Town board approves honorary street naming for Villa Milano founders Don and Eli Bekteshi

The Town of North Hempstead on July 8 moved to honor Don and Eli Bekteshi with an honorary street designation along a portion of Plandome Road after an hourlong public hearing filled with family recollections and community testimonials.

Supporters described Villa Milano as a neighborhood institution that welcomed generations of residents, hosted fundraisers and helped neighbors in emergencies. ‘‘They made us feel like we were walking into their home,’’ read a letter from Elaine Phillips and the Quan family read into the record by Supervisor DeSena. Sal Bekteshi, speaking for the family, thanked the board and described his father’s and uncle’s decades-long ties to the community.

Residents recounted personal stories about the brothers’ generosity. ‘‘When hurricane Sandy hit, he made sure that the workers who were working 24 hours around the clock got fed,’’ said Richard Lesinski. Matthew Dono, president of the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce and a longtime resident, told the board Villa Milano ‘‘was part of my life’’ and praised the family’s steady presence.

After public testimony, Supervisor DeSena moved to close the hearing and offer the resolution for adoption. Members on the board voiced support in turn and the measure was adopted. The resolution formalizes an honorary secondary street name to commemorate the Bekteshi brothers’ decades of community service and to recognize Villa Milano’s role as a social and civic fixture.

The designation is ceremonial: it does not change official property addresses or replace the existing street name. The town clerk will arrange installation of an honorary sign as provided in the resolution.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote.