“We’re not a town or a city or a borough—we’re a village, which is unique to New York state and Long Island,” explains Mayor Edwin Fare, a thirdgeneration Valley Streamer who has served as mayor for 14 years.“For years I’ve been saying we’re a great big-small town. We like people to realize as soon as they leave Queens that they’ve entered Nassau County, the incorporated village of Valley Stream.” The village’s location provides residents with exceptional transportation options. Valley Stream hosts one of the larger stations on the Long Island Railroad, offering a 30-minute commute to Manhattan. The community also benefits from proximity to major air travel hubs. “We have a direct line to Kennedy Airport via the Air Train. From Valley Stream, you can take the train to Jamaica Station that connects you to John F. Kennedy Airport, one of the largest airports in the world,” says Barbara DeGrace, Assistant to the Mayor. “We really are a very quick commute into the city and, as we like to say, to the world.” This strategic positioning between urban and suburban environments has shaped Valley Stream’s development approach. With 12,000 single-family homes and numerous parks, the village maintains its residential character while embracing smart growth initiatives that support its thriving business district and diverse community needs. GREEN SPACES AND RECREATION Valley Stream’s extensive green spaces serve as the cornerstone of its community identity, with over 100 acres of parkland creating an unexpected suburban oasis just minutes from New York City. This substantial green infrastructure exceeds the national median of 15 acres per 1,000 residents recommended by urban planning experts. “We like to differentiate ourselves from the New York City Borough of Queens right away by highlighting our hundred acres of parkland, which surprises most visitors,” says Mayor Fare.“We have very large parks, pools, and true to our village name, Valley Stream has many streams, ponds, and a beautiful lake.” The village’s environmental stewardship extends 41 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 VALLEY STREAM, NY
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