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While we were not surprised by the results of the 2008 Long Island Index, which highlighted growing support from Long Islanders for living downtown as well as support for increasing density in the downtown areas, any effort to help publicize and call greater attention to the needs of our downtown communities is welcome. We congratulate the Rauch Foundation and the Long Island Index for their comprehensive analysis and hard work. This was also the week for analyzing big plans in the region: the potential for a Cross-Sound tunnel as well as congestion pricing initiatives are being reviewed by the State and we are glad to see the attention and interest in making sure these bold proposals get the proper review. As we speak, there is also an energy summit underway with LIPA, Keyspan, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the Neighborhood Network and other environmental organizations, and US Congressman Steve Israel looking at Long Island's energy future. Next week's issue will start to focus on individual projects while we are moving on big plans to focus on communities such as Farmingdale. It is important for us to learn from our successes and failures; so please send us initiatives that you're working on so that we can spread the word, as we want to be as representative as possible. Lastly, please nominate a project, policy, or an individual for a Smart Growth Award. We are accepting nominations and will have a review committee analyze the proposals. In the past, we have received some fantastic projects, but we don't pretend to know everything that is going on around LI, so please submit deserving applications. |
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Urbitran Founded in 1973, Urbitran provides comprehensive engineering, architectural and planning services. A member of the US Green Building Council since 2004, they have specific expertise in Transit-Oriented Development and are currently updating Brookhaven's Master Plan. They are also working on downtown revitalization efforts in Riverhead and the waterfront revitalization in Glen Cove.
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.|
NOminations Being Accepted for 2008 Smart Growth Awards
Last year, over 500 people came out to honor projects from across the Island in fields such as mixed-use development, green building, and regional leadership. See more on last year's event here. The deadline for nominations is February 29th, 2008. Nomination forms and other materials can be mailed to our office at 24 Woodbine Ave., Suite One, Northport, NY 11768, sent by fax to 631-754-4452, or emailed to info@visionlongisland.org. Sponsorship packages are available. Reserve your seats today. Click here for the nomination form or here for the registration form.
Rauch Foundation releases Latest Long Island Index
The survey reports the willingness of Long Islanders to live, work, and shop in downtown locations. It also found that solid majorities support inclusionary housing, increased density, height increases, compact design, and more rental apartments in downtown areas. Yet, most village mayors and town supervisors have failed to embrace much needed vertical shift. Long Island needs more progressive and bold leaders to take action, like the communities of Greenport, Patchogue and Mineola, just to name a few. In addition, Long Island has yet to fully utilize and invest in the more than 100 downtowns, one of our most valuable assets.
Christopher Jones, Vice President of the Regional Planning Association and lead author of the Special Analysis section of the 2008 Index noted that, "developing downtown areas could meet 50% of Long Island's housing needs over the next 25 years." Downtown redevelopment could also help to stimulate a weakening regional economy that relies on bold entrepreneurship and a stronger workforce. According to Nancy Douzinas, President of the Rauch Foundation, "Long Island needs new business to grow. New businesses need workers. Workers need affordable housing options. Economic growth and affordable housing are, by necessity, linked. We are not going to have one without the other." As Newsday’s editorial from January 24th states, “It's clear: Young Long Islanders want vibrant downtowns with affordable rental units. If we don't listen and get it done, we're waving goodbye to our future.” Read the Long Island Index 2008 here. cROSS-sOUND tUNNEL Public hEARING Held in Oyster Bay
According to Newsday’s article from January 24th, by Susana Enriquez, many of the concerns that were voiced from elected officials focused on the roads surrounding the tunnel and their ability to support 80,000 more cars each day. “If it finds that it will enhance the traffic situation, we want to go forward," Garden City developer Vincent Polimeni said Thursday. "If it will make things worse, I'm stopping it. I don't want to waste more money." Islandia to Hear Mixed-use Proposal
The original proposal called for a 14-story residential building, but Village officials lowered it to eight while also allowing for several other three- to seven-floor structures The Village must also consider zoning changes for a Main Street Planned Development District. Read more in the Long Island Business News here or visit the Village of Islandia's website. FoxNews Discusses Organic Lawn Care This means that the majority of home owners continue to use environmentally hazardous methods of lawn care such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. The green carpet of lawn around the home is something many Long Islanders strive to keep uniform, but many of the chemicals used to create it are leeching into groundwater aquifers, which many Long Islanders depend on.
