In the early 1900s, the town of Jericho was home to the Muttontown cider mill. It was a thriving, affluent community. The community was founded in 1905, and in the 1920s the first public elementary school was built. The water tower was added in 1952. In 1958, the NYDOT demolished the "Old Jericho." The village was also home to the New York Community Bank Theatre, originally the home of the Westbury Music Fair.
One of the most successful developments in the village is the Myrtle Avenue shopping center. This complex features large department stores and convenient on-site parking. The adjacent Franklin Avenue shopping area, meanwhile, has had its share of challenges over the last decade, but a recent streetscape beautification project has addressed many problems. The Franklin Avenue corridor is home to major department store anchors and convenience commercial uses.
A pedestrian-friendly village center could be developed along the Jericho Turnpike, which connects Jericho with Mineola. The village center would encompass the stretch of land between Marcellus Road and the LIRR overpass, and would be connected to the town's center through Maple Place and Pennsylvania Avenue intersection. Pedestrian improvements along these intersections would increase the appeal of the village, while preserving the character of the residential neighborhoods.
A free-flowing underpass would reduce the volume of traffic while maintaining the quality of life. The neighborhood's residential streets are narrow and largely residential. Nevertheless, two at-grade railroad crossings remain on the boulevard. The new underpass would eliminate the need for two at-grade railroad crossings. This, in turn, would reduce traffic volumes throughout the neighborhood. Once completed, the new underpass would provide a smoother commute.