WWW.GLENCOVENY.GOV GLEN COVE NEW YORK FROM GATSBY’S SHORE TO AMERICA’S HIDDEN GEM
FROM GATSBY’ AMERICA’S HID GLEN COVE, NY AT A GLANCE CITY OF GLEN COVE WHAT: A diverse waterfront city of 28,365 residents on Long Island’s North Shore that has undergone comprehensive revitalization. WHERE: N assau County, New York WEBSITE: www.glencoveny.gov HOW A FOURTH-GENERATION MAYOR TRANSFORMED A HISTORIC LONG ISLAND WATERFRONT COMMUNITY INTO MONEY MAGAZINE’S ONLY NEW YORK PICK FOR BEST PLACES TO LIVE 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
’S SHORE TO DDEN GEM When JP Morgan built his estate on Glen Cove’s waterfront over a century ago, he chose a community that embodied a rare quality: the ability to unite people from vastly different backgrounds. Today, Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck, a fourth-generation resident whose family arrived from Norway and Ireland in the mid-1800s, leads a city that has maintained that inclusive character while transforming itself into one of America’s most desirable places to live. Photo Credit: Roni Jenkins 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
“Glen Cove is the kind of community that people are born in and raised in and often choose to stay here,” says Mayor Panzenbeck, who won re-election in 2023 with 62 percent of the vote.“We have people of every ethnic background, every race, every socio-economic group, every religion. It’s really a wonderful, diverse community and pretty much always has been even when other communities were not.” The numbers validate her assessment. Money Magazine ranked Glen Cove as the 37th best place to live in the United States in 2022, the only New York location to make the list. With a population of 28,365, the city scores in the 98th percentile for safety nationwide. Its 10 miles of shoreline along Long Island Sound provide three public beaches and numerous waterfront amenities that define daily life for residents. “When you live in a community like Glen Cove, you can never go and live somewhere where you don’t see water every day,” Mayor Panzenbeck notes. The combination of small-town atmosphere, metropolitan access via three train stations, and natural beauty continues to attract young professionals and retirees to this North Shore enclave. TRANSFORMING PARKS AND BEACHES Glen Cove’s revitalization began with infrastructure, as Mayor Panzenbeck’s administration systematically upgraded nearly every public space in the city. The transformation started at Morgan Park, the former JP Morgan property where decades of deferred maintenance had taken their toll. “We have upgraded the sea wall, renovated the bathrooms, put new hardy boards and roofs on the exterior structures,” Mayor Panzenbeck explains.“We rebuilt stairs that were collapsing from the upper park to the lower park. We’ve replaced all the rotted bricks on the historic pavilions and completely renovated the roofs.” The improvements go across all three city beaches. At Pryibil Beach, a dead tennis court became one of the most popular amenities in the city. “We took a dead tennis court and renovated it to become a volleyball court. It’s fenced in. It’s a sand volleyball court,” says Mayor Panzenbeck. “Of the many things Photo Credit: Office of the Mayor 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 GLEN COVE, NY
I’ve done, it is one of the most popular. It’s such a simple thing. People love it.” At the municipal golf course, years of neglect had resulted in a mildew-filled pro shop and a collapsed driving range. The city built a new pro shop, installed steel poles throughout the driving range, and attracted The Marker restaurant, which opened within the past year. “You have to make a reservation to get in there any night after five. It’s wonderful,” Mayor Panzenbeck notes. A $2.5 million sprinkler system replacement is scheduled for fall 2025. John Maccarone Memorial Stadium received similar attention, with a new retaining wall, upgraded fields, renovated bathrooms, and improved snack stands transforming the facility into a destination that prompts visitors to ask,“Is this the same place I was last year?” GLEN COVE’S CULINARY OFFERINGS Glen Cove’s dining scene has exploded with 20 new restaurants opening in 2023-2024 alone, transforming the city into a culinary destination that attracts food enthusiasts from across Long Island. Newsday’s food editor featured the city in January, highlighting establishments that range from authentic ethnic cuisine to upscale waterfront dining. “We have the only Nepalese restaurant on Long Island,” Mayor Panzenbeck proudly shares. “People came from Brooklyn to go to the Nepalese restaurant.” While in Kathmandu, which opened the Glen Cove location in 2024, serves dishes influenced by both Indian and Chinese cuisines. “Nepal borders India and China, so the food is influenced by both,” she explains. The restaurant boom spans every cuisine imaginable. Oak & Vine brings New American fare with its Symphony Room for private events. Pio Pio and Plado offer contemporary dining experiences, while La Bussola maintains its decades-long tradition of Italian cuisine.“We have a hot pot across the street. We have several ramen places. We really have a lot of options in terms of going out to eat,” says Mayor Panzenbeck. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
