TD Bank Breaks Ground on Merrick Road

On Aug. 2, TD Bank broke ground on a new, 3,800 sq. foot bank that it will build on Merrick Road between Park Avenue and Long Beach Road. Bank officials said they expect it to be open for business by the end of November.

Jimmy Hernandez, a spokesman for TD Bank, said its banks often take anywhere from 3-4 months to erect, and Lorich Construction Management of Mineola will do the work for this location. He noted that it will compare in look and services to other TD banks, but they are currently collecting photos from local organizations and groups to construct a wall mural inside the bank.

"We blow [the pictures] up on the store wall and that's one of the ways we give back to the community," he said. "This is part of our large emphasis to be active members of the community."

TD Bank officials chose the downtown Merrick Road location because it provided the bank with high visibility and easy accessibility to its customers, Hernandez explained. "It is a great location and we feel there is a lot of growth opportunity in Rockville Centre," he said.

He added that the bank will hire around 15 part- and full-time employees, which it hopes to cull from local residents. It will also host a grand opening party with games, prizes and refreshments for kids and pets.

Chamber of Commerce President Larry Siegel explained that although he's concerned that another bank is opening in the village, he's happy to see the vacant lot where the bank will be built being used for commerce. "They're taking a unit of property that's been abandoned for years and I'm pro new businesses coming into the village," he said.

His one concern was that there's already several banks — five to be exact — within proximity of the soon-to-be TD Bank. "That part of the village is saturated with banks already," Siegel explained. "I hope that there's enough business that everyone can make money. That's what I worry about."