$500G to help restore Oyster Bay buildings

About 10 downtown Oyster Bay historic buildings that no longer look the part will get face-lifts or full restorations thanks to a new state grant.

The work was made possible when the Oyster Bay Main Street Association two weeks ago was awarded $500,000 to further its efforts in revitalizing the hamlet's business district. The grant announced by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo was part of the $101.6 million Long Island will be receiving for "transformative projects."

"It's going to allow us to continue to revitalize and strengthen our historic downtown," association executive director Isaac Kremer said.

The money will be allocated in a two-block area containing 36 properties, of which 23 meet the grant criteria for funding. Kremer estimated about 10 would apply for grants.

The association showed two years ago that even a modest state grant can improve rundown historic buildings by providing owners with the means to restore facades, erect new signs, or gut and renovate interiors. A $200,000 grant from the same program paid for the renovation of eight buildings, four of them vacant at the time. The improvements led to three new businesses opening in the rehabilitated buildings, officials said.

In addition to major rehabilitation projects, the earlier grant enabled Jack Halyards American Bar & Grill on South Street to expand, Kremer said.

"We also helped turn around some of the symbols of blight -- the vinyl-sided buildings, the vinyl-shingle buildings that just don't fit in a historic downtown," he said. "We were able to remove some of those less-desirable features and reveal the great historic character that is there."

Now the buildings have historically appropriate siding, windows and light fixtures, with new awnings and signs.

Property and business owners can apply for a portion of the grant money if historic properties are in danger of being lost, threats to public health and safety exist, projects have a residential component, or the work would contribute to the economic revitalization of the downtown area. The money could be used for major reconstruction projects or smaller efforts such as new signs and awnings.

Stephen Vaccaro, who bought the vacant and dilapidated Townsend Inn Annex building at 9 Audrey Ave. two years ago and then received a $40,000 association grant for renovations, said "it worked out terrific."

"The building was very run-down," he said. "The storefront was empty and the roof had holes in it."

Now it resembles its appearance in 1907 photographs, with a half-round window above the attic window back in place and new signs and lights.

Shortly after the repairs were completed, a consignment shop rented the store.

"I think it's something that's very nice now on Audrey Avenue," Vaccaro said.