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AMITYvIlle _____________
HERALD ReCORD
Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa
Three fires erupt; 1 pronounced dead
Governor speaks at LIA breakfast
FSD educator recognized
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VOL. 130, NO. 3
JAN. 15-21, 2025
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Welcome Mesita! New restaurant set to open in Amityville in early February By CAROLYN JAMES
Photo: Courtesy of S.C. Leg. Jason Ribhberg
Veteran Charles Vinciulla, of Amityville, being honored at the S.C. Legislature by Legislator Jason Richberg.
Vinciulla named ‘Veteran of the Year’ Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg honored Charles Vinciulla of Amityville as the 15th Legislative District’s 2024 “Veteran of the Year” at the legislature’s general meeting on November 26. Earlier last year, the Suffolk County Legislature approved a resolution establishing an annual recognition of a “Veteran of the Year” from each legislative dis-
trict. This initiative coincides with the national celebration of Veterans Day and underscores Suffolk County’s commitment to honoring the courage, patriotism, and sacrifice of all military veterans. Each year legislators select a veteran residing within their district to be honored. This recognition celebrates the inspiring service of local veterans CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
cjames@liherald.com The long-anticipated opening of Amityville’s newest restaurant, Mesita, is expected early February with the owners saying they are excited to be in Amityville and look forward to bringing fineMexican food with a modern flair to its customers. “More than three years ago, we decided to transform this beautiful, historical building into a breathtaking restaurant,” said Joe Lopez, general manager. The restaurant is at 8 Greene Avenue (the former Chase Bank Building) and has 25–30-foot ceilings, balcony overlooking the first level, decorated with trees in the center. The restaurant, part of a chain with locations in Garden City, Port Washington and Rockville Centre, can offer catered events for up to 75 people. “We knew Amityville was perfectly located between Massapequa and Babylon and Farmingdale and we love that we have Vittorio’s right next door, as well as the Warehouse and Amityville Music Hall—all of which complement our restaurant,” said Lopez. “We love to hear that,” said Amityville Village
Mayor Dennis Siry. “This is definitely going to be a boost for Amityville.” Anticipating the need for additional parking for this restaurant and other businesses in the area, Amityville Trustees Mike O’Neill and Kevin Smith are proposing a short-term plan to provide free parking on the north side of the railroad station tentatively from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday. “We will work and communicate with the businesses, particularly Vittorio’s, The Music Hall, The Warehouse, Amity Ales and Mesita to ask them to promote the free parking,” said O’Neill. Smith added that after the free parking program is in place for a while, the Village Board will review it and consider what else, if anything needs to be done, or what changes to the plan the Village should consider. Mesita is holding a job fair Thurs., Jan 16, 3-7 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 17, 1-4 p.m., and Sat., Jan 18, 1-4 p.m., at the restaurant for servers, food runners, bartenders, hostesses, line cooks and floor managers. Their phone number is 631520-5383. In other business the VilCONTINUED ON PAGE 4