Strategically positioned with a Long Island Railroad station and Route 110 transit corridor, Amityville offers seamless connectivity to Manhattan in just 60 minutes, making it an attractive hub for commuters. Recent growth initiatives, including a $10 million Downtown Revitalization grant and new mixed-use developments, signal a forward-moving vision. As Siry puts it, “we need to change and adapt to keep growing,” ensuring Amityville balances small-town charm with modern progress. THE HEART OF AMITYVILLE: COMMUNITY AND CULTURE Amityville’s identity is rooted deeply in its nautical traditions and tight-knit community. Siry describes it as “a very nautical type village” with a long history of sailing, boating, and duck hunting, where outdoor living and cultural arts thrive side by side. “We definitely have a lot of people that are into the music and cultural arts around here,” he says, pointing to local venues like the Amityville Music Hall and The Warehouse as pillars of the vibrant scene. The Village’s interconnectedness shines brightest in times of adversity.“In times of need, like Superstorm Sandy, and any type of events that we’ve had like that, the community just comes together as one,” Siry explains. This closeness is woven into daily life, where, as the mayor jokes, “you have to be careful who you’re talking to because they’re probably related to somebody you’re talking about.” Whether through shared traditions or collective resilience, Amityville’s culture remains its greatest asset. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH Amityville’s downtown is undergoing a transformation, fueled by a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant from New York State with a focus on creating a more walkable and vibrant core. “We’re working on traffic calming as our overall thing,” says Siry, noting the need for a “road diet” along the state highway that cuts through downtown. Collaborating with the NYS Department of Transportation, the village aims to improve pedestrian safety while attracting new businesses like Mesita, a high-end Mexican restaurant that recently held its grand opening. While the village itself can’t offer tax rebates, it partners with the Town of Babylon’s Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to provide incentives. “The IDA helps out businesses that are coming in, and we work with the IDA to give them the tax incentives,” Siry explains. The village instead focuses on removing bureaucratic hurdles, like fasttracking outdoor dining permits during COVID, to support local businesses.“We love to work with the businesses, I think the best thing you can do for 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 AMITYVILLE, NY
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