Around Lindenhurst: New downtown shops

Like other Long Island downtown areas impacted by the recession, Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst has seen its share of stores close. A couple of establishments have opened successfully in the past few years, including The Village Lanterne, a German restaurant that opened in 2007, and Andrew Steven Salon, which opened in 2009. But they have been few and far between. That’s why it’s been nice to see a number of new businesses crop up.

More recently, Mangia un Buon Piatto, an Italian restaurant at 183 S. Wellwood Ave., across from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, opened in early February; Top Bun of Lindenhurst, a casual hamburger eatery at 136 S. Wellwood Ave., next to CVS, opened at the end of December. Another Italian Restaurant, Villa Gaia, is expected to open soon on the northwest corner of Wellwood Avenue and Hoffman Avenue.

Along with these new restaurants, a Subway is getting ready to open near Patsy’s Bakery, at 199 S. Wellwood Ave., and construction is under way next to Andrew Steven Salon, where a bridal salon will be located.

One of the big issues facing the downtown area is the possibility of CVS moving from its location at 150 S. Wellwood Ave. to the northeast corner of Wellwood Avenue and Montauk Highway. The building at that corner, for years home to the Lindenhurst Movie Theater, would need to be knocked down.

The Village Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the issue at 7 p.m. March 17 at Village Hall, 430 S. Wellwood Ave.

Here are other upcoming local events:

* The Bay Rats of the Lindenhurst Fire Department will hold its annual St. Patty's Day Party at the Firemen’s Park Pavilion on Heling Boulevard at 8 p.m March 12. Funds raised will benefit the department. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Admission includes dinner of corned beef, ham or pasta, open bar, Irish dancers, DJ entertainment and door prizes. To purchase tickets, call 631-957-7532.

* The Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Council 794, will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day Dance from 7 to 11 p.m. March 12, at 400 S. Broadway. The event includes a corned beef and cabbage dinner, open bar, DJ entertainment and Irish step dancers. The Irish honoree is member and trustee Kevin McCaffrey. Tickets are $25 per person. Call Jim Mahaney for tickets at 631-226-3240.

* The Lindenhurst Public Schools board of education will hold budget workshops at 7 p.m. March 15 and March 23. The first meeting will be at the McKenna Administration Building, 350 Daniel St.; the second at Lindenhurst High School. The location of the March 23 meeting was changed recently to accommodate a larger crowd, a district spokeswoman said.

* For all those chocolate lovers, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church will hold its annual Chocolate Festival from noon to 2 p.m. March 20, at 36 East John St. There will be a contest for the best chocolate dessert. Call 631-226-1274 for more information.

Jennifer Schmitt is a Lindenhurst resident and marketing professional. You can find her on Twitter at @aroundlindy. Send event and other notices to aroundlindenhurst@gmail.com for consideration in “Around Lindenhurst."

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