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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.
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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.
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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 |
Long Island Bus to Merge with MTA Regional Bus
As TSTC’s article points out, there is no guarantee that the LI Bus service will actually be more efficient, as it is passed off from entity to entity. TSTC points to the incongruous funding arrangement that the LI Bus faces, stating that “the MTA operates the service, but funding comes from a combination of fares and annual appropriations from New York State and Nassau County. The lack of a stable financing formula means that LI Bus funding has fluctuated as the county and state have fought over how much each should pay (see, for example, MTR #s 551, 390, and 266).” They suggest that “to avoid this, the MTA, Nassau County, and New York State need to renegotiate the funding agreement to find the agency a secure financial footing.” One cannot help but wonder where this secure financial footing rests, given the absence of federal funding for transportation as of late. Pace Sets up Master's Program in Real Estate Law
Professor Seth A. Davis pointed out that “today's real estate specialist must know not only the real estate field, but how it interacts with tax, corporate, environmental, land use, and many other areas of the law.'' Taking an interdisciplinary approach to a field that interacts with all aspects of the built environment will prepare lawyers for the complex and challenging landscape of land use and real estate. Fair Media Council Against Cablevision Acquisition of Newsday, Inc.
More information may be obtained at www.fairmediacouncil.org |
According to the 
According to Planning Magazine, the 
In response to Cablevision's acquisition of Newsday and its holdings, the Fair Media Council denounced the purchase out of concern for the Long Island public, both as news consumers and as advertisers. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization that regularly advocates for quality local news coverage, the Fair Media Council is comprised of about 200 regional businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourages the public to become educated consumers of information. |
Huntington Station REvitalization MOving Forward
However, the article states that the real “jewel of the revitalization effort is the Take Back the Blocks affordable housing-neighborhoods revitalization program.” According to Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, who conceived the program, “the initiative provides an opportunity to families that might now have the means by which to own their own home. It also restores a neighborhood so that people can take pride in the place in which they live.” An integral component to instilling civic pride is increasing the opportunities for home ownership, which in turn fosters stewardship and strengthens the community fabric. A committee of citizens nominates properties owned by absentee landlords for town acquisition and rehabilitation. They, in turn, are converted into owner-occupied residences that include legal accessory apartment to provide supplemental incomes to families that fall within certain income guidelines. “We’re taking back the blocks from absentee landlords,” Petrone said, "and encouraging first-time homeowners to instill pride into the neighborhood and providing much-need rental units.” The program is funding by the Town, County, State, and a $1.56 million grant from the Restore New York Communities Initiative through the Empire State Development Corporation. Bike to Work Week
Even more exciting would be if this jolly little jaunt actually convinced the Department of Transportation to really make the streets a safer place for bicyclists, so that they don’t need a publicized event to make drivers aware of their existence. Two bills are in the House and Senate for Safe and Complete Streets (see our Action Alerts section) and if the Town of Huntington really wanted to people to “leave the car at home, grab that bike and helmet and ….find a healthier regimen for that workday commute,” as their news highlights state, they would make it possible and safe for citizens to bike to work every day and show their support for these two initiatives. For more details on bicycling and commuting, visit: The Bike League's website or the EPA's blog on biking to work. |
Slowly but surely, Huntington Station, a formerly blighted community and gateway into Huntington Village, is undergoing a revitalization to restore community pride, commercial growth, and home ownership. A partnership of Town officials and community advocates are addressing affordable housing and quality of life issues in conjunction with members of the Huntington Economic Development Corporation and the Town’s Community Development Agency. According to 
Councilman Mark Cuthbertson and the Town of Huntington joined the League of American Cyclists Bike to Work Week 2008 event, which promotes an environmentally, economically, and physically healthier alternative to driving to work. On Wednesday, May 14th, the bicycle commute began at Councilman Mark Cuthbertson’s residence, located on Salem Ridge Drive in Huntington and finished at Town Hall. The Councilman encouraged local residents to take part in the peddling program to Town Hall, alongside local Town resident Gene Connor (of ‘Connor’s Army’), representatives of the New York State Department of Transportation, Town of Huntington employees, and members of the Huntington Bicycle Club.|
