Street to Be Named for Billy Joel
One of the Hamptons’ most famous residents and musicians, Billy Joel, may soon have his own road.
The proposed “Billy Joel Boulevard” would be the portion of Route 107 that runs through Nassau County in the Town of Oyster Bay, as outlined in the recent bill presented before the New York State Assembly. (Though, if you read the fine print, the “official name” of the highway will not change, and the designation will be one of a “ceremonial nature.”)
According to the bill’s sponsor, Republican Assemblyman Michael Montesano of Glen Head, Joel has expended a great deal of his time and resources to boost the economy and aid the residents of Oyster Bay. The Hicksville native opened a motorcycle shop in downtown Oyster Bay, 20th Century Cycles, which many feel has brought more foot traffic and jobs to the town. He has also helped raise awareness for organizations such as the North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association, Friends of the Bay, and the annual Oyster Bay Harbor Cleanup Day.
Joel was featured prominently in a benefit concert to support Superstorm Sandy relief. If it counts for anything, he once let me touch one of his bikes outside of the American Hotel. On top of all of that philanthropy, Joel is Long Island’s only six-time Grammy award-winner and has recorded 33 Top 40.
If passed, the bill would take effect immediately, and the stretch of Oyster Bay’s South Broadway between East John Street and West Old Country Road will forever be the Piano Man’s. The bill has yet to gain approval from the Assembly’s current Democratic majority, but who could deny the Hamptons hit-maker this one?