A Model of Downtown Revitalization and Collaborative Growth

Building a Dynamic and Lively Downtown Hub Designed to Grow

Lindenhurst, New York, located on Long Island’s South Shore, is experiencing a striking renaissance. Once home to what Mayor Michael Lavorata describes as a downtown that “was not where it is today,” the village has evolved into a vibrant, family-friendly hub defined by culture, cuisine, and community spirit.

The transformation of Lindenhurst’s downtown is the result of thoughtful leadership and collaborative vision. Lavorata and Village Clerk Katie Schrader have helped lead the charge, working closely with a proactive team to produce a revitalization strategy that includes event programming, walkability enhancements, and a renewed sense of pride. As Lavorata reflects, “the result has been a very vibrant downtown, the likes of which the people who’ve lived here for years haven’t even seen.”

The village’s progress reflects a thoughtful approach to governance, one that blends revitalization efforts, business growth, and civic partnerships into a powerful blueprint for success.

Downtown Revitalization: From Decline to Destination

A decade ago, Lindenhurst’s downtown told a different story, one marked by vacancy and disrepair. “Downtown really had a lot of dive bars and vacant storefronts,” says Schrader. “It was just a disaster,” Lavorata adds, referring to the state of some of the businesses at the time. The area lacked family-friendly appeal and was in steady decline.

The village leadership faced a pivotal choice, continue managing deterioration or take bold action. “We can either manage the decline of our downtown or do something creative,” recalls Lavorata, quoting former Deputy Mayor and current County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey. That decision sparked the development of a downtown master plan and a comprehensive walkability study, cornerstones of Lindenhurst’s revitalization strategy.

The transformation is tangible. At the heart of downtown, Village Square Park has become a lively gathering place. “We hold concerts and a lot of events,” says Lavorata. “We have our Christmas tree lighting there…on New Year’s Eve we drop a ball from a fire department ladder truck, much like they do in New York City.”

Seasonal street fairs like “Wednesdays on Wellwood” bring merchants and residents together, with outdoor food service, live music, and kids’ attractions. “It’s a family-friendly downtown, something that was definitely not 10 years ago,” he says.

Recognition has followed. “Newsday called us a culinary destination,” Lavorata notes. “If someone had said that to me ten years ago, I probably would never have believed it. But it’s not only a belief now, it’s a reality.”

“The downtown has become more walkable. We have pedestrian safety measures that we’ve been able to implement,” says Schrader. She credits early planning efforts, “all of this came from that original downtown master plan and walkability study, which were instrumental in helping us to get funding for all of that.” Notably, the improvements were achieved without the use of taxpayer money.

What was once an overlooked corridor has become a walkable, vibrant destination that now draws residents, visitors, and business owners alike.

Business-Friendly Policies: Speeding Up Success

Lindenhurst’s downtown revival has not only been cultural, it’s been procedural. “I don’t think we’re in a position where we could grant tax relief, but what we did do, we sped up the process,” says Lavorata. Recognizing that red tape can stifle growth, the village administration took decisive steps to make Lindenhurst a more inviting place to do business.

“In the old days, if a business came in here to try to open up, the paperwork just to get them off the ground could take as much as six months,” says Lavorata. “We’ve gotten it down to under eight weeks in most cases.” Through a focus on expedited permitting and clearly outlined expectations, the village has reduced delays that previously discouraged investment. “As a result, we’re open for business within almost 90 days,” he explains.

The streamlined approach is bolstered by proactive support. “We like to invite them into Village Hall and have a meeting with them,” says Schrader. “We meet with the building department and go over step by step…so there are no surprises along the way.” While the village doesn’t offer tax relief incentives, this hands-on guidance helps new entrepreneurs hit the ground running. “We don’t necessarily handhold, but we are there for them and we try to make it as painless as possible,” Schrader adds.

The results speak volumes. “During the pandemic, while a lot of businesses were closing down, we opened nine,” Lavorata notes. “We were completely in the opposite direction of what was going on at the time.”

In Lindenhurst, efficiency and encouragement aren’t just values, they’re policy.

The Culinary Boom: A Diverse Dining Scene

What was once a downtown known for its dive bars has transformed into a bustling destination for boutique restaurants and cultural experiences. “There was a local lore back in the day that Lindenhurst had the most bars per capita in the Guinness Book of World Records,” says Schrader.

That image has been replaced by a dynamic dining landscape, which began with a bold concept. “It started with a place called Restoration Kitchen,” explains Lavorata. “It’s actually a business that runs like a not-for-profit in the fact that they give away a lot of their profit to local charities.” Restoration Kitchen’s creative model sparked a wave of entrepreneurial interest. “They sort of sparked other restaurants to come to Lindenhurst,” adds Schrader.

