Smart Talk Blog

As we are writing this message, oil has hit $126 a barrel.  We do not need to preach to anyone the implications of this development- four years ago, we were screening the movie, "End of Suburbia," which was the precursor to the book, "A Long Emergency," from James Kunstler.  In this issue is a link to a Newsday Editorial by Bob Keeler that outlines some of the challenges we face with gas prices and our love of large cars.

At our 2004 Smart Growth Summit, we put out the spector of $5.00 a gallon gasoline and were laughed at by many folks who thought we were fear mongering.  Unfortunately, the thought that we are going to have development patterns that sprawl all the way through Suffolk County continues to this day.  Clearly, there are many folks in various industries who benefit economically from sprawl development while the approval processes for alternatives to sprawl are still needlessly complex.

The good news is that we have more allies than ever and the folks fighting the creation and re-creation of downtown centers are begrudgingly starting to look at Smart Growth solutions.  The Long Island Index released a survey this week, outlining Long Islanders responses to this crisis and broader energy and climate change issues and we are seeing a growing awareness for changes.

The opportunities for Smart Growth development are out there now.  The question is how much progress is being made.  

A few bright spots this week...

Last week, I spoke glowingly about some movement on the State level to reform the NYS Department of Transportation as well as work with other State agencies to implement Smart Growth policies. This week, there was an announcement about a 200-unit project in Coram that follows the Middle Country Road Land Use Plan.  We are very proud of that plan as it represents a long and arduous visioning process and set of actions that have been taken by the community the local Councilwoman Connie Kepert and comprimises from the development community.  You will hear more about this project as it proceeds.

In Rocky Point we are seeing a new development with a the re-creation of Frank Cariola's Sundance.  For folks who remember many a night hearing great local and national talent, there will be an opportunitiy for live music in the heart of downtown Rocky Point.

Lastly, we need to acknowledge the hard work of the local community leaders, business leaders, and government officials that are working day in and day out on Smart Growth projects and policies. Many of them will be acknowledged at our seventh annual Smart Growth Awards this year on June 12th.  We will make it worth your time (and money) to attend, as this will be a can't-miss event.

Tremendous progress was made this week in a worksession dedicated to implementing Smart Growth solutions here on Long Island.  Vision Long Island, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Neighborhood Network, LI Progressive Coalition, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce hosted the event with support from ten civic organizations, local chamber of commerce leaders, developers, and local government officials.  State officials that participated included the NYS Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, Empire State Development Corp, Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Department of State.  

We had an opportunity to hear from Paul Beyer, New York's Director of Smart Growth, as well as Peter Fleischer who is the Executive Director of the Smart Growth advocacy group, Empire State Future.  Paul was able to lay out his recent accomplishments with the newly formed Smart Growth Cabinet.  Two items of note include incentive packages for transit-oriented development with the MTA as well as a priority infrastructure proposal from the DEC.  Peter presented the role and activities of Empire State Future to keep NYS agencies and legislative priorities in sync with the Smart Growth priorities from the various subregions of New York.

The main focus of the session was dialogue with the NYS DOT.  Due to some very poor communication and lack of openness to design considerations that consider pedestrians, bicyclists, and mass transit, their was some pent up frustration.   After years of fighting with the DOT Region 10, progress is being made.  Kudos to the Albany staff who commandeered a group of officials to participate in a roundtable worksession.  The respectful tone in the room from civic and business and environmental leaders evidenced the seriousness of potential collaboration.  No one wants to waste any more time fighting over roadway priorities and we imagine that the Department is tired of stalled projects and decreased productivity.

Too often, big thinkers belittle residents for their focus on their communities and perceived lack of attention to a broader regional interest.  That perceived myopic view, or NIMBYism, was not on display at this meeting or at many of the other session for which we have taken part or organized.  The sophistication, awareness, and overall openness to change is beyond what we have seen in years from our local leaders.  Local developers, civics, and local officials are ready for change what we need now is for State officials to transform some very arcane regulations and start to provide incentives for implementing the difficult work of Smart Growth planning solutions

This Smart Growth Working Group will meet again within the next two months.  An upcoming action item will be support for the NY Smart Growth Priority Infrastructure Act.  The bill passed the Assembly on April 15th and is now ready to get moving in the Senate.  You will start to hear more about this in the coming weeks.

This coalition of organizations is going to keep the progress going and continue the interagency/multi-stakeholder dialogue. Please call Juliana Roberts in our office if you would like further information on a Smart Growth agenda with New York State at 631-261-0242.

One of the best parts of this job honoring some dynamic and very special leaders and projects on Long Island.  This year, we had a very difficult set of decisions with nearly 40 nominations for Smart Growth Awards.  Attached, you will see a thumbnail sketch of this year's winners.  Stay tuned for future detailed announcements.  Regardless, please do not miss this event as it will be the biggest and best Awards luncheon yet!  Hope to see you all there.


And the winners are...

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.

Building a movement...

