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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.|
2008 Honorees Announced! In a year when the phrase “climate change” is heard multiple times a day, a Smart Growth Cabinet was created by the Governor, and more local governments are passing progressive legislation, VISION presents a more dynamic collection of Smart Growth Award honorees than ever before. The resurgence of activism, awareness, and a growing desire for change could not help but create a delightfully difficult arena in which to choose honorees. So without further fanfare, here are this year’s honorees:
Register Today For the June 12th Event
Registration forms 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. Sponsorship packages are available. Reserve your seats today. Click here for the registration form. |
Clean Energy: Richard Kessel, former chairman of the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). An advocate for alternative energy sources like solar and wind power, Mr. Kessel spent his term committing LIPA to an energy efficient Long Island and is a champion of renewable energy and environmental issues. Notable accomplishments include decommissioning the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, developing the Neptune Regional Transmission System, and the Caithness Long Island Energy Center (CLIEC). Mr. Kessel also pioneered LIPA’s Clean Energy Initiative, a 10-year program designed to promote energy conservation and energy efficiency, as well as the development and use of alternative energy technologies.
Transportation Choices: The City of Glen Cove and Urbitran’s Glen Cove Ferry Terminal, for its creative revitalization of a former federal superfund site into an energy efficient commuter service. In addition to adhering to LEED standards in construction, the ferry terminal would accommodate fast ferries that run on clean diesel and compressed natural gas technology and would supply commuter service to Manhattan, LaGuardia and other potential commuter and recreational destinations while restoring Glen Cove’s waterfront.
Compact Design: Avalon Glen Cove North, the multi-family residential luxury rental community in the heart of downtown Glen Cove. This highly successful project uses density to take advantage of compact building design and fosters a walkable, attractive neighborhood. Located on 1.31 acres, the building holds 111 units ranging from studios to one- and two- bedroom units, bringing a diverse housing stock to downtown Glen Cove.
Revitalizing Communities: Diana Coleman, of Nassau County’s Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC) in Hempstead, a highly respected activist who is committed to promoting equal access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health care and economic development issues. Co-founder of United People for Social, Economic and Racial Justice (UPSERJ), she has worked tirelessly to provide low-income and minority individuals in Nassau County the opportunity for education, training, employment, health care and decent housing and “help people help themselves."
Walkability: Polimeni Associates, for the Winston in downtown Mineola. The 9-story multi-family residential building exemplifies successful transit-oriented development, as it is in easy walking distance to the Mineola LIRR station, several bus lines, businesses, and amenities of downtown. The Winston brings additional foot traffic to Mineola’s streets and greatly enhances the visual aesthetics of the corridors of Willis Ave and Old Country Road by replacing an aging office building.
Certainty: Gene Murphy, Town of Islip Planning Department, for Chelsea Place in Bay Shore, which involves a range of housing choices including condominiums and rentals, and has an affordability requirement. It exemplifies the model for downtown re-development. In order to redevelop a marginalized block of failing commercial sites, the Town of Islip approved the zoning changes necessary for transit-oriented development, mix of uses, and higher density housing. Located across from the LIRR station, the project also includes two commercial units on the first floor, creating a destination and sense of place in a highly utilized part of the downtown.
Mixed Use: Vintage Square in Riverhead. The energy efficient transit-oriented development project revitalizes downtown Riverhead’s Railroad Avenue corridor with retail space, office space, parking for the NYS Supreme Courts, and a residential component that provides next-generation housing. Utilizing green construction techniques and material, the plan includes tiered parking for the transportation hub and shuttle service to other destinations, such as the ferry at Orient Point and Main Street. It also features a 10-screen cinema complex, a public plaza for cultural and community events, and a dynamic civic space.
Environmental Enhancements & Infrastructure: Save the Forge River, a non-profit community organization created to restore the livelihood the Forge River. The river has deteriorated as a result of Suffolk County’s reliance on septic tanks. Through grassroots organizing and legislative initiatives, they have raised public awareness and concerns for the hazardous environmental effects of poor infrastructure and waste-water management. The group continues to advocate for the creation of a sewer district for Mastic, Shirley, and Mastic Beach.