The waterfront development has added to Glen Cove’s dining landscape. Garvies Point Brewery anchors the esplanade, while Port Tiki, a new party boat, and Never Enuff fishing charters provide maritime entertainment options.The city also hosts a brewery next to City Hall, creating gathering spots throughout downtown. “We have just added a party boat called Port Tiki. It’s going to be docked down there,” Mayor Panzenbeck notes. “And Captain Nick of Never Enuff has two fishing boats that are going to be out there that people can take groups out fishing.”These additions complement the RXR development at Garvies Point, which continues to attract new residents and businesses to the waterfront. BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH ENTERTAINMENT AND WALKABILITY Every Friday night in July and August, Glen Cove Photo Credit: Roni Jenkins 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 GLEN COVE, NY
shuts down its Village Square for concerts that bring together residents. The Downtown Business Improvement District transforms the area into an outdoor festival where restaurants spill onto the streets and families dance until dark. “We shut down the streets and the local restaurants like the Downtown Cafe and Tocolo Cantina, the Mexican restaurant, serve outside,” Mayor Panzenbeck describes. “We have a brand-new ice cream parlor, Scoop N Fruit. And next door is the Downtown Cafe, so people are in the street eating and drinking, and the kids are there and everybody’s dancing; little kids up to seniors from the senior center.” Cultural development includes a new theater taking shape next to City Hall in a former hardware store. “The owner is actively fundraising and making progress as funds come in,” said Mayor Panzenbeck. “The space has been gutted, and once completed, it will feature children’s productions as well as a range of theatrical performances.” Glen Cove’s walkability earned recognition from AARP as an age-friendly city.“We have these monthly walk-with-a-doc programs, and it’s listed on AARP, and they’ve given us a nice designation,” notes Roni Jenkins, the city’s public relations representative. Infrastructure improvements support this pedestrian-friendly environment. Solar-powered trash compactors throughout downtown feature Th / M KetzWomen'sSurgicalCenter Glen Cove Hospital: A Commitment to Excellence in Patient Care CMS 5-Star Rating: Only 10% of hospitals nationwide achieve this distinction, reflecting our dedication to exceptional patient care outcomes Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A: Recognized for outstanding safety measures, with only 12% of hospitals earning this grade U.S. News & World Report: Ranked 24th in the nation for our premier Acute Rehabilitation and Parkinson’s Programs. Surgical Review Corporation (SRC): Seven prestigious awards for excellence in surgical care. Joint Commission Accreditation: Our Parkinson’s Program is the only accredited programs of its kind in New York State. 101 Saint Andrews Lane Glen Cove, NY 11542 (516) 674-7300 2024-2025 E X C E L L E N C E I N S A F E T Y , E F F I C A C Y & E F F I C I E N C Y OF EXCELLENCE ROBOTIC SURGERY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE E X C E L L E N C E I N S A F E T Y , E F F I C A C Y & E F F I C I E N C Y MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGY E X C E L L E N C E I N S A F E T Y , E F F I C A C Y & E F F I C I E N C Y OF EXCELLENCE WOMEN’S INTEGRATED SURGICAL HEALTH E X C E L L E N C E I N S A F E T Y , E F F I C A C Y & E F F I C I E N C Y OF EXCELLENCE MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY CENTER CENTER CENTER E X C E L L E N C E I N S A F E T Y , E F F I C A C Y & E F F I C I E N C Y OF EXCELLENCE HERNIA SURGERY NETWORK E X C E L L E N C E I N S A F E T Y , E F F I C A C Y & E F F I C I E N C Y OF EXCELLENCE CENTER 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
panels displaying images of Morgan Park’s gazebo. “They’re equipped with solar panels that power a compactor inside,” Mayor Panzenbeck explained. “At first, we weren’t sure if people would actually use them or if they might be misused—but overall, they’ve been a hit.” HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES Glen Cove’s housing market suggests both opportunity and tension as the city steers between development pressures and resident concerns. The RXR Garvies Point project, a $1 billion waterfront transformation, has already delivered 385 luxury rental units at Harbor Landing and 166 condos at The Beacon, where units sell from $923,000 to $2.2 million. “We have added right across the street, I believe it’s about 159 apartments in the Village Square where we have the concerts at night,” Mayor Panzenbeck details. “We’ve added three rental buildings down 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 GLEN COVE, NY