Three powerful statements were made this week that speak to the strength of citizen movements as catalyst for change against powerful odds.  Despite the fears of peak oil, subprime market impacts, and ongoing political issues, these “movements” have given me hope for the future of not just a community or a region, but our nation.

The first one is national; I am writing this message from Austin, Texas from the Congress for the New Urbanism conference.  The CNU Congress is the annual gathering of planners, designers, advocates, developers, and government officials dedicated to making quality towns and villages across the country (and around the world).  Not sure of this year’s headcount but it is usually over 1,500 folks who are essentially attempting to transform communities one place at a time.  This year’s theme is about merging the green building and sustainability movements with the New Urbanism.  In addition, there are sessions looking at the retail market, housing options, the SmartCode, transit-oriented development, roadway redesigns, and gentrification.

About forty folks from the New York Chapter who were here held a meet up and heard from former Mayor of Milwaukee and CNU President John Norquist.  VISION is on the Chapter Board and we will be seeking to increase membership and support for New Urbanism in New York State as we move forward.

In short, this cross section of leaders from around the country has profoundly challenged how land use planning, transportation, and development have occurred.  It is now seeing some pretty remarkable results.  Next week’s issue will focus on the results from this year’s Congress, so stay tuned.

The second example is from the local communities in Mastic and Shirley.  Civic, business, and government leaders have come together with the leadership of Suffolk Legislators Kate Browning, Wayne Horsley, the Montauk Highway Project, and Save the Forge River for the creation of a Forge River Sewer District.  You can read about the details in this issue, but this community of 45,000 folks at the head of the Forge River is in desperate need of this infrastructure.

The visioning process and resulting plans that we have been working through over the last six years have led to this convergence of leaders.  The approved land use plan and Main Street Business District code and the revitalization efforts on Montauk Highway and Mastic Beach cannot be fully realized without this investment.

This community and legislative effort exemplifies the power and persistence of an often-ignored community that can plan properly for its future and produce great results.

The last example is regional.   I had the opportunity to be a part of the LI Progressive Coalition’s annual awards luncheon last week.  The organization has a nearly 30-year history for bringing about progressive change through issue campaigns, organizing, and direct action.  For the purpose of our work on Smart Growth, sustainability, and placemaking, they have essentially founded the concept on Long Island with their early efforts (with our Board President, Ron Stein) on sustainability as early as in 1992.   Over time, they have helped nurture and mentor leadership in many different sectors across the Island.  Special credit here goes to the vision, intelligence, persistence, and inspiration of Dr. David Sprintzen, Director Lisa Tyson, their Board President, Diana Coleman, as well as many others who have also carried the torch for organizing change on Long Island.  This fell into focus for me at the luncheon when I read the list of past honorees and efforts of an incredible list of Long Islanders who have made a difference (which, incidentally, is the title of the award).   Vision is proud to have two folks on that list, but more importantly, we are proud to be in some pretty amazing company.  You can read the list here.

In all of these powerful efforts, the theme I see is that we need complete change.  We need the spark, the fuel, the right conditions, and ongoing maintenance and accountability.  I was at a well-organized conference recently where there were some very smart people talking about various suburban trends and future public investments.  It was very interesting, but it was missing the decision makers: local elected officials, business/property owners, and local community leaders as a core part of shaping the change.

These are just this week’s examples of three movements that are developing holistic change in their own ways, which is reshaping our region and, hopefully, the nation.

It was a pretty good week for proponents of Smart Growth. 

Progress in Albany:
After an inspiring swearing in for Governor David Paterson, talk in Albany turned to getting back to work.  The NYS Smart Growth Cabinet met to map out activities for the year after years of hoping that New York State government agencies would coordinate their activities towards Smart Growth policies.

Congestion Pricing advocates flocked to Albany on Tuesday to present the benefits of the full program.  The response was somewhere between cautious pessimism and reluctant optimism.  The need for a recurring funding stream for transit is necessary in order to fund East Side access, third track, station improvements, improved service, and fare stabilization.

Sewers in Our Future:
Kudos to Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy for organizing Long Island’s first Sewer Summit.  Over 250 folks attended and there are real opportunities to move sewers in Mastic/Shirley, Rocky Point, Smithtown, and Kings Park.

Opposition to Wal-Mart:
On a jubilant note community leaders mobilized to beat back a proposal from Wal-Mart in Rocky Point. In coordination with the Rocky Point Civic Association, local business leaders, and Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner, we will be screening the movie “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price”.  If you have a free evening to spend with a great community, some free popcorn, and an informative movie, come to Rocky Point next Friday.

On a final note, the planning for the 6th Annual Smart Growth Awards is underway.  We have some fantastic applications this year all around.  Special thanks to all who spent the time to submit their projects and programs.  We want to make this year's event the biggest ever, so please plan on attending and spreading the word.

Raised in Harlem and legally blind, Mr. Paterson got his start in the State Senate in 1985 and has been a diligent public servant since then. He served as Lieutenant Governor under Eliot Spitzer until Wednesday, when it was announced that he would take over the Governorship on March 17th.