Despite the higher costs that come with anything "organic," environmentally green practices in general appear to be growing in popularity. Fiteni estimates that there's still a steep uphill climb for organic methods in lawn care but if the national trend toward environmental responsibility and sustainability continue, it has the potential to become the standard method of keeping up with Mr. Jones' lawn and not the alternative. The full text of Meg Shannon's article from January 17th can be found here. Gov. Spitzer Meets With Long Island Leaders To DIscuss Budget
In the opinion of Commission member and Stony Brook University President Shirley Strum Kenny, “Soaring property taxes in New York State are creating obstacles for the future growth of the State. I look forward to working with this Commission to find solutions to this very complex and troubling issue.”
It seems that the governor is working more collaboratively with the community and business leaders, as he communicated in his State of the State address earlier this year. Vision Long Island was also in attendance at the meeting and is pleased to the aforementioned collaborative approach coming to fruition. As for the budget, we are pleased to see the funds going towards affordable housing downstate and significant resources for park improvements on Long Island. We are also interested in seeing whether the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), which received a $300 million appropriation to implement the Restore NY initiative in 2006-2007’s budget, will grant the resources and funds for downtown revitalization on Long Island. Additional information is available on the Governor's website or in an article in Newsday. Next Trump On The Ocean Jones Beach Variance Hearing To Be Held In Westchester County
Representatives for the State said that meetings would be rotating throughout the area in the upcoming months, as this proposal affects the entire region. For more information on the project, visit Trump On the Ocean's website or read the article in Newsday. |
Nominations are now being accepted for Vision Long Island's 2008 Smart Growth Awards, to be held on Thursday, June 12th, from 11:30am to 2:00pm at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. 
The Rauch Foundation formally released Long Island's fifth indicators report, the Long Island Index 2008, on Wednesday, January 23rd at Farmingdale State College. A survey funded by the Rauch Foundation and conducted by Stony Brook University Center for Survey Research titled "Long Island Looks to the Future: Housing Alternatives and Downtown Development" was also released.
According to Ann Golob, Project Director of the Long Island Index, "Downtowns are the key to Long Island's survival. They have the potential to provide the affordable housing units that Long Island needs in order to retain young workers and retirees, both are essential to the region's economic and social future - and without changing the communities' appealing character. Moreover, an overwhelming majority of public opinion supports redeveloping walkable, sustainable downtown centers [which] are crucial to creating new homes and jobs."
The 
According to the Long Island Business News, the Village of Islandia will be holding a public hearing on January 29th to discuss Motor Parkway Associates' proposed 12-acre mixed-use development on Motor Parkway and Veterans Highway. As it stands, the proposal calls for retail, office, hotel, and residential space.
With the aid of Beth Fiteni, program director at Neighborhood Network, and other environmentalists on Long Island, Fox News was able to compose an enlightening article on green gardening and lawn care. According to Ms. Fiteni, there are "about 1,000 landscapers trained in organics on Long Island out of about 7,000 total landscaping companies." 
"It's so easy to go to the store and find a chemical to shoot at the weed and it goes away," says Fiteni. "It takes more awareness to go to the alternative, but it's worth it." An alternative to traditional lawn care methods includes using natural materials like compost and compost teas. Knowing the soil's chemical makeup, whether it is clay heavy or acidic, will also help to retain a healthy balance. Naturalists also say a little diluted dishwashing detergent in a spray bottle will zap bugs just as well as toxic pesticides.