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 Public To Have CHance to Weigh In On Lighthouse Proposal May 22nd and 27th
For more on the proposal, visit Lighthouse Long Island's website for further project details and for new features that encourage public input and participation such RSS feeds that notify when news is posted, upcoming meetings, opinion polls and other information. 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. Upcoming Event: West Hampton Dunes Documentary Screening Throughout THe Summer
"Incredible Journey: The Story Of West Hampton Dunes" will be shown at the Hampton Arts Cinema at 2 Brook Road in Westhampton Beach at 7 PM on Saturday, June 14, July 19 and August 23. General admission tickets for these exclusive screenings are $25.00 each and can be purchased in advance online at http://thestoryofwesthamptondunes.com/ or by calling (516) 496-3959. Tickets are also available at the Hampton Arts Cinema box office during regular business hours. Neighborhood Network Gala To Be Held on June 26th in Oakdale at 6pm
With your support, you will ensure that the Neighborhood Network continues to promote environmental awareness and develop innovative, proactive strategies to protect Long Island. To purchase tickets, sponsor the Gala, or take an ad in the Gala journal, visit their website or call us at 631-963-5454. |
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 Town of Hempstead is offering two dates for Public Scoping of the Lighthouse Project. The public may make comments related to what should be studied for the Environmental Impact Study at 10 a.m. on May 22 and at 7 p.m. on May 27 at the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion at Hempstead Town Hall. For those who live in Hempstead, East Meadow, and other communities in the Town of Hempstead, it is especially imperative that you attend one or both of these meetings. This is a prime opportunity to raise questions and concern regarding the project and express support for key issues, such as transportation and affordable housing.
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.
On Thursday, June 26th, 2008, the Neighborhood Network will hold their 2008 Gala at the Riverview Restaurant in Oakdale, New York. Cocktails start at 6PM and dinner at 7PM. The Neighborhood Network is enjoying a series of profound program success and press recognition and invites you to join in the celebrations of these and many other achievements. 
Youth of the Long Island Ethical Humanist Society (YES) 11th Annual Pasta Dinner
The dinner will be held at the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, at 38 Old Country Road in Garden City. Entry to the event is $8.00 for students and $10.00 for adults. Child care will also be provided. For more information call (631) 804-9128 or email cushi@optonline.net. |
On Saturday, May 17th, from 6:30-11:00PM, the Youth of the Long Island Ethical Humanist Society (YES) will be holding their 11th Annual Pasta dinner. The event will include a buffet dinner and a night of entertainment featuring live music, games, an open mic and other festivities. This year’s presentation and event proceeds will be given to Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY), a bi-county not-for-profit organization that provides education, advocacy and social support services for Long Island’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender young adults.
Not for the faint of heart, please enjoy some excepts from a satirical article found in the last week's edition of The Onion, "'Get the F--- Outta The Road' Program Aims to Increase Pedestrian Safety."
"Our studies show that a large majority of accidents were caused by a direct failure of the pedestrian to not step right in front of a [darn] bus," program director Drew Dawson said during a press conference to announce the NHTSA's new website. "We designed this program to be an easy-to-understand informational tool that will hopefully get these geniuses to pay some [darn tootin'] attention." According to the article, the new program has already shown positive results in downtown Chicago, where a test study showed the program to be nearly twice as effective in preventing casualties as a previous, more polite program called “Have a Safer Journey.” Pedestrians are apparently receiving the world loud and clear and there are hopes that the program will be extended to be family and school oriented, branching out to include elementary schools with the child-friendly mascot called Tire-Tread Teddy. |
According to The Onion, “America’s Finest News Resource,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is launching a new educational outreach program this week to address rising pedestrian deaths. Found in Issue # 44.18, the article highlights the use of eye-catching billboards, national radio spots, televised PSAs, pamphlets and word of mouth to encourage pedestrians to put down their cell phones, put away iPods, and become more aware of the oncoming traffic. The program is being selected for specific cities and information will be handed out in the most dangerous intersections.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: |