Community Leadership: West Hempstead Civic Association, led by President Rosalie Norton. The Civic Association has educated and galvanized the community to support higher density, multi-family housing to remove the blighted Courtesy Hotel. Reversing what could’ve been a NIMBY campaign, the West Hempstead Civic Association embraced the progressive ideas of Smart Growth, zoning changes and context sensitive solutions. Founded in 1995 to start a revitalization campaign in the community, the civic association has made improvements with safety initiatives and keeps the community informed.
Sense of Place: Village of Baxter Estates and Condeco Development. The rehabilitation of 299 Main Street, an aging historic building in the downtown of Port Washington, is exemplary of successful historic preservation and the subsequent sense of renewal that comes to the community. The rehabilitation of the four-story concrete and brick building, constructed in 1912, into a mixed-use building of retail and residential units, was planned with officials from the Village of Baxter Estates and Condeco Development, LLC of Deer Park. While retrofitting the existing historic building, the architectural firm of Notaro Group and Associates duplicated the original façade and architectural style, complimenting the downtown’s aesthetics.
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 |
Coram Makes Smart Use of Commercial Corridor
Vision Long Island worked with the Coram community to develop the vision and land use plans for the commercial corridor.In addition to addressing the workforce housing shortage on Long Island, this project also exemplifies the opportunities for Smart Growth plans in the ubiquitous, sprawling commercial corridors throughout the region. Despite the road congestion, unsightly strip malls and bulging big-box retailers, Avalon at Charles Pond will be a walkable and compact community. Winzelberg kindly lets us know that this is the “first project of any size in the area since the Town of Brookhaven’s three-year moratorium on building along a 2.7 acre stretch of Middle County expired two years ago.” So not only is Coram moving in a Smart Growth direction, but it would appear that the Town of Brookhaven is welcoming it as well. RockinG Rocky Point
While others in the community feel positive about Mr. Cariola’s strong experience in the music and live entertainment industry, they are also naturally wary of the idea of a club. “It could be a winner for downtown Rocky Point, provided he does the right thing with the aesthetics and upkeep of the building and is a good neighbor, and I believe his intention is to be one,” says Drew Martin. It would appear that Mr. Cariola is doing his very best to work with the community, as any developer or incoming business should. According to the article, Mr. Cariola has been actively engaging the Civic Association, neighboring businesses, and community for their input and concerns. Maintaining an open dialogue and partnership with community stakeholders is a good start for the Rocky Point venue. Its success could prove to be the impetus for Rocky Point’s downtown revitalization. |
The community of Coram in Suffolk County is making strides in implementing their Middle Country Road Land Use Plan with a 200-unit apartment complex of workforce housing. According to David Winzelberg’s article in Long Island Business News entitled, “
According the article, the public benefit package includes a $2 million investment from Avalon into a “new road designed to take traffic pressure off the congested intersection of Route 112 and Middle Country Road.”More than half of the nine-building complex will be dedicated to open space and Avalon is also working towards bringing convenience services to a 2-acre retail parcel at the entrance of the development.
One of the main intersections of downtown Rocky Point may be receiving a jolt of life this summer. According to Anna Gustafson’s article, “
The site has the potential to transform an eyesore with what Diane Burke, President of the Rocky Point Revitalization Committees, calls “curb appeal” with more landscaping, aesthetically pleasing architectural elements, and a general “sprucing up” of the property. In addition to the physical improvements, the community can benefit culturally, economically and socially. “There’s definitely a need for some nightlife,” says Diane Burke. “I know my peers like to have a place to go, and a lot of time we end up in Port Jefferson because they have live music and you’re not going to run into a 20-something crowd.” To be fair, some of those 20-somethings out East may appreciate fresh entertainment and bring their own youthful vivacity downtown. |
How Much for Climate Change: Long Island Index Releases Survey on Climate Change and Energy Issues
The survey found that “78% of Long Islanders turn off electronic appliances, including computers, all or most of the time when they are not in use, 86% reset their thermostats to save energy and 74% have changed traditional light bulbs to new energy efficient types.” On top of these small changes, the survey found that more Long Islanders are becoming supportive about long term investments, particularly those that will create renewable energy resources. This includes increasing their monthly electric bills if the Long Island Power Authority used funds to develop large-scale renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power. While Long Islanders may be in agreement as to the problem, the wide range of economic brackets in the region means that conservation activities must include opportunities for all income levels to participate with short and long term options. This includes future improvements to mass transit, creating compact development in existing communities, enhancing our infrastructure, increasing walkability, and other transportation choices. In conjunction with changing our light bulbs and reusing plastic bags, these long term adjustments must be made to ensure that all citizens can contribute to meeting the challenge of climate change. With the aid of such informative surveys, local, county, state, and federal government must take the next steps to utilize this information and take action to address global warming and its consequences for Long Island. Copies of the survey are available here. The End is Nigh!!
