The retail corridor spans five blocks along Kings Highway, between Ocean Parkway and McDonald Avenue, and is located in the neighborhood where Mr. Scarano was raised.

For three generations, Robert Scarano’s family has been a part of this wonderful, global village of a community. So when some of his neighbors got together, reaching into their own pockets to improve the proverbial ‘town square,’ we joined them by donating our design expertise and project management services.

The Scarano team, supervised by another longtime Gravesend neighbor, project manager Albert Faks, has completed many of the streetscape designs, including new sidewalks, new street furniture, and classically styled lamp posts, possibly with clocks. Sleekly modern waste receptacles have replaced the old trash cans, giving the streets a more uniform appearance. In addition, plans are being submitted to the City for curbside planters, additional trees, and, eventually, muni meters to replace the rows of rag-tag parking meters that currently line the streets.

A small mall at the crossroads of East Fourth and Fifth streets, featuring a colorful array of trees and flowers, was among the association’s first projects completed last spring. The addition of the mall has not only made a visual impact on the street, but its location between the intersecting streets has resulted in eight more parking spaces for the area and an immediate boon to nearby businesses.

Reflective of the neighborhood, the local retail runs the gamut from Kosher shawarma restaurants and pizza parlors to fashion boutiques, pet stores, and mom-and-pop groceries. The new plans also include public seating in strategic areas and tee guards to protect existing trees.