We would like to welcome the new governor and look forward to continuing the work of the NYS Smart Growth Cabinet, both in Albany and here on Long Island.  In particular, the Smart Growth Cabinet shall advise and make recommendations to the Governor on the most effective mechanisms to promote Smart Growth and related priorities, including, but not limited to:

(a) identification of barriers to and opportunities for incorporation of Smart Growth principles in state policies and decision-making;

(b) alignment of state grantmaking and capital programs for both the public and private sectors to foster Smart Growth development patterns in appropriate regions of the state;

(c) assessment of the effectiveness of existing state programs to provide technical and other assistance to local governments for comprehensive land use and economic development planning that incorporates Smart Growth principles and identification of opportunities for new and improved programs to effectively deliver such assistance; and

(d) recommendations to facilitate state and local Smart Growth initiatives.

Other states have adopted similar state-run Smart Growth plans and seen great successes, such as New Jersey, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Maryland’s Department of Planning encouraged the General Assembly to pass five pieces of legislation and budget initiatives that were collectively known as "Smart Growth." Since then, the Smart Growth department has directed the State to target programs and funding to support established communities and locally designated growth areas and adopted principles of Smart Growth to guide development and redevelopment.

Massachusetts’ Smart Growth and Urban Environments Program uses enhanced local land use plans and regulations, through planning policies and programs for innovative state approaches to Smart Growth. The program provides technical assistance programs, tools, and direct outreach to local officials and decision makers across the State. Closest to home is New Jersey’s State Department of Community Affairs Office of Smart Growth, which initiated a State Development and Redevelopment Plan that has coordinated planning activities and established state-wide planning objectives, developed a New Jersey Planning Commission, created a Main Street Revitalization program, and provide numerous resources on brownfields, planning and zoning education, and other land use policies.

There are real, concrete actions that the incoming Governor can take now. They include:

The continued work of a Smart Growth Cabinet is a step in the right direction. Granted, we’ve been accomplishing these lofty goals with individual, quality communities on Long Island for several years already; but the Governor’s group has the potential to make it a REGIONAL priority.  We look forward to continuing to work with the NYS regional staff to create Smart Growth incentives and policies here on Long Island.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the new Governor and Smart Growth by sending us an email here.

Much as happened in the last two weeks alone:

- Paul Beyer, the new State Smart Growth Director, visited Long Island and heard from a receptive group of over 100 leaders.

- In Riverhead, the Vintage Group in Riverhead held a meeting to outline its residential, office, parking, and movie theatre project.

- In Patchogue, the Tritec development team has proposed a nine story mixed-use office, residential (including affordable/workforce), commercial and hotel project to community support.

- In Mineola, the Polimeni Organization received approvals for its nine story residential project with 20% affordable senior housing and over four million dollars of public benefits.

- In Islandia, Motor Parkway Associates presented a mixed-use project including a hotel, office, retail and residential uses to broad public support.  This project replaced a dated single-use 14 story tower that, fairly or not, forced the former Mayor out of office.

- In central Nassau, the Lighthouse Group presented their model and plan in a worksession with the Nassau Business and Community Planning Coalition, a coalition of Chambers of Commerce, village officials, and civic and environmental leaders.

In order for these and other emerging Smart Growth projects to be successful, there needs to be: 1) a market for the development; 2) infrastructure in place or readily available to support the density; 3) a community planning process or, at a minimum, involvement and support; and 4) Smart Growth design principles that adapt the development into the context of the community so it adds to the quality of life as well as the local economy.

I had an opportunity to present to the LI Chapter of the Sierra Club last week and review many of the Smart Growth projects proposed in varying downtowns across Long Island.  I also was able to speak on News 12's Long Island Talks program with Matt Meng from the East Norwich Civic Association.  It was surprising that the callers were not as fervent in their opposition and were, in fact, supporting a nine story building in downtown Mineola.

The key for our success is to pick up the pace on downtown development, while discouraging overdevelopment outside commercial corridors and transit centers.  We have a long way to go in this area and look forward to working closely with our civic and community organizations across Long Island, as well as local business and government leaders.  Stay tuned.

In other news, we have extended the deadline for nominations for Smart Growth Awards until March 14th.  We have a number of great applications but we want to cast the widest net possible this year.

VISION's roving reporters have checked in from our nation's capital to brief us on the conference:

Beginning with a ambitious Advocacy Day at Capitol Hill, the 7th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth conference started with a strong agenda. Combined with the promise of political and climate change, this year's conference is covering a wide range of issues and speakers.

With an attendance of nearly 1,400 people from 6 different continents from varying backgrounds, this year's event is emblematic of the nation's hunger for change and action.

The topics in discussion illustrate the varied backgrounds and professions that compose the conference: affordable housing, transportation and infrastructure, LEED-ND, environmental protection, open space preservation, alternative energy sources, green building, transit-oriented development and sustainability.

The conference also offers tours of adjacent communities that were planned with Smart Growth principles or are illustrative of what Smart Growth aspires to for the nation's communities.

Once we are back in town, we will share with you some of the best practices from other suburban areas around the country. Stay tuned.