Governor Spitzer recently visited Long Island as part of his “Bringing the Budget Home Tour,” following his Executive Budget address. The Governor discussed the issue of the property tax burden and affordability with local residents and business leaders. His visit to Long Island followed the signing of an Executive Order establishing a bipartisan Commission on Property Tax Relief. Governor Spitzer and Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy were also joined by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, State Senator Craig Johnson and Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny, President of Stony Brook University, to meet with the Nassau County Council of Chambers of Commerce, where the Governor discussed the economic and business climate affecting Long Island.
State Senator Craig M. Johnson said: “The only way that we are going to control of property tax increases is to control spending. I believe we should try to impose such controls as soon as possible, so that our schools receive the aid that they need, and our taxpayers get the relief that they deserve. With Tom Suozzi overseeing this commission, I have great confidence that this balance will be struck and these goals will be met.” 
Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce President Richard Bivone also looked forward to working with the Governor, saying, “the Governor understands that our members can be vital resources to the Governor and all of Long Island’s elected representatives in Albany as they tackle tough issues. We are particularly happy to see the property tax issue front and center, and we look forward to helping Governor Spitzer, our State Senators, and our Assembly representatives address critically needed property tax reform during this legislative session.”
Contrary to popular consensus that a meeting about a controversial building in Jones Beach should be held in the same region as the proposed site, the next hearing regarding Donald Trump’s "Trump On the Ocean" will be held at Courtlandt Manor in Westchester County on February 5th. This meeting follows the December denial of a variance request for a basement on the property. All interested members of the public are invited to attend and participate in the hearing. |
Campaign for Project Warmth
The United Way states that "as energy prices continue to rise, more and more Long Islanders face tougher times ahead, paying at least 25 percent of their total income toward home heating. For senior citizens on a fixed income, the ability to pay rising utility costs is getting harder and harder. Project Warmth's goal is to raise an additional $1.2 million to serve the same number of families that it has in the past. It has received a matching grant from Karma411 for $10,000. To donate, click here. For more information on donating or on Karma411, contact Jacqueline Gross at jgrossi@unitedwayli.org or 631-940-3713. |
United Way of Long Island, together with community partners, works to improve lives on Long Island. During the tough times of winter, when many families have to choose between food and heating, Project Warmth provides families grants to pay their utility bills and helps them find permanent solutions to their financial difficulties.|
Society for Marketing Professional Services Hosts Transit-Oriented Development Event on February 13th
The Society for Marketing Professional Services is hosting an event on Smart Growth and Transit-Oriented Development on Wednesday, February 13th from 8:00am to 10:00am at the Milleridge Inn in Jericho. Following in the footsteps of places like downtown Mineola, which has crafted a Master Plan that embraces walkability near their LIRR station, the discussion will emphasize the importance of incorporating the design of such projects into transit centers. Eric Alexander will moderate the discussion with panelists that include Charles Bartha, P.E., Associate Partner, Bowne AE&T Group; Alexander D. Latham, III, Owner and Principal, ADL III Architecture; Honorable Jack M. Martins, Mayor, Village of Mineola; Mitchell H. Pally, MTA Board Member; and Vincent Polimeni, Founder and CEO, The Polimeni Organization, LLC.
