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Washington Mutual Washington Mutual supports community planning efforts and projects. They have been an advocate of affordable housing and we thank them for their support of Smart Growth. Washington Mutual has branches throughout Long Island and the region.
Vision Long Island prides itself on having a broad range of supporters. Become one today. A donation as small as $50 buys outreach materials to help a community build support for their vision. $500 sponsors an entire newsletter. $5,000 makes you a lead sponsor of our Smart Growth Summit, buying 10 tickets and a key branding opportunity for your organization.
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The Revival of Walkable Communities
Wal-Mart Rally Highlights Disconnect Between Company and Employees
Recently, Wal-Mart announced that its sales for June were up 5.8% over the same period last year. Protestors called for Wal-Mart to not celebrate, but to use this as an opportunity to make real changes to support their workers.
Instead of celebrating, Wal-Mart should make real changes to support its workers that would make our country, and our economy, stronger with better health care and corporate culture, living wages, and adherence to labor laws. Housing Market Hits 17-Year Low
Despite this depressing data, many Long Island builders are adapting to shifting market demands. According to Newsday’s article, “Home Building Hits 17-Year Low,” by Ellen Yan, they’ve found that “smarter choices about where and what to build are paying off.” For example, at the Islandia-based Meadowood Properties there are 100 people on the waiting list to look at eight new town homes in Rockville Centre. “There are pockets of strength in an area like Rockville Centre, which is within walking distance to the train to New York City,” said Chief Executive James Neisloss. He noted that home buyers are selecting areas with “good schools, transportation, and little competition.” The article suggests that another strategy shift adopted by builders like Joanne Bechhoff of G.B. Construction & Development in Manorville, is to diversify to smaller, energy efficient homes. Ms. Bechhoff and her husband are taking green building classes for certification from the Long Island Builders Institute. Targeting aging baby boomers is the shift towards renovating and building “elder-friendly” homes which use “universal design” codes for optimal accessibility and mobility. A business’ best tool is adaptation and in this economic climate, responding to market demands and demographic changes is the strongest strategy. Top Projects
Email your nominations to andrea.jones@libn.com by August 8th. |
In the February 2008 issue of Governing magazine, Alan Ehrenhalt asked, “will more people who can afford suburban privacy be attracted to the noise and bustle of the urban street?” This is certainly an important question to apply to Jerry Wolkoff’s proposed Heartland Town Square, which will supposedly be a Smart Growth community that encourages walking, biking, and other transportation options in suburban Suffolk County. According to Valerie Cotsalas’ article from the New York Times on July 20th, the project is designed to incorporate mass transit with bus routes within the development, a 24 hour trolley shuttle to the train station, and pedestrian paths. Yet Ms. Cotsalas also questions whether the 9,200 inhabitants will really use these transportation options in our anti-public transit mindset and car-dependent culture on Long Island.
Ehrenhalt argues in his article that yes, they will chose public transit because the voices calling for walkability and mass transit are no longer only planners, Smart Growth advocates, and New Urbanists. He claims that now, “it's developers, realtors, chambers of commerce, [and] transportation agencies. Market forces are sending signals that none of them can afford to ignore.” He points to Lower Manhattan, formerly a dreary land of 9-5 business suits, as an example since it now flourishes with pedestrians and a residential community. He also points to Atlanta, Georgia which has been catalyzed by Atlantic Station, a massive $2 billion mixed and adaptive reuse development surrounding a transit station that opened in 2005. There is a transformation occurring throughout the country that is largely intertwined with transit, even in places where public transit has never been popular. So if Dallas, Phoenix, and Denver can embrace mass transit and walkable communities, can Long Island?
On July 23, 2008, Long Island Jobs for Justice, led by Director Vanessa Crilly, held an anti Wal-Mart rally at the East Meadow Wal-Mart. The rally was sponsored by WakeUpWalmart.com, UFCW, Local 338, Local 1102, and Jobs with Justice. Members of local union groups, Long Island Progressive Coalition, and others gather to deliver the message, “What is good for Wal-Mart is bad for working families.”
Citing the state of the current economy with high gas prices, job loss rates, and stagnating wages, American families are struggling. Union representatives expressed that Wal-Mart’s apparent benefits from a downturning economy have not been reflected in its treatment of its workers regarding paying liveable wages, providing affordable health care, and impacting communities. The rally concluded following a strong message of change by Lisa Tyson, Director of Long Island Progressive Coalition.
On Friday, July 18th, the Commerce Department released a report stating that “the construction of new, single family homes slid in June to the lowest level since 1991.” The report showed that June’s housing starts were at 647,000, a 5.3 percent decrease from May’s 683,000 and a 43 percent drop from June 2007.
