Downtown merchants weather summer rain

Location was the prime factor when it came to downtown sales revenues this summer, as consistent rain and cooler temperatures aided inland towns and prompted a bit of a washout for many waterfront areas.

"It was almost like spring weather out there," said Gary Hudes, president of the Nassau

In a year where beachgoers, were disappointed by the soggy weather, many substituted the sand and humidity for concrete and more comfortable walking conditions.

"Whenever it rains it's good for business," said Julie Marchesella,

president of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce. "People tend to stay

local and come to the stores instead of the beach."

While sales figures were not yet in for the summer season, Marchesella expects them to show an increase over last year's summer sales.

Moreoever, the Patchogue Village Business Promotion Association said the summer was filled with promotions that helped lure people downtown. Launching its string of promotions in May with Mother's Day sales, money saving events carried on through September's backto-school, promotions, where customers who saved their receipts were able to win their money back.

In addition, the town provided street entertainment for its patrons.

"The rain has had no bearing on village merchants," said Lorice Fiala, chairperson of the Patchogue Village Business Promotion Association.

Patchogue was successful in boosting consumer traffic, she noted.

But waterfront store owners didn't see any silver linings in their rain clouds.

"Merchants have expressed that they have seen 50 percent less revenue over last year," said Les Marbles, president of the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce.

To what does Marbles attribute the loss?

"The rain," he said. "I usually see traffic backed up on Route 106 because of people going to the beach - it has not been backed up this summer."

On a typical hot, summer day it usually is near impossible to find parking spot along the streets or space on the boat ramp of this quaint North Shore town, where patrons frequent the restaurants and delis before and after their day on the water.

"You don't go fishing when it's raining and you don't go sailing when it's pouring," Marbles said.

The town is looking forward to its OysterFest, which is taking place Oct. 14-15 and usually hosts 250,000 people each year.

"The event takes place rain or shine," Marbles said. "Let's just hope it doesn't rain."

To help maintain economic viability, Oyster Bay recently established a Quality Communities Steering Committee that, among other projects, will help plan a revitalization of its downtown area.

The committee met once this summer and plans to meet again later this month, to discuss the process of gathering information on the demographics and the needs of the town.

"In an age of computers there is nothing that beats face-to-face dialogue," said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto.

The committee will also conduct a communitywide survey that will depict the desires of its residents and will help shape future plans.

Keeping downtown areas aesthetically pleasing is also important when trying to attract customers.

Patchogue has already put $100,000 toward street and sidewalk repavement with the aid of its Business Improvement District; and Merrick is in the process of revitalizing its downtown and adding new stores including a movie theater, book store and pet store. Freeport, Glen Cove and others have done the same.

"Overall the downtown areas are making a comeback," Marchesella said, "The customers I see have had it with malls."

"The key is to stay competitive," she said. "Downtowns offer specialty stores and personalized service."