at the waterfront. They were part of the waterfront development. More is supposed to go there, but with COVID, it kind of all stopped and it’s starting up again.” Affordable housing remains a priority. Georgica Green Ventures, on of the rental buildings is a 55unit workforce housing development, operates by application pending income qualifications.“It’s called Georgica Green Ventures, and it had been by a lottery that you got into , now it is by application pending income approval. That’s down by the waterfront,” Mayor Panzenbeck explains.The city plans to pioneer workforce condominiums, enabling home ownership for middle-income buyers. Beneath these visible developments lies a critical infrastructure challenge. Glen Cove’s ancient water system requires $50 million in upgrades with $11.5 million in grants already secured.“One of the issues with infrastructure is our water.All our water mains, our water wells,” says Mayor Panzenbeck.“We finally, about two years ago, opened a new water well. We’ve had major water issues just because the water wells are all so old.” The city tackles this systematically, shutting down individual wells for repairs while maintaining service.“It’s very difficult when you’re a mayor because people like to see things,” she reflects. “There are so many projects that nobody sees that really need to be done.” SAFETY, SERVICES, AND RECOGNITION Glen Cove’s transformation encompasses fundamental quality-of-life metrics that distinguish it from neighboring communities.The city maintains its own police force, contributing to its ranking as the fourth safest city in New York State, with crime rates that place it in the 98th percentile nationally for safety. “We have our very own police force. We are the fourth safest city in the state of New York. People love that,” Mayor Panzenbeck emphasizes. The city’s comprehensive emergency services include the Fire Department which is fully volunteer, EMS services which comprise both paid and volunteer personnel, and harbor patrol units. Glen Cove Hospital, part of the Northwell Health system, provides local medical care and actively recognizes first responders. “Last night they had awards for our policemen and our EMS that saved a gentleman’s life. So, they all got great big awards,” she recounts. “And then the hospital, I believe, gave three of our EMS a $1,000 scholarship.” Financial stability underpins these services. When Mayor Panzenbeck took office, Glen Cove faced a $3.3 million deficit. By 2023, that deficit was reduced to $362,000, while in 2024, the city achieved its highest Moody’s credit rating in twenty years, and in 2025 the city has reached a budget surplus.“We’ve worked Photo Credit: Roni Jenkins 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
very hard to support our first responders, give them everything they need,” says Mayor Panzenbeck. The city’s business-friendly approach focuses on attracting unique retailers to downtown.Trubee Hill, voted Long Island’s best gift shop for three years running, exemplifies the desired merchant mix. “The gentlemen have a candle-making business, and they do a lot online, and they have the most beautiful gift shop,” Mayor Panzenbeck describes. Madeline’s Playhouse offers birthday parties with a carousel and specialty coffees for parents, while the Loop Bus provides transportation throughout the community for a nominal fee, the Glen Cove Senior Center provides a bus for members and Henry’s Luncheonette a restaurant proudly serving our community since 1929. THE MAYOR’S VISION FOR GLEN COVE’S FUTURE As Mayor Panzenbeck seeks a third term in 2025, her agenda focuses on completing the transformation she began four years ago. The immediate priorities are ambitious infrastructure goals and careful attention to preserving Glen Cove’s character while managing growth. “Just to keep the excitement and the renovation and the refurbishment of our city going,” Mayor Panzenbeck outlines. “Continue all the work that needs to be done on our golf course.We’ve completed a great number of projects just to make sure that we leave no stone unturned and get everything up and running.” The golf course improvements represent unfinished business, with the facility currently restored to 80 percent capacity. Personal connection drives the mayor’s dedication. “My family came here in the late 1840s from Ireland, and then another bunch came from Norway, probably 1860-ish. Most of them have always been here, so it’s important to me to make it a better place,” she reflects. Living in what she calls “the Gatsby area,” where the Pratt family mansions once lined the waterfront, Mayor Panzenbeck embodies Glen Cove’s ability to honor its past while building a community where longtime residents and newcomers find reasons to stay. Photo Credit: Office of the Mayor 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 GLEN COVE, NY
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Northwell – Glen Cove Hospital www.glencove.northwell.edu Glen Cove Hospital has proudly served the community for over a century. Our mission is to prioritize our patients in everything we do. We are committed to delivering compassionate, comprehensive healthcare that meets the highest standards of excellence. We believe in fostering a supportive environment where patients feel valued and empowered throughout their healthcare journey. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
WWW.GLENCOVENY.GOV WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE Glen Cove NY
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx