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Much as happened in the last two weeks alone: In order for these and other emerging Smart Growth projects to be successful, there needs to be: 1) a market for the development; 2) infrastructure in place or readily available to support the density; 3) a community planning process or, at a minimum, involvement and support; and 4) Smart Growth design principles that adapt the development into the context of the community so it adds to the quality of life as well as the local economy. I had an opportunity to present to the LI Chapter of the Sierra Club last week and review many of the Smart Growth projects proposed in varying downtowns across Long Island. I also was able to speak on News 12's Long Island Talks program with Matt Meng from the East Norwich Civic Association. It was surprising that the callers were not as fervent in their opposition and were, in fact, supporting a nine story building in downtown Mineola. The key for our success is to pick up the pace on downtown development, while discouraging overdevelopment outside commercial corridors and transit centers. We have a long way to go in this area and look forward to working closely with our civic and community organizations across Long Island, as well as local business and government leaders. Stay tuned. In other news, we have extended the deadline for nominations for Smart Growth Awards until March 14th. We have a number of great applications but we want to cast the widest net possible this year. |
Density in downtowns has been the theme of the year, from the multiple projects proposed across Long Island including Mineola, Patchogue, Riverhead, Islandia, and Farmingdale, to new energy for Smart Growth in Albany, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties, as well as the publication of the latest Long Island Index report. It is funny that over 100 years ago, Long Island downtowns had 2-4 story buildings that were limited in height only by the amount of stairs folks would climb. To hear folks opposed to modest density increases based on fears of urbanization is frustrating. The good news is that the tide is turning and we may be able to see the types of planning and development we have all been working at so diligently.|
Be a Smart Growth News or Smart Talk Visionary
Archives of Smart Talk and Smart Growth News Weekly are available on our website. For more information on this chance to be at the forefront of Long Island’s Smart Growth Movement, call Vision Long Island, 631-261-0242 or email info@visionlongisland.org. |
We invite you to strengthen and sustain VISION's e-news publications by becoming a Smart Talk Visionary. For $500, you can sponsor Smart Growth News, our weekly publication. In recognition, your firm’s logo and a short description of your work will be featured in every issue. For $1,000, your organization can sponsor Smart Talk. This monthly news resource will include your firm’s logo and feature revolving articles on the organizations helping inform Long Island.|
Smart Growth Awards Nomination Deadline Extended
Last year, over 500 people came out to honor projects from across the Island in fields such as mixed-use development, green building, and regional leadership. See more on last year's event here. Nomination forms and other materials can be mailed to our office at 24 Woodbine Ave., Suite One, Northport, NY 11768, sent by fax to 631-754-4452, or emailed to info@visionlongisland.org. Please send high-quality copies, as we cannot ensure the return of materials. Sponsorship packages are available. Reserve your seats today. Click here for the nomination form or here for the registration form.
State Smart Growth Cabinet Head Visits Long Island
The event was hosted in part with the Long Island Regional Planning Board and Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy. Michael White, Executive Director of the Long Island Regional Planning Board began the morning by introducing Michael Harrison, the Long Island Director for Governor Spitzer’s office.
Mr. Harrison added that the regional council aims to forge relationships with various groups who can help to provide feedback to Albany and shape a transparent dialogue throughout New York’s region through a “bottom-up process”.
Coordination between the various levels of government is imperative, but having the resources to support any growth’s infrastructure is paramount. He proposed revolving state and federal funds for infrastructure including roads and sewers; “we have the plans, but need the help and resources to march forward in a very progressive balanced way.”
While Long Island is aware of Smart Growth, it is also cursed by local factionalism that often derails Smart Growth projects. Coordination and a transparent public process are keys to fostering a regional concept and understanding. The Cabinet must combine the knowledge and awareness on Long Island with goals and resources from the State.
Mineola Nine-Story Building Approved with Support of Community and Local Government
The project’s success thus far illustrates that higher density, when designed well, can be strongly supported by the community. According to the article, Mayor Martins said that “the site of the Polimeni plan is an appropriate location for this type of density.” The condos are surrounded by office buildings of similar height and traffic will not be an issue as the plan features underground parking and is about one block from Mineola’s LIRR station. The project will also have a 20% affordable component for seniors in the Village. Additionally, this project will bring more pedestrian activity, and thus new life and vitality to downtown Mineola beyond the business day. More information can be found on Polimeni International's website. Nassau Business and Community Planning Coalition Holds Meeting with Lighthouse Design Team
Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce President Rich Bivone kicked off the meeting with enthusiasm, stressing that the Lighthouse development had the opportunity to do great things for Nassau County and the region at large.
After the formal presentation, the floor was opened up for questions. The main themes that emerged revolved mainly around traffic, mass transit, and retail. The consensus was that there needed to be a transit context study in conjunction with the County and the State that incorporates a study of existing retail to ensure that the project is complimentary to what already exists. For example, Baltimore's inner harbor redevelopment revitalized the area by bringing in new retail while attracting people to what already existed.
For more information, visit our YouTube channel to watch some short clips of the meeting. Full plans and details are available on the Lighthouse project's website or from PR Coordinator Katrina Doell at 516-414-5801. Patchogue Poised to Make Strides in Redevelopment
The mixed-use development would help revitalize downtown Patchogue with additional housing stock, attract a diversity of residents and ages, and utilizes adaptive reuse of vacant buildings including the former library. Mr. Nolan notes that the apartments would be targeted to young working families and retirees; 60% of the apartments would be rented at affordable housing rates, from $985 to $2,500. Supported by data and statistics from economist Dr. Pearl Kamer, the project would “help to retain young people and not be a burden on the local school district.” According to the article, the proposed project would also “add $3.5 million in discretionary spending into the local economy and create 2,300 temporary jobs and 400 full-time permanent jobs. It would also create $13.67 million in total revenue.” Funding a project of such magnitude requires density, which goes hand in hand with infrastructure like sewers and parking. Fortunately, Patchogue has these features in conjunction with support from local leadership. While the plan has yet to be finalized, including securing one or two national high-end retailers to attract local retailers, it has a strong concept containing the necessary retail, commercial and living components basic for downtown revitalization. If all the necessary approvals are obtained, construction aims to being in the fall or by end of 2008 so there should be more interesting updates to come on this exciting proposal. Read the full article here. Mastic Beach Revitalization Under Way
According to the article, civic groups and residents have been trying for several years to initiate the “cleanup” of the Suffolk County South Shore communities of Mastic, Mastic Beach and Shirley. Many residents and officials claim that the shabby state of the South Shore is largely due to the presence of rental properties that are leased out by absentee landlords and illegal rentals that violate building codes. "You are never going to get rid of rentals, however, this is where we are working with the Town of Brookhaven to enforce town codes," said Suffolk Legis. Kate Browning (WF-Shirley).
Vision Long Island and the Town of Brookhaven Planning Department organized the Visioning process in Mastic Beach that resulted in the revitalization plan for both Mastic Rd. and Neighborhood Rd. |
Due to a strong response from the community, VISION is extending the deadline for Smart Growth Award nominations to Friday, March 14th, 2008. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 12th, from 11:30am to 2:00pm at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. 
An introduction to Governor Spitzer’s Smart Growth Cabinet was given at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on February 19th. 
Supported by an enthusiastic audience from a broad range of backgrounds, Mr. Harrison noted that such well attended meetings confirmed the potential for Smart Growth, saying that, “There is a critical mass of Long Islanders who are ready and willing… looking to help just as we are looking to be helped.” 
Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy also stressed the potential for Smart Growth principles to unite towns, villages, and planners to think regionally about many of Long Island’s challenges, including housing and transportation. 
The Cabinet's new Director of Smart Growth Planning, Paul Beyer, emphasized the economic imperative for Smart Growth. According to Mr. Beyer, maintaining the region’s economic competitiveness relies upon improving the quality of life by preserving open space, enhancing accessibility (with pedestrian and bicycle friendly streets), affordable housing for the changing demographics and shifting market trends. 
The morning’s attendees, including those on the Long Island Regional Planning Board, were eager to have their voices heard and questions answered by Mr. Beyer and Mr. Harrison. Natalie Gaebelein, President of the nascent Next Generation affordable housing group “Stay on Long Island,” asked the council to consider the importance of keeping young professionals on Long Island as part of maintaining the economic vitality of the region and advocates for change. Another attendee asked Mr. Breyer about transportation alternatives as a factor in the discussions. Offering the services of DOT Commissioner Astrid Glynn, who implemented Massachusetts’ Smart Growth program, Mr. Breyer ensured the audience that the connection between land use and transportation would be fully explored through transit-oriented development. Other issues such as social equity, the opportunity for bicycling, the Broadwater project, and community land/housing trusts will also be considered.
In a stunning sweep for Smart Growth, Mineola Mayor Jack Martins and the Village Board voted 5-0 to approve the nine-story condominium development that Polimeni International proposed for Old Country Road. According to David Winzelberg’s column in the Long Island Business News, the Winston, which will have 285 market-rate condos and will include the renovation of an adjacent office building, was supported overwhelmingly by the community. Winzelberg noted that “the vote received a standing ovation from those in attendance at the Village Hall meeting.”
On Wednesday morning, February 28th, over 60 of Nassau County's influential business, civic, and elected leaders came together to discuss the Lighthouse Project with project manager Matthew Frank at the Salisbury Administrative Center in Westbury. 
Matthew Frank began his presentation with a video overview of the updated proposal that was submitted to the County. The latest draft of the project focuses on high-tech sports facilities and conference centers to attract large-scale expos and sporting events, in addition to local boutiques and on-site housing. Attendees then gathered around a scale model to discuss the project more in-depth.
Mineola Mayor Jack Martins asked about light rail and connections to the LIRR and forms of public transportation, while Nassau County Village Officials Association's Warren Tackenberg questioned parking and traffic congestion problems that would no doubt arise with such a massive expansion on a site that is already crowded. Community members also seemed to support the idea of including the required 20% affordable and next generation housing on-site, with an informal straw poll revealing about half the crowd supporting the idea and the rest abstaining from voting.
According to Mark Nolan’s article, “The Future of Patchogue Village,” from February 14th in the Long Island Advance, Patchogue Village can expect some dramatic redevelopments in the upcoming years. In addition to exciting new projects like the ArtSpace Lofts and Pulte’s Copper Beach Village, is the Four Corners redevelopment from North Ocean Avenue to Havens Avenue in downtown Patchogue. The preliminary plans unveiled by the developers, Tritec Building Company, include a 100-room hotel, 250 apartments, 32,000 square feet of retail space and 32,000 square feet of commercial space. The article states that, “the $145 million project is expected to take at least two years and includes a four-story tiered parking lot with 625 free parking spaces.”
Newsday recently featured an eye-opening article on the condition of several South Shore communities. Joie Tyrrell’s article, “South Shore Residents Aim to Revitalize Area,” focuses on the efforts that are being taken to restore peaceful waterfront qualities and find a renewed sense of place. 
To make matters worse, these communities are bordered by busy Sunrise Highway to the North and nearly bisected by William Floyd Parkway; both roads are major thoroughfares and are treacherous to both pedestrians and vehicular travelers. Recent events and growing discontent have motivated revitalization efforts amongst individual residents, elected officials and civic organizations. "We are banding together as different groups to say 'Enough,'" said Mark Smothergill, President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley. The Town of Brookhaven presented a revitalization plan for Neighborhood Road and Mastic Road in downtown Mastic Beach that aims to re-create pedestrian-friendly spaces that draw residents, visitors, and businesses. The public comment period on the project runs until March 6. 
Town Councilman Keith Romaine, whose district includes the Mastics and Shirley, advocates for hiring a special prosecutor in the Town's law department for housing enforcement and forming a Brookhaven housing and community court. Other individuals have taken a more vigilante approach by patrolling Mastic Beach by car to report unregistered vehicles and properties in disrepair. These larger plans and small signs of progress, like new homes being built with well-designed facades, and the continued maintenance enhancements of to two civic group owned marinas in Mastic Beach, indicate that these South Shore communities are taking charge of their own future.|
Tell Your Legislators to Support Congestion Pricing
In order for this to happen, the State Legislature must approve the plan by March 31. VISION urges everyone to urge their state legislators to pass this modified congestion pricing plan and bring much-needed traffic relief and transit improvements to the region. Call into Long Island Talks to Discuss Broadwater on MOnday
Vision Long Island is not taking a position on this issue, but encourages everyone to call Albany to voice their opinions before this important decision is made. News12 Long Island will be discussing the issue on Monday's edition of LI Talks, hosted by Lea Tyrell. The evening's guests include Citizens Campaign for the Environment President Adrienne Esposito and Shell Oil CEO John Hofmeister. The program is live at 7pm and repeats throughout the evening. For more information on Broadwater, visit Broadwater's site. |
The Tri-State Transportation Campaign recently highlighted the NYC Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission's modified congestion pricing plan, which they say proposes an answer to the region's overcrowded buses, subways and roads that will cut commute times, achieve real traffic reductions, and reduce air pollution throughout the region, and raise more than $500 million a year for transit.