The Long Island Business News is calling for people to submit the “top projects” on Long Island that were completed between January 1, 2007 and July 31, 2008. Please fill out the attached |
Bike for Poker! Who Knew?!
While this generous biking charity event doesn’t happen every weekend, plenty other exciting events occur all year round in communities all over the Island. Exploring Long Island is a great way to save gas and learn about the region. Visit the Port Jefferson Station Tourism Railroad Car on Saturday and Sundays from 11am to 2pm for more Long Island tourism information. Traffic Calming and High Anxieties in Great Neck
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The Port Jefferson Station Chamber of Commerce Tourism Department and its membership proudly co-sponsored the Ancient Order of Hibernians’ “Charity Poker Run” to benefit the Wounded Warrior and Project Children endeavor. Division 8 of the Ancient Order is based in Selden. Over 30 bikers joined the Charity Poker Run and biked all over Long Island, from the Port Jefferson Station Tourism Railroad Car and Memorial Flat Park, to Calverton and Selden. 
In the Village of Great Neck, a traffic calming project is underway to improve pedestrian access. The project, led by Mayor Jean Celender of Great Neck Plaza, extends along Great Neck Road into the downtown and reduces the four-lane road to two. A recent article from the New York Times by Linda F. Burghardt entitled, “‘
To some Long Islanders, this traffic calming/business improvement strategy does seem flawed. Past projects in the region widened roads to address traffic congestion, ignoring the negative effects on local businesses and communities. But many urban planners suggest that wider roads actually increase traffic by opening the road to more cars and decrease street safety by encouraging cars to speed. They recommend reducing lanes with larger medians, fewer left lane turns, new crosswalks, wider sidewalks and improved pedestrian signals. To the delight of many, this is exactly what Mayor Celender and the Town of North Hempstead approved. According to the article, “the $1.2 million project, 90 percent of which is paid for by federal funds,” will conclude construction by the end of the summer. To the dismay of some, the resulting reduction in parking spots will be the subsequent challenge. But since the Village looked to progressive solutions for traffic, hopefully they will follow suit for parking.
Call for Comments: Draft Scoping for Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Brookhaven 2030 Plan The Town of Brookhaven's Draft Scoping Document for the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement for the Brookhaven 2030 Comprehensive Plan is now available for review and comment. A public meeting was held on July 14th on the release of the document. Citizens have until July 25th to review the document and submit comments so please do so ASAP if you haven't already! The Draft Scoping Document is available on the Town of Brookhaven's website here. You can also email your comments to Jeff Kassner, Assistant Director for the Division of Environmental Protection at jkassner@brookhaven.org. Affordable Green Housing: Call for Projects Beginning on August 5th 2008, $50,000 in grant funds will be available to green affordable housing projects. This generous grant is due to the leading national funders of the Green Communities initiative: Citigroup Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation and The Kresge Foundation. Join Enterprise Communities on Tuesday, August 5th at 2pm EST for an online meeting to review the application process. Information on how to join the meeting can be found at greencommunities.com. Applications for this grant must be received online by September 18 and awards are expected to be announced by the first week of November. For grant guidelines and the application, visit greencommunities.com. For more information related to the application, please call 410-715-7433 or email greencommunities@enterprisecommunity.org. Please note that Northwest applications are administered on a rolling basis and that Enterprise and its partners have updated the Green Communities Criteria. Before starting the application, be sure to request the 2008 criteria. More information on their partners is available here. |
Networking for Charity July 30th
Maxwell & Dunne’s is located at 1600 Round Swamp Road, Plainview, exist 48 South on the Long Island Expressway. Please RSVP to: semajdeer@gmail.com by July 25th and please don't forget to tip the bartenders! Go to www.jtcf.org for a more complete list of school items for K-12 or for more information on John Theissen's Children's Foundation.Gordon Heights Day Coming August 2nd
Gordon Heights was founded in 1927 and became well known for the great restaurants and hotels, as well as many other resident-owned businesses that aided in making the community self-sufficient. Today, this wonderful community serves as the home of generations of its founding families. The Greater Gordon Heights Civic Association, partnered with the Gordon Heights Visioning Steering Committee, strives to restore the once-booming community with our current vision of greatness. The Gordon Heights Day serves as a fundraiser which aides the Civic Association with events and programs that serve everyone in the community, from youth to seniors. Join the celebration for the Gordon Heights Community’s 81st Anniversary. Gordon Heights Day will be held August 2, 2008 at the Granny Road Park in Medford from 10 am to 10 pm. For more information, contact us at gh1927@hotmail.com or see the flyer here. Summer Concert Series in Rocky Point Starts July 29th
