Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board joined with the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District and hundreds of local residents in dedicating ‘Billy Joel Way’ and presenting a ‘key to the town’ to legendary musician and environmental advocate Billy Joel. Officials, including Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Councilman Tom Hand, Councilwoman Laura Maier, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Receiver Jeff Pravato, as well as County Legislator Rose Marie Walker, also welcomed members of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District’s 6th Grade Advanced Band from James Vernon School, whose students performed for the music icon.
“Nothing chronicles the stories of our lives quite like music, and no one has told the story of what it was like to grow up here on Long Island quite like Billy Joel,” said Supervisor Saladino. “His lyrics speak for every one of us. We identify with him, and because of him, we all know that we share many of the same feelings, thoughts and experiences. In many ways, he brings us together as suburban Long Islanders.”
As a humanitarian, The Joel Foundation has made and pledged over $7 million in charitable donations with a focus on music education and humanitarian aid. While he has supported countless vital global relief efforts, Joel has often turned his attention to helping Long Islanders, as evidenced by his focus on Oyster Bay Harbor to ensure that is environmentally protected for future generations to enjoy. Recently, The Joel Foundation donated funds for a memorial in honor of baymen that work Oyster Bay Harbor. The foundation also announced the continuation of its long-term investment in Long Island’s only public arts high school, Long Island High School for the Arts.
“This street, in the Town where he has lived for many years, will forever serve as a reminder of Billy’s seemingly endless contributions to our community,” said Supervisor Saladino. “When people pass by this section of Audrey Avenue, from 20th Century Cycles down to Railroad Avenue, they will always know that a music legend grew up and lived in this Town, walked these very streets and made his mark upon our world.”