Tickets to the event are $30 for members and $95 for non-members. The Milleridge Inn is located at 585 North Broadway, Jericho. For more information, click here. "Have a Heart for the Homeless" Candlelight Vigil to Be Held on February 13th
Organizers are asking attendees to wear red to this event. In addition, they have gathered a Candlight Vigil Kit, which can be downloaded here. The kit includes an extensive list items that can be brought to the vigil, including unused baby items, diapers, formula, unopened toiletries, and non-perishable foods. For more information, contact the Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless on their website, by phone at 516-742-7770, or through email at gguarton@nsch.org. Sierra Club To Hold Downtown Redevelopment Seminar on February 16th
Reinvesting in walkable downtowns decreases traffic, reduces emissions, and protects open space from housing pressures. VISION's own Eric Alexander will be there to explain how community visioning and Smart Growth principles can redirect development to revitalize our neglected downtown areas. For more information, visit lisierraclub.org. 9th Annual Organic Turf Trade Show Coming February 26th
Last year saw over 250 attendees, from landscapers to horticulturists, golf course & parks employees, and gardeners from around the region, along with school facilities managers, public officials, and non-profit groups coming together to learn about state of the art advances in organic turf care. For more information, visit the Neighborhood Network here or contact Beth Fiteni at 631-963-5454. March Forth on March 4th for Veterans' Mental Health Alliance
Registration for this event is free. Please RSVP by email to olitgmp@omh.state.ny.us if you are interested in attending. The VFW is located at 259 Dougty Blvd. in Inwood. Cold Spring Harbor Library Event on March 18th
Visit the Cold Spring Harbor Library's website for more information. Long Island Progressive Coalition Celebrating 29th Anniversary on March 29th
Tickets are $65 each, with a discount for 2 at $110 and a table of 12 for $600. Sponsorship and journal advertisement opportunities are also available. For more information, visit the LIPC's website. |
Transit-Oriented Development is one of the key elements to the long-term success of Smart Growth on Long Island. 
The Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless is holding their annual "Have a Heart for the Homeless" Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday, February 13th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Farmingdale State College. The vigil will take place on the Great Lawn and the Multi-Purpose Room at 2350 Broadhollow Rd. and will feature a candle lighting ceremony, guest speakers, and music by Miles to Dayton.
On Saturday, February 16th from 2pm to 4pm, the Long Island Sierra Club will be holding a seminar about downtown redevelopment at the Neighborhood House in Setauket. 
The 9th Annual Organic Turf Trade Show will be held on Tuesday, February 26th at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration Reception Center from 8am to 4pm. Presented by the Neighborhood Network, the Trade Show features displays from vendors of 100% organic turf care products, as well as workshops on the latest in caring for turf without toxic chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. 
The Veterans' Mental Health Alliance invites you to a training session on March 4th at the VFW Post 1582 in Inwood from 10:00am to 3:00pm, with registration beginning at 9:30am. Come learn about the scope of need for our nation's veterans in classes such as Military 101 and Best Practices. There will be a continental breakfast, but please bring a bag lunch if you attend.
The Cold Spring Harbor Library will be hosting an event on March 18th to bring awareness to the community about Smart Growth, Energy, and the Environment. This interactive discussion brings together members of Vision Long Island, the North Shore Land Alliance, and the Neighborhood Network and takes place from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
REP-LI is holding a luncheon to celebrate 29 years of the Long Island Progressive Coalition on Saturday, March 29th, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, at the Timber Point Country Club in Great River. Honorees at the luncheon, celebrating the fight for social and human dignity, include RWDSU/Local 338 President John Durso, Vision Long Island Executive Director Eric Alexander, New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine, Reach Out America's Barbara Zeller, South Fork LIPC's Helen Fitzgerald, the AQE Youth Committee, and Volunteer of the Year Barbara Buehring.|
Rocky Point Lions Club Blood Drive
The Rocky Point Lions Club will be working with Long Island Blood Services and the Mount Sinai Heritage Trust to sponsor a blood drive on Saturday, from 9:30am to 2:30pm. The drive will take place at the New Heritage Trust Park Community Building on Rt. 25A in Mt. Sinai. Donors must be between the ages of 17 and 75, weigh at least 110 pounds, have not donated in the past 56 days, and be in good health in order to participate. For more information, contact Michael Cantwell at 631-744-3350. |
Help others in need throughout the region by donating blood this weekend. |
“The 20th Century was about getting around. The 21st Century will be about staying in a place worth staying in.” - James Howard Kunstler |
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: |