On Tuesday, July 29th at 8pm come and hear an oldies show featuring the band, “Risky Business,” one of the top nostalgia bands in the region. On Friday, August 8th at 8:30pm enjoy an outdoor showing of the film, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” It’s fun for the whole family! And on Tuesday, August 26th, at 8pm come and here the Billy Joel tribute band, “Big Shot.” The best way to hear Billy Joel without paying an arm and a leg! The Fischer-Hewins VFW Post 6249 proudly sponsors the 2008 Concert Series made possible by a grant secured by Suffolk County Legislator Daniel P. Losquadro. For more information please call Legislator Losquadro’s office at 854-1600. Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce Monthly Music Night August 7th
For more information, call 516-922-7002. See a video from the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce Cruise Night on YouTube. Back Pack Pirates at Fire Island On August 13th
For more information, along with a permission slip, please see the attachment. NSCH is also seeking volunteers to help with this event, including registration, clean up, etc., and collection of back-to-school supplies. NSCH is holding its annual “S.O.S: Supply Our Students” drive in connection with the Pirates event, and expect to collect enough supplies to provide additional items for children in shelters, foster care, and our member agencies. Start a school supplies collection at your office, house of worship or school! If you are interested in helping out with this event, please Greta Guarton, Associate Director of NSCH at 516-742-7700 x 15 or email gguarton@nsch.org or visit their website. |
On Wednesday, July 30th, come to Maxwell and Dunne’s at 5:30pm to network for charity. All proceeds go to the John Theissen’s Children’s Foundation, which provides school supplies to underprivileged children from low-income families on Long Island. Bring $10 or more of school supplies like pens, pencils, notebooks, loose leaf, rulers, and binders for the Back to School Program or write a check to the John Theissen’s Children’s Foundation. In return, enjoy a free dinner buffet and schmooze and booze at this great networking charity event. 
The time of year has come again for the Annual Gordon Heights’ Day Celebration hosted by the Greater Gordon Heights Civic Association (GGHCA) to celebrate the community's anniversary. This year’s theme is “A Community’s Voice,” in light of the upcoming election.
Enjoy the rest of the summer in downtown Rocky Point at their free summer concert series! So mark your calendars, grab your lawn chairs and bring your family, friends and neighbors to St. Anthony of Padua RC Church for all of these amazing shows:
On August 13th, the Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless will have their 2nd Annual “Back Pack Pirates” event on Fire Island. In collaboration with Every Child’s Dream, it is a fun-filled day for children ages 8 – 15, complete with breakfast, lunch, a free t-shirt, pirate eye patch, bandana, and a range of activities from a ferry ride to Fire Island to a treasure hunt, music, and a theatrical performance. The event is limited to 500 children so please register before the deadline of August 1. 
Long Island Progressive COalition Seeks Communications Coordinator
Job responsibilities include coordinating all electronic and web-based communications for the organization, drafting and producing printed and web materials, video editing and providing general multimedia support. Interested applicants must be committed to progressive issues, be flexible and have the ability to multi-task, be available for some evenings and weekends, attend organizational meetings and bi-weekly supervisory meetings with the Director. The job offers a competitive not-for-profit salary with full health and dental benefits, effective immediately, with no employee contribution and a pension program after one year of employment. The position is also available part time. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to: erin@lipc.org or fax to 516-541-2113, attn: Erin Curtin. LIPC is an affirmative action employer. We are actively seeking a diverse staff, so women and people of color are especially encouraged to apply. |
The Long Island Progressive Coalition, the local affiliate of Citizen Action of New York, has a Communications Coordinator position available. The Coordinator will play a key role in the 29-year-old organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development, revitalizing local communities, creating effective democracy, enhancing human dignity, and achieving economic, racial, and social justice. 
Impress-U combines a strong local presence with a worldwide selection of promotional products and the strength of the Press-a-Print International Network of over 4,000 independent operators to provide the best in customized marketing solutions. They take a hands-on approach with customers to show them how to best use custom-imprinted products to effectively promote your company, team or club. |
Concert at Horton Point Lighthouse
For further information on this or other events please contact the Southold Historical Society at (631) 765-5500 or on the web. Cinema Arts Center Summer Camp Film Series
Visit their website for more information on show times and ticket prices. |
For horror junkies and weather fans (a unique combination to be sure), visit the Huntington Cinema Arts Center for their double feature of Stephen King’s “The Mist” and “The Fog” on Saturday, July 26th at 11pm. So if you can’t take the heat or the possible thunderstorms, head indoors to this wonderful gem of a theater. 
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: |
