New York Senate Gives Its Blessing to Billy Joel Boulevard
The proposed “Billy Joel Boulevard” is closer to becoming a reality.
Republican Assemblyman Michael Montesano of Glen Head sponsored a bill to rename the portion of Route 107 that runs through Nassau County in the Town of Oyster Bay. In addition to his place in Sag Harbor, Billy Joel lives in Oyster Bay.
According to Montesano, 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. On top of all of that philanthropy, Joel is Long Island’s only six-time Grammy award-winner and has recorded 33 Top 40 hits.
The bill did not make it to the governor’s desk in 2014, but the legislation was reintroduced in 2015 and passed the New York State Senate last week with the help of sponsor Senator Jack Martins of Mineola. Now it must pass the Assembly before it can go before Governor Andrew Cuomo for his signature.
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.