that several chamber businesses are also sponsoring a new sweepstakes called "Cordially Yours," which will help expand the chamber's network and see a lucky bridal couple receive half-price off all their wedding expenses.

Along with Corcacas, Allen and Zegel, other members installed to the chamber's board of directors included secretary Anna Maria Abrams, treasurer, Veronica Magione, Eric Buehler and John Corcacas.

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