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Verizon This week, we recognize Verizon for their ongoing support of Vision Long Island. They have provided our organization with a technology grant that makes this newsletter possible every week.
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.|
The 2008 Smart Growth Awards are fast-approaching. Be sure to register soon for the event on Thursday, June 12th at 11:30am-2:00pm at the Crest Hollow Country Club. Print the pdf version of the latest Smart Growth Awards flyer here. This Year's Honorees
Sponsorship Packages are Available! • Visionary package includes: Logo in materials and advertisements, prominent full-page advertisement in journal, special recognition at event and on website, banner display, table for 10 Journal Advertisements also available! • Full page black and white ad (7.5” x 10”) - $1,000 Register Now! __Visionary - $15,000 __Leader - $10,000 __Gold Sponsor - $5,000 Lead Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
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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.
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Second Lighthouse Development Scoping Session Focuses On The Positive
Charles Wang reiterated last week’s introduction and Scott Rechler again asked to be recognized as “neighbors, not developers,” who are vested in the success of the community. Many of the residents echoed the concerns that were raised at the previous scoping session, held on May 22, on issues of affordable housing, employment opportunities, taxes, traffic, and environmental impacts. After so many speakers advocated for affordable housing, the Board had to reiterate that it will be examined in the scope. Even that affirmation did not quell the audience from raising the issue throughout the night. The economic and community benefits of the Islanders, and the impacts of their potential departure, were the other dominant issue.
Vision Long Island remains an advocate for affordable housing and has been working with the Nassau Business and Community Planning Coalition and the Nassau Hub Citizens Advisory Committee throughout this planning process. VISION will continue to keep the community updated on the long road ahead. Congressman Tim Bishop Hosts Sewer Seminar
Immediate opportunities for sewer investment exist in the communities of Mastic and Shirley, Rocky Point, Kings Park, Smithtown and Wyandanch. Leaders of the civic and business organizations in those communities attended these sessions as well as other local decision makers looking for wastewater infrastructure. Oil Prices Fall Slightly, But What Does It Mean For Us?
"If present trends continue, we could be heading for the first annual drop in gasoline consumption in some 17 years," said Edward Meir, an analyst at MF Global UK Ltd., in a research note. We can only hope, Mr. Meir. Read the full article here. |
At the second scoping session for the Lighthouse Project, held at 7pm on May 27, 2008, the public continued to address the Board with relevant concerns and comments for the scope of the Lighthouse Project’s Environmental Impact Statement. The long list of speakers included Nassau County Legislator David Denenberg (19th District); Ernest and Marie Catanese, Co-Presidents of Uniondale Neighbors in Total Effort (UNITE); Ryan Lynch, Long Island Coordinator for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign; and former New York Islander Michael Bossy.
As the night came to close, it became clear that while many people had concerns about the project, they were largely in support of it and were hopeful of its positive effects. While this can be perceived as a good sign of community support, it also begs the question, “where is the opposition?” Granted, the idea of a scoping session was to submit questions and make comments on what should be studied in the Environmental Impact Statement, not to rant and rave about its existence. The latter was hardly seen on Thursday and Tuesday, when the public was given the opportunity to address the Town Board in the presence of Charles Wang, Scott Rechler, and the development team. In addition, Scott Rechler did mention that they just reached their 100th community meeting recently in Levittown, so one cannot help but wonder when the angry hordes will turn out and how the Lighthouse Team will address them.
On Thursday, May 29th, a Water Infrastructure Financing Seminar was hosted by US Congressman Tim Bishop at SUNY Stony Brook in order to explore funding opportunities to improve our water infrastructure. Representatives from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (NYSEFC), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), NYS Office for Small Cities, NYS Department of State, and NYS Office of the Comptroller came together to discuss funding options available through their agencies for municipalities.
The seminar is a follow up to Suffolk County’s Sewer Summit held on March 20th. In conjunction with County Executive Steve Levy and Legislator Wayne Horsley, a Suffolk County Sewer District and Wastewater Treatment Task Force was created to advance the importance of sewers and outline an action plan. Hearings, information sessions, and collaborations with state and federal representatives, local officials, and Suffolk County residents will ensure that efforts continue and progress is made towards sewer development.
An article from the Associate Press on Tuesday, May 27th stated that “oil prices dropped below $129 a barrel Tuesday, falling sharply on a growing sense that soaring gas and oil prices have cut demand for fuel during the normally busy summer driving season.” Retail gasoline prices have only risen slightly, which renewed speculation that gas may follow the normal seasonal pattern of peaking around Memorial Day and then decline over the summer. However, it was also speculated prior to Memorial Day that people would be conserving gasoline, staying close to home and driving less. Energy Department data showing demand for gasoline over the Memorial Day holiday period won't be released until next week, but Tom Kloza, Publisher and Chief Oil Analyst at the Oil Price Information Service in Wall, NJ, said "it definitely was lower than (previous) Memorial Day weekends."