To put it bluntly, “this lifestyle depends on the availability of cheap oil. But cheap oil is over,” and suburbia must quickly adapt as its primary elixir of life disappears. Keeler also recommends seeing the documentary, “The End of Suburbia,” if you doubt the fact that we’re at that point. Keeler does not write a doomsday article like James Howard Kunstler, but merely points to the increasingly familiar facts. “Our love affair with the car is becoming more untenable every day. That means we’re going to have to rethink our driving patterns, the cars we buy, and the way we use land….We all have a stake in changing the way we drive and the way we live.” Read the full Op-Ed, "My, what a big car you have- and too many", on Newsday's website. SCWA Native Plant Transplant Project Moves Vegetation from Airport to Nature Trail
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On May 7th, the Long Island Index released their survey, “Climate Change and Energy Issues, Spring 2008,” which gauged Long Islanders on their concerns and responses to climate change. According to Ann Golob, Director of the Index, "findings indicate that Long Islanders are concerned about what is happening to our environment and are looking for ways to do their part to conserve energy. The survey found that 72% of Long Islanders are in agreement that the effects of global warming have already begun to happen.”
On May 7th, Newsday featured an Op-Ed by Bob Keeler on the precarious state of the suburban lifestyle. Referencing the recently published results of the Long Island Index’s survey “Climate Change and Energy Issues,” Keeler notes that while Long Islanders are willing to make small changes for energy conservation, “two-thirds of those surveyed held their breaths until they turned purple and said they still prefer something other than small, fuel-sipping cars.” Not only does Keeler point the finger at “big cars,” he also lays the blame on our “predominant development pattern: sprawl.” Keeler belies our sad dependence on cars, our poor mass transit system, and nonsensical pattern of land use. And, without using the words “Smart Growth,” points to “building housing and business near transit hubs” and enhancing our walkable downtowns as the essential changes suburbanites must make if they can’t kill their addiction to big, gas guzzling cars just yet. 
In cooperation with the Suffolk County Water Authority, Gabreski Airport, and the Council on Environmental Quality, approximately 1 acre on the Gabreski Airfield, located in the Pine Barrens “Non Development” area, needed to be cleared for surveillance and security purposes. In conjunction with a project of using native trees near the Central Pine Barrens Dwarf Pine trailhead and Suffolk County Water Authority Westhampton office, plants were transplanted from the airfield to supplement the trailhead. After transplanting over 80 large plants without additives or soil amendments, Long Island nature lovers can hope that the plants didn’t mind the move and will be happier with the hikers than with the planes.|
Support the Complete Streets Bill
Please take action to support these federal policies that will “ensure that all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users as well as children, older individuals, and individuals with disabilities, are able to travel safely and conveniently on streets and highways.” Find out more about these bills, visit the Complete Streets website, or write your Senator or Representative today to support your rights on the roads! Coney Rally ‘Freak’ Out
In a city like New York, where the speed of development means history is erased in the blink of an eye, it is especially important that New Yorkers take a stand to preserve this unique place that has survived what Max Page calls the “creative destruction” of New York. Take a stand on May 22nd in your best Halloween costume to protest the city’s plan. |
In a bold action, the Federal government recently introduced two comprehensive complete street bills in both the House and Senate that advocate for all users of our transportation systems, not just cars. On May 1, Congresswoman Doris Matsui of California introduced a bill to the House, the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2008 (HR5951). According to The National Complete Streets Coalition, “the bill would make sure that roads built and improved with federal funds safely serve everyone using the roadway - including pedestrians, people on bicycles or those catching the bus, as well as those with disabilities.” Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) signed on this week as first Republican co-sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, the Complete Streets Act of 2008 (S2686), introduced in March by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Thomas Carper (D-DE).
