________ Franklin square/elmont _______
HERALD Vol. 27 No. 15
New budget for Sewanhaka CHSD
More stores open in Belmont Park
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APRIl 10 - 16, 2025
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PSEG boosts Franklin Square businesses economic growth. The three programs presented by Bryson were the Main PSEG Long I s l a n d Street Revitalization, Vacant announced several programs Space Revival and Community available to business owners in Thrive Program. The Main Street RevitalizaFranklin Square that of fer financial incentives for energy tion program, Bryson said, is aimed at new busiefficiency upgrades, nesses, existing busibeautification projnesses, businesses ects, business relorelocating to the cations and more. area, and expanding Christine Bryson, businesses. an economic develIt awards up to opment specialist $25,000 for building for PSEG, presented façade renovations, three programs interior upgrades, funded through the and streetscape Long Island-based enhancements, e n e r g y c o m p a ny according to the during the Franklin N e w Yo rk S t a t e Square Chamber of Division of Housing Commerce meeting and Community at Trotter’s Bar and Grill on April 2. SANtINo SARRICA Renewal. The grants, some “These are great president, of which are adminp r o g r a m s, ” s a i d FSCC istered by the state, Santino Sarrica, were introduced by president of the FSCC. “We encourage everyone the Housing Trust Fund Corporation in 2004 and are managed to take advantage of them.” According to Sarrica, the by the Office of Community FSCC is looking into new ini- Renewal. Businesses interested tiatives to support local busi- in the localized program can nesses and the community by apply at PSEGLINY.com. Businesses already awarded revitalizing town infrastruct u re, p ro m o t i n g a e s t h e t i c grants through the program improvements and encouraging Continued on page 19
By RENEE DeloRENZo
rdelorenzo@liherald.com
W
Rei Wolfsohn/Herald
Meera Empowerment is hosting a prom giveaway! Join Meera Empowerment founders Savitre Ferdinand, left, and Selene Ferdinand, along with You’re Our Unity’s LeShawn Walker, on April 26 for their fourth annual Prom Dress and Suit Drive at Sewanhaka High School. Story, more info, page 19.
Digital divide leaves seniors struggling to stay informed By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Seniors in Elmont say that accessing information about the community is becoming increasingly difficult as announcements move from traditional paper formats to digital platforms. Gathering for a Senior Chat at the Elmont Memorial Library last Friday, seniors cited a lack of access to technology, an absence of help from young people, and disabilities that impair their ability to use computers and smartphones, as the causes of their struggles. According to a 2024 Pew Research survey, 90 percent of seniors use the internet. That leaves
10 percent of a growing segment of the American population virtually unplugged. Library member Cynthia Hervey, who comes from her home in Stewart Manor to join the Elmont library’s Friday morning Senior Chat, has physical obstacles that prevent her from transitioning to digital platforms. Hervey, 81, suffered a stroke 35 years ago, and cannot easily use computers and cellphones because of its lingering effects. The parts of her brain that process and comprehend images and words, she explained, were among the areas impacted by her stroke. Information on paper, she said, is much easier for her Continued on page 2
e want to see Franklin Square thrive. The more people that participate, the more the word gets out.