Michael Lynch, President of Strategic Energy & Economic Research Inc. in Winchester, MA, thinks that this may be indicative of a growing trend to decrease driving and use less gas, which will, in effect, reduce the price. According to the article, energy investors are selling on recent data showing that Americans are indeed driving less due to high prices — including weekly Energy Department reports that demand for gasoline is falling, a Federal Highway Administration report showing Americans drove fewer miles in March and a AAA survey released before Memorial Day predicting that fewer people would hit the road over the long weekend.|
Gordon Heights Groundbreaking
Held at 574A Granny Road, in Medford, the ground breaking heralded one of the many community initiated projects that will improve the quality of life for residents. The Harrison Hale Gordon Heights Community Action Center will be a resource for residents throughout the Brookhaven Township.
Commerce Bank Saga Continues in Cow Harbor
VISION continues to urge residents and the community of Northport to take a stake in preserving this historically significant site that would be erased by this development.
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On Saturday, May 24th, the community of Gordon Heights saw the much anticipated ground breaking of their state of the art multipurpose community action center. 
The groundbreaking marks another milestone in Gordon Heights as their vision becomes reality. Vision Long Island has been working with the community for the past few years to help revitalizate the downtown area and this is another great step forward for a long-ignored community. This is a great addition to the area, which has also seen park cleanups, grant money for sidewalks, and street lighting improvements as a result of the visioning.
According to Kelly Campbell’s article from the May 22nd edition of The Observer, unnamed archeological excavators hired by Commerce Bank have uncovered a small rock building foundation just north of the existing Cow Harbor Inn and on the site of their future building. Northport Village Trustee Henry Tobin noted that study will probably look for even more structures on the property that date prior to the 18th-century foundation. These may include the rumored evidence of a renowned Indian trading post for the Matinecock, Shinnecock, and Oneida Indians, as was alleged by Village resident and attorney Mitch Stein. If this is indeed true, Mr. Stein reasoned that “nothing should be constructed on top of it.”
For their part, Commerce Bank media relations representative Rebecca Acevedo states that the bank is “doing its diligence to satisfy the needs of SHPO, the Village, and the community.” Not only haven’t they uncovered anything unexpected, but Bobby Walsh, a construction manager in the Facilities Department for Commerce Bank, stated that “the foundation was listed on an old map or shown as a structure on a map in the mid-1900s.” In other words, Commerce is going through the motions for the excavation plan required by NYSHPO Historic Preservation Services Coordinator John Bonafide. “We haven’t and don’t expect to find anything of significance that will hinder the building since that State Office of Historic Preservation has cited all the changes in assessing the structure as not historically significant,” said Ms. Acevedo.
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Tell Your SenatorS To Support the Smart Growth Public InFrastructure Act
Please contact your State Senator with this message: Dear Senator: UNI Bill S.4369 (Lavalle)/ A7335 (Hoyt), The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act, has passed the State Assembly and is now in the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee. This bill will take a good first step in conserving taxpayer dollars and reinforcing State resources and infrastructure. The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act would require that:
Passing this bill before the end of this session could not be more important. Smart Growth works to help rein in out-of-control costs. It protects the environment. By prioritizing maintenance of current roads, rails, and other infrastructure, it helps moderate the costs of quickly-rising gasoline prices and reduce congestion. New York is behind the curve on this issue - and success stories related to state Smart Growth efforts in Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey have shown that realigning priorities helps areas that are stagnant to re-grow. In an era of fiscal constraint and environmental strain, these goals could not be more important.
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As our legislators in Albany prepare for the summer recess, it is crucial that we join together to push for the passage of The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Bill before the end of session. 