Now, the village is home to establishments like Ruby Soho’s, a tapas and tequila bar that replaced a notorious dive bar. The culinary diversity is as impressive as the community’s commitment to quality. “You can find seven or eight or nine cuisines within walking distance of Hoffman Avenue alone,” says Lavorata.

Complementing the dining scene are craft breweries like Sand City and Great South Bay, and a thriving theater presence along “Theater Row,” including Studio Theater, South Shore Theatre Experience and the BACCA Center. “There’s really a lot to do in the downtown,” notes Schrader.

This evolution is rooted in values. “My first act as mayor was to outlaw vaping in the business district,” says Lavorata. “We were going to do a family-friendly downtown.”

Collaboration and Leadership: The Keys to Progress

Lindenhurst’s progress is the result of more than just planning, it’s rooted in a leadership style defined by collaboration and humility. Mayor Lavorata leads with a team-first philosophy, “I cheated. I put a lot of people around me that knew more than I’ll ever know,” he says with a smile. “I always looked at guys who did the right thing and created the kind of environment that we would want to create in our own village.”

From Deputy Mayor RJ Renna to Village Administrator Joe Barone and Village Clerk Katie Schrader. Lavorata credits his staff with driving the village’s transformation. “This place could run on autopilot, the best thing I could do probably is stay out of the way and let them do their jobs.”

The spirit of collaboration extends beyond Village Hall, longstanding divisions with external partners have been replaced by meaningful alliances. “In the prior administrations, the Chamber and the village didn’t get along very well. It was always like a competition, which made no sense,” Lavorata explains. “Now…we are inseparable, and it does make for a heck of a lot more progress than what we saw in the past.”

Schrader agrees, adding, “our Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce and our Business Improvement District are two incredible partners in all of our endeavors, and certainly our relationships with the Town of Babylon and the county have been instrumental in helping us to get things done.”

At the core of Lavorata’s leadership is a deep commitment to integrity. “It’s not what you do when people are watching you, it’s what you do when people aren’t watching you,” he recalls his late father advising. He applies the same lesson to municipal strategy, “the wheel has already been invented, but what we can do and what I’ve done as an engineer is I’ve always tried to improve on things.”

In Lindenhurst, leadership isn’t about ego, it’s about listening, learning, and surrounding oneself with the right people to make sustainable progress possible.

Looking Ahead: Priorities for the Next Two Years

As Lindenhurst reflects on a decade of progress, its leadership remains focused on the work ahead. Lavorata outlines three major priorities set to shape the village over the next 24 months, each aimed at building on recent momentum while addressing long-standing infrastructure needs.

First on the list is addressing damage that dates back over a decade. “We have to complete the repair of Shore Road, the bulk heading down by the dock area, which was damaged way back in Hurricane Sandy back in 2012,” Lavorata says. “We’re working on that. We’ve got some federal and state money to do that.”

The village also plans to expand and enhance Village Square Park, the central green space that has become a symbol of downtown renewal. “We want to create more green space and a much more revitalized park area, which will create a lot more connection to the downtown,” he explains.

Infrastructure upgrades will continue on the north side of Wellwood Avenue, mirroring changes already completed to the south. The same improvements, including new sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly crossings, and upgraded lighting, will now be extended northward.

Flood mitigation remains a critical ongoing effort. “Between the park, Wellwood Avenue improvements…and the continuation of some of our flooding issues…those are really among the three major projects,” Lavorata confirms. “That’s a pretty substantial amount of work to keep us going for the next few years.”

With clear priorities and consistent leadership, Lindenhurst is planning not just for growth, but for resilience.

Aligning Vision with Action

Lindenhurst, NY stands today as a compelling case study in how thoughtful leadership and public-private collaboration can spark meaningful transformation. Guided by a mayor who believes in surrounding himself with experts, “I couldn’t pick a better all-star team,” says Lavorata, the village has balanced growth and preservation with remarkable success.

From streamlining business processes and fostering a thriving culinary district to expanding green spaces and enhancing infrastructure, Lindenhurst has emerged as a community that evolves without losing its roots. “We really are a family,” Lavorata reflects, pointing to the deep sense of unity among village leadership and partners.

With its balance of economic growth and community character, the village offers a practical example of what’s possible when municipalities align vision with action.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Village of Lindenhurst, NY

What: A thriving suburban community focused on downtown revitalization, business-friendly growth, and cultural vibrancy

Where: Suffolk County, Long Island, New York

Website: villageoflindenhurstny.gov