However, that is exactly what the site has done for the past 100 years. At the turn of the 20th century, Coney Island became a destination for those who had never before had the luxury of “leisure time.” The beach catered to the wealthy as well as the working and middle classes, looking for a respite from the arduous work day. It provided a place for all ages, ethnicities, races, and classes to mix together for the first time in an environment of unrestricted recreation. The diverse character of Coney Island continued to thrive until recently, when the city laid claims to the land. And now, in a last stance against the plan (or man), stewards of that history are protesting against its demise.
Canvas Magazine Holds Earth Day Events Through June
The exhibit, curated for Canvas by Cherie Via of Ripe Art Gallery in Greenlawn, New York, is one of many efforts throughout the year by Canvas Magazine to bring attention to the sustainable issues facing Long Island. An Artists Reception for the Exhibit will be held Saturday, April 26, 5-8pm, when visitors can meet many of artists and learn first-hand what their inspiration was for their work and enjoy refreshments served compliments of Whole Foods. For more information about the canvas Gallery and event, call: 631-351-6480 Lighthouse Luncheon Scheduled for May 14th
Advance reservations are required and are $65 for non-members and $60 for Nassau Council of Chambers members. The program runs from 11:30am-2:00pm. For more information, call 516-000-7724 x101 or register online on the Garden City Chamber's website. Hicksville Chamber Locomotive Restoration Unveiling May 17th For Anniversary
The free ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 17th, from 10:00am until noon at the Kennedy Memorial Park, at the intersection of Broadway and East John St. where it meets West John St. Refreshments will be served in the park. After the ceremony, there are tickets available to meet railroad personalities, visit the Gregory Museum to view the Early American Railroad Exhibit, and to win a raffle of four John Bull train sets. Tickets are $25 and also include lunch, snacks, the historical journal, and informational handouts. The symposium will take place at the Hicksville Middle School on Jerusalem and Fourth St., next to the public library. For more information, call the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce at 516-961-7170. Public To Have CHance to Weigh In On Lighthouse Proposal May 22nd and 27th
As of now, most concerns lie with traffic and transportation issues, especially for those living near the site, as the development would greatly increase the number of people- workers, visitors, and residents- in the area. The developers hope to begin construction of Phase 1 next summer and say that their final report, which will include a transportation study, will be presented to the town this July. For more on the proposal, visit Lighthouse Long Island's website. 12th Annual Riverhead Street Painting Festival May 25th
Artists are welcome to purchase a 10' by 10' square to exhibit and sell their work. Council members can do this for $30 and non-members may have the space for $60. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses wishing to support the Council by buying a street painting square. Sponsoring the event helps raise funds for the School of the Arts Scholarship Fund and the Renaissance Kid Summer Camp. Registration for the street painting space is on a first come, first served basis and is open to anyone over the age of 12. The Arts Council will provide chalk and blending materials. To register, contact the EEAC School of the Arts at 631-369-2171, the Council at 631-727-0900, or visit their website. East End APA-Credit Planning Workshops To Take Place May 21st and June 11th
There is a fee of $20 for the two presentations including a break for pizza in between ($10 if you only attend one). The presentations will be hosted by Cameron Engineering at their Woodbury office at 100 Sunnyside Blvd. RSVP with the number of attendees for each event and send checks to the address below. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early. On Wednesday, June 11, a series of Planning Workshops will be held at Southampton College from 4-8pm. Sponsored by the LI Section of the APA and SUNY Stony Brook at Southampton College, the workshops will offer a range of topics such as Green Building and LEED certification, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Asset Management, Innovative Storm Water Management Systems, Creating Comprehensive Master Plans, Zoning for Mixed Uses and Planned Unit Development, Form Based Codes, and Traditional Neighborhood Development. Registration for this unique event includes three one-hour workshops, networking, a light supper, and AICP continuing education credits. In addition, the Suffolk County Water Authority has made a limited number of scholarships available to entry-level planners, so include a request for a fee waiver with your registration. To pre-register, please make your $25 check payable to the APA – Long Island Section and mail with your name, title, affiliation, address, phone, email, and AICP number, if applicable, to: David L. Berg, AICP, LEED AP at APA - Long Island Section, c/o Cameron Engineering & Associates, LLP, 100 Sunnyside Blvd., Ste. 100, Woodbury, NY 11797. Registration at the door is $30. For questions, please contact David Berg at 516-827-4900 ext.206 or by email. |
Canvas Magazine will be holding its first Eco Art Exhibit in honor of Earth Day at their gallery at 51 Gibson Ave in Huntington, from April 22 through June 14. Numerous Long Island Artists will be showing their unique works that employ the use of materials such as recycled stacking pallets, automotive belts, plastics, metals, and many others. The goal of the exhibit is to showcase art and artists who understand the impact we have on our environment. By using art as a format to express the need for change, it also raises environmental awareness on Long Island. "This is very much in-line with the goals and values of Canvas — a commitment to local art and artists, as well as sustainable living. It also allows us to bring attention to two causes very important to us and Long Island," said Canvas Publisher Tom Pellicane.
