Save the Valencia Tavern!

The Valencia is one of Huntington's most iconic taverns. At almost 100 years of age, this local watering hole is the second oldest bar in town. Now this historic establishment, the one-time haunt of famed Long Islanders like Billy Joel, is being threatened by developers. They want to tear down the Valencia and build yet another generic mixed-use property in its place. We feel that demolishing the Valencia would do irreparable harm to the fabric of the community. As a town that cares about its heritage, we strongly request the Town Board and Council to consider the importance of this establishment, and to reject the planned development. We ask them to intervene to protect the Valencia, and to support our efforts to get landmark status for this piece of Huntington history.

What makes the Valencia so special isn't just its storied past, but the community that can be found within its walls. A truly local bar, the Valencia brings together people from every generation (over 21!) and walk of life. Whether it's hosting the local darts championship year after year, or providing a venue for a joyful rock-and-roll holiday concert just before Christmas, the Valencia is where Huntingtonians come together to laugh, chat, and mingle with friends and strangers alike. It is a place where grandparents can bring their grandsons and granddaughters to have a beer and view the vast collection of historical photographs lining the bar's walls that provide glimpses of Huntington over the past 150 years.

We all know that our history is precious, and disappearing. New, generic, bland businesses line the streets of most American towns. They are a dime a dozen, interchangeable and soulless. We forget at our own peril that not all the value of a town is monetary or increased by a speedy real estate deal. The value of a town is its people, its heritage, its community. Once a place like the Valencia closes, that value is lost and can never be fully recovered. Please help us save the Valencia!