Baldwin groups aim to grow local business

Annie Pak (center), owner of New Sensation Nails on Merrick... — Annie Pak (center), owner of New Sensation Nails on Merrick Road in Baldwin, poses for a picture during a ribbon cutting with New York State Sen. Dean G. Skelos (in a green jacket to the right of Pak), 4th District Town Councilman Anthony J. Santino (to Pak's left) and members of the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association. (March 3, 2012) Credit: Daniel Brennan

By AISHA AL-MUSLIMaisha.al-muslim@newsday.comMarch 3, 2012

Two key groups in Baldwin have partnered to revitalize the hamlet's main commercial areas and show that it's more than vacant lots and boarded-up storefronts.

The Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the Baldwin Civic Association are working together to bring in new businesses. Saturday they hosted a tour of nine new, renovated and relocated businesses on Merrick Road, Grand Avenue and Atlantic Avenue.

"We are trying to put the beautiful back in Baldwin," said Linda Degen, co-president of the civic association.

Erik Mahler, chamber co-president, said the owners of the nine businesses were all part of the 100-member chamber. He said about 90 percent of local business customers live in the hamlet, which has about 24,000 people.

"People see the potential growth here and the wonderful residents that live here," Mahler said. "A lot of people are beginning to see Baldwin in a positive light instead of a negative light."

Hempstead Town Senior Councilman Anthony Santino, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, state Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) and Assemb. Brian Curran (R-Lynbrook) also participated in the business tour.

Sharon Jackson-Smikles, owner of Little Ochie Caribbean American Cuisine Restaurant, is one of four business owners who recently opened new stores. The 12-year Baldwin resident opened her restaurant on Atlantic Avenue and Grand Boulevard about a month ago to serve the "melting pot" that is her community, she said.

"My children said 'Mommy has a great kitchen . . . Stretch the kitchen to the community,' " said Jackson-Smikles, a registered nurse.

Married couple Kathy, 56, and Joe Russo, 58, of North Merrick, reopened their New Old Venice Inn restaurant in October after their store was damaged during a major fire in May 2010. A sewing store and a pizzeria also recently opened on the block.

"We didn't know what our future would be, but we have gotten a lot of support from the Baldwin community," said Joe Russo, whose family business has been around since 1935. "We didn't hesitate to rebuild here."

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