The Garden City Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon program with Scott Rechler on Wednesday, May 14th at the Garden City Hotel. Rechler will make a presentation on the Lighthouse project. The program includes a business showcase, reception, and luncheon.
To celebrate Hicksville's 360th anniversary, the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce is unveiling an 1831 full-scale John Bull Locomotive. Built by the Chamber, the engine is one of three and is the oldest working model in the world.
Dates have been set for the public to voice their opinions on the Lighthouse proposal. Hearings are scheduled on May 22nd and 27th for Charles Wang and Scott Rechler's $2 billion project surrounding the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale. According to 
The East End Art Council has organized the 12th annual Riverhead Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival, to be held on May 25th from noon to 5pm. Admission is free and the whole family is invited to spend the afternoon in downtown Riverhead. In addition to street painting, the festivities also include a musicians' showcase, storytelling, art exhibits and sales, children's activities, and displays from area service organizations.
On May 21st, the Long Island APA will be hosting audio- and web-based presentations from the APA to provide a simple and effective way to stay informed of new developments and best practices and will be offered for 2.5 AICP credits. The first presentation, from 4-5:30pm, will focus on Community Based Brownfield Redevelopment, offering strategies to engage and educate community members and development corporations on the opportunities and the costs of brownfield redevelopment. The second presentation, “Paying for Growth,” will be from 5:45-6:45 and focus on the tools and techniques that help communities pay for growth. Find out what mix of publicly supported and privately financed efforts are possible, defensible, and fair.
Mothers Day Rally to Close the Courtesy Hotel
Northport Wine Store Joins Main Street
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This Mother’s Day, consider doing something that will make your mother proud and doesn’t involve flowers, chocolates, or macaroni necklaces. Join the West Hempstead Civic Association for their Second Annual Mother's Day Rally to Close the Courtesy Hotel from 10:45am-11:15am at the Liquidators Parking lot across from the Courtesy Hotel in on Hempstead Avenue in West Hempstead. A scourge on the community, this derelict hotel has remained a “hot bed of illegal activity,” according to the Three Village Times. Since 1995, efforts to close the hotel have been in vain. Last Mother’s Day, Supervisor Kate Murray promised to have the blighted hotel closed by the end of 2007 and still the site remains in limbo, despite the community’s support for its redevelopment. So come out and show your support for closing and selling the hotel. For more information, visit the Civic Association’s 
A new business has joined Main Street in Northport that will have thirsty wine connoisseurs licking their lips for tasting and buying bottles of all prices and varieties. The Northport Wine Cellar and Tasting Room at 70 Main Street, owned by Matthew Spirn, offers more than 100 wines in a flexible space that relishes its history as much as it does a full glass. The retail store is outfitted with rows of wine racks created from the former occupant, Arndt’s Stationary's old cabinetry. The wooden floors and tin ceiling have been recovered and restored, and other original parts of the store have been creatively adapted to the space or rescued from other places on Long Island. In addition to the space’s adaptive reuse of Long Island history, the shop has been split into two distinct areas for tasting and buying. According to Kelly Campbell’s article in The Observer, “because he had to subdivide the space, a center glass wall provides what Mr. Spirn likes to call a “continuity of experience.” Due to the particulars of the New York State Liquor Authority, the Northport Architectural Review Board and the Northport Village Board of Zoning Appeals, Mr. Spirn has been working to open his business for a while, but the small details of owning a liquor enterprise in an historic downtown are still coming to a close. He hopes to be fully open by the middle of May so that the boaters, locals, and winos can all enjoy the fruit of his vines.
We'd like to end the week on a lighter note. Thanks to Tawaun Whitty for forwarding this onto our office.
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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: |