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Trump on the Ocean Hearing Finally Moved to LI: To be Held March 4th at Cradle of Aviation Museum
According to Newsday’s article from February 13th, developer Donald Trump said Wednesday, "I don't care where they hold it. I'm more concerned about the timing." He said moving the hearing from Westchester on Feb. 5 to Long Island next month has further delayed his construction, which he said is already six months behind schedule. Written comments must be received by Monday, February 25th to be considered at the hearing, which promises appearances by developers Steve Carl and Donald Trump. To sign up to speak in advance of the hearing, call the State Department at 518-474-4073 or register online here. Written comments can be send to the NYS Department of State, Division of Code Enforcement and Administration at 99 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12231 or by fax to 518-486-4487. Please take the time to attend this important hearing. The Cradle of Aviation Museum is located on Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Garden City and can be contacted at 516-572-4111. More information is available by calling 516-221-TRUMP or by visiting Trump on the Ocean's website. March Forth on March 4th for Veterans' Mental Health
Registration for this event is free. Please RSVP by email to olitgmp@omh.state.ny.us if you are interested in attending. The VFW is located at 259 Dougty Blvd. in Inwood. Cold Spring Harbor Library Event on March 18th
Visit the Cold Spring Harbor Library's website for more information. Long Island Progressive Coalition Celebrating 29th Anniversary on March 29th
Tickets are $65 each, with a discount for 2 at $110 and a table of 12 for $600. Sponsorship and journal advertisement opportunities are also available. For more information, visit the LIPC's website. |
At long last, a hearing concerning Trump’s proposed “Trump on the Ocean” will be held on Long Island! The hearing was rescheduled from Westchester to Long Island for March 4, at 11 a.m. at the Cradle of Aviation Museum at Mitchel Field. 
The Veterans' Mental Health Alliance invites you to a training session on March 4th at the VFW Post 1582 in Inwood from 10:00am to 3:00pm, with registration beginning at 9:30am. Come learn about the scope of need for our nation's veterans in classes such as Military 101 and Best Practices. There will be a continental breakfast, but please bring a bag lunch if you attend.
The Cold Spring Harbor Library will be hosting an event on March 18th to bring awareness to the community about Smart Growth, Energy, and the Environment. This interactive discussion brings together members of Vision Long Island, the North Shore Land Alliance, and the Neighborhood Network and takes place from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
REP-LI is holding a luncheon to celebrate 29 years of the Long Island Progressive Coalition on Saturday, March 29th, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, at the Timber Point Country Club in Great River. Honorees at the luncheon, celebrating the fight for social and human dignity, include RWDSU/Local 338 President John Durso, Vision Long Island Executive Director Eric Alexander, New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine, Reach Out America's Barbara Zeller, South Fork LIPC's Helen Fitzgerald, the AQE Youth Committee, and Volunteer of the Year Barbara Buehring.|
Remember the 80s in Amagansett
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This weekend in Suffolk County, check out the band Rubix Kube, for a flash back to the 80s. They will be bringing the best of the 80's to The Stephen Talkhouse at 10pm on Friday night. Take a trip back to the decade of the DeLorean, leg warmers, big hair, mullets, Knight Rider, and Ghostbusters! |
Words cannot best describe the clip shown on Treehugger.com, a leading website dedicated to driving sustainability into the mainstream. Created by Sami Grover for StreetFilms, a group that documents New York City’s “street renaissance,” the clip illustrates the use of several traffic calming methods like separated bicycle lanes, street islands and bicycle traffic lights. We’ll give you a warning though: Clarence, The Traffic Calming Wizard of 9th Avenue, is wearing a very purple costume and he really loves design that lets pedestrians and bicyclists safely share the street with vehicular traffic. Trust us and check it out!
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SMART GROWTH NEWS Newsletter Editor: Michelle Dutchen, Communications Director We strive to provide continued quality publications such as this each week. If you are interested in becoming a newsletter or news blast sponsor, please call the office at 631-261-0242 for rates and opportunities. If you have any news or events that you would like to add to our newsletter, submit them to info@visionlongisland.org for consideration.
For more information about Vision Long Island, visit http://www.visionlongisland.org or contact us at: |
