Farmingdale, N.Y.- Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi was on hand, Monday, October 27, 2003, to watch the demolition of the Raven's Nest, a former adult entertainment club, which has stood abandoned on Hempstead Turnpike in Farmingdale for roughly five years. County Executive Suozzi was joined Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto; Farmingdale Mayor Joseph Trudden; Nassau OTB President Larry Aaronson; Nassau OTB Director of Corporate Affairs William Funk; and Michael Grello, President of the Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale.

"I am very pleased to be able to rid this beautiful community of this long-standing eyesore, which has only deteriorated over the last five years," County Executive Suozzi said. "I look forward to clearing this valuable property so it can be used to profit and benefit Farmingdale and South Farmingdale."

The unsightly site was demolished as a direct result of a recent Economic Development Tour and Meeting, hosted by County Executive Suozzi on Monday, October 20, 2003, which allowed Farmingdale residents a hand in shaping the future of their community. During the tour and meeting, the County Executive discussed a number of local issues with Farmingdale residents and community officials including their concerns over the Raven's Nest site and the community's overall vision for economic development.

Nassau County Off Track Betting (OTB) has a very successful branch next door to the Raven's Nest property, which produces a great deal of revenue for Nassau County. OTB President Larry Aaronson and the OTB Board of Directors recognized a parking problem at the OTB location and recently bought the Ravens Nest property, as well as received the necessary permits, to demolish the building and expand parking.

"Our initial plans are to use this additional property for parking and to beautify and cleanup the area," Mr. Aaronson said. "This will serve both our customers and the surrounding community."

"For almost three years, the Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale has worked to remove this blight from our community," Mr. Grello said. "It is very rewarding to see Nassau County work together with our citizens, the village and the town to make a better tomorrow. Now that the blight will be gone, we also hope to follow a path that will be a benefit for the entire community."