The Town Board voted unanimously last Thursday to declare an overlay Cultural Arts District along Lake Avenue in St. James. The Cultural Arts District encompasses all of Lake Avenue from Route 25A at the St. James Firehouse on the north end down to Woodlawn Avenue on the south end.
A Cultural Arts District is a designated area within a community that highlights the arts, culture and entertainment to the general public. It is a unique portion of the town or city where residents and visitors alike can experience one of a kind features within the town.
“This is history repeating itself with historic buildings as our canvas and a vibrant civic minded community as our paintbrush. Cultural Arts Districts are proven economic development tools, especially when combined with urban rejuvenation efforts like repurposing vacant storefronts or renewing blighted neighborhoods. We have a real renaissance to look forward to thanks to creative views and public opinion combined with our outstanding team of planners and organizations like Celebrate St. James.” – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
Designated Cultural Arts Districts have helped towns and cities to serve as a powerful economic driver when coinciding with revitalization efforts. Cultural Arts Districts from big cities, like Pittsburgh, to small towns, such as Woodstock and Patchogue, are examples of great economic growth through careful planning, downtown revitalization efforts and carefully designated districting.
On Sunday, May 5th at 11am, Celebrate St. James; the non-profit group that helped to spearhead the St. James Cultural Arts District, will host a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Gazebo located at the St. James LIRR station.
St. James LIRR Station is located at 542, 592 Lake Avenue in St. James.