Statewide Organizations:
Regional Endorsers:
Canvas Magazine Events
Canvas is hosting a few other upcoming events, including Holistic Solutions for Health and Wealth, H on the Harbor, Port Washington, NY on June 10th, Open Mic @ the canvas Gallery in Huntington on June 12th, and DRINK LOCAL with canvas Magazine @ the canvas Gallery in Huntington on June 14th. Additionally, their Eco Art Exhibit runs 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 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 events, call: 631-351-6480. Pat Friedman Speaks on Trump on the Ocean
The event will be held at Pisces Café, 14A Railroad Avenue, Babylon, NY (631-321-1231). Come hungry! For directions to the Babylon Green Gathering, call 631-422-4702 or email Ian Wilder. Children are welcome. All gatherings are free of charge and open to the public. East End APA-Credit Planning Workshops To Take Place June 11th
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. East End Towns Plan Community Charrette for the “Duck Project"
The event is hosted by the Stony Brook Southampton Campus. On Friday, June 13th, the public forum will be held from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Chancellor’s Hall at Stony Brook Southampton and on Saturday, June 14, the Charrette stakeholders will meet from 8am-5pm in the Fine Arts Building. Please RSVP by email or phone, by calling 631-728-7832. For more information about this event visit www.aiapeconic.org and click on #5 NEWS, or to schedule an interview with the Project Director, Ms. Eva Growney, please call 631-907-1077 or e-mail her. 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
Neighborhood Network invites you to attend Gala 2008 and help celebrate these and many other accomplishments. With your support, you will help ensure that the Neighborhood Network continues to be here every day to promote environmental awareness and develop innovative, proactive strategies to protect Long Island. |
Join the Canvas Magazine community for the first-ever Canvas Cocktails event on Thursday, May 29 from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. at 
On Wednesday, June 4th at 7pm, the Babylon Green Party Gathering will feature Pat Friedman talking about the proposed Trump on the Ocean project at Jones Beach. Friedman is an activist from Nassau County who has been oft quoted in the media on the Trump on the Ocean project. In a process that has changed from day to day, Freidman will provide an up-to-the-moment update on the status of the project and the citizen reaction to it. She will also provide an overview of how an experienced citizen activist interacts with a large project.
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.
On June 13 & 14, local architects from the five east end towns who are members of the AIA Peconic, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects, will sponsor a charrette, bringing together members of the community to study, analyze, and recommend a draft plan for an ecologically sensitive, low-impact use of Hubbard Park, a Suffolk County-owned, 500 acre tract of pristine estuary marsh and forest on Peconic Bay in Flanders. Known as The Duck Project, the park contains almost a dozen structures on a historic homestead and hunting estate once comprising the Black Duck Lodge owned by financier E.F. Hutton.
This year’s gala honors Edward Thompson for his 15 years as Chair of the Neighborhood Network Board. The gala will also be a celebration of 2008’s successful programs, mounting press recognition, and other achievements. This includes the flourishing Energy Star Home Campaign, which resulted in more than half of the 13 Long Island towns adopting higher energy efficient standards for new home construction. This initiative grew out of the work with municipalities that have been participating in their Clean Energy Leadership Task Force, a project that works with local governments to help them lead by example- by renovating government facilities and fleets with clean energy improvements. Other achievements include public education campaigns that teach thousands of Long Islanders about the environmentally responsible choices that they can make at home, such as professionals that offer organic services and environmentally friendly household products. 
AARP Position Available
The Director would develop and implement advocacy, outreach, service strategies, and tactics with staff and volunteer teams. They will coordinate non-partisan state and federal election activities and guide strategy development for grassroots and election efforts through goal setting, priority ranking, political, and environmental scanning, and advocacy outcome measurements. The role also entails managing volunteers to represent AARP public policy, collaborate with business and community organizations, and lobby state government to promote AARP public policy. The job requires a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience, including excellent interpersonal, communication, teamwork, and volunteer management skills. Knowledge of issues affecting older adults is a plus, as is campaign experience and experience dealing with the departments in state government that deals with these issues preferred. Travel: Up to 50%. Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at www.aarpjobs.com. For questions, please feel free to give David McNally a call at (518) 434-4194. |
Green Words of Wisdom from the World Science Festival
Amongst the medley of usual subjects like neuroscience, quantum physics, and enough other wonders to make a geek drool, are several events focused on sustainable cities, climate change, “greengenuity,” energy efficient technology, and much more. Energy, food and water sources, transportation systems, and basic infrastructure, must all adapt to emerging pressures from climate change, dwindling resources, and growing urban populations. Appropriate for all ages, these events look to sustainable solutions to address the global crises that will shape our future. For more details on the events, times, and locations, visit their website. |
The World Science Festival offers multitudes of lectures, workshops and events to the public this weekend, throughout several locations in New York City. Running from Thursday, May 28th to Sunday, June 1st, the festival aims “to cultivate and sustain a general public informed by the content of science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future.” 
This week's closing words come to us from an internet cartoon sent to our office this week. Not for the easily offended, this step-by-step illustration of the sub-prime mortgage crisis is great for a laugh. Read the whole saga from BusinessPundit.com here.
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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: |
