Monday, December 17, 2007

What a Week! Liberty Harbor, State Smart Growth Cabinet, Housing Legislation

What a week: an exciting project in the region, action by our Governor on Smart Growth, and some legislative possibilities for affordable housing.

Liberty Harbor Tour - VISION recently had the opportunity to visit Liberty Harbor in Jersey City, designed by New Urbanist planner Duany Plater Zyberk, as part of a tour organized by the New York Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism.  While under construction and a bit cold, it was not hard to see the walkability, both to the PATH trains and the Ferry into Manhattan.  The project effectively blends the existing neighborhood into this development, while also mixing in small scale retail and recreational uses.  The townhouse style housing and the larger apartment buildings range from $250,000 to over $600,000 with penthouse and rooftop units at over one million, mixing incomes as well.  What was great to see is that the average age for this development is 33 years old.  When we ask where young people are going, it is not simply affordability that is causing our young folks to leave: it is also about the mix of activities. 

New York State action on Smart Growth - Governor Elliot Spitzer has just launched a Smart Growth cabinet for New York State.  We are hopeful that this internal committee will be helpful in reviewing state policies that are counterproductive to Smart Growth particularly, in the NYS DOT, MTA and ESDC.  With that said, some members of the Long Island Senate delegation, who have worked very hard to meet the needs of our aging infrastructure, affordable housing, and open space and environmental priorities, are critical of the Governors lack of focus on Long Island.   VISION had the opportunity to meet with the Governor along with other Long Island leaders during his trip to Long Island this week and hope that it leads to a more sustained dialogue around some policy and project priorities.  Toward that end, please e-mail us with the top preferences for state action either in the form of a new initiative or legislation or reconfiguring existing State agency directives.   We will be spending a bit more time in Albany this session and would like your input in order to stay on track.

New York State action on housing -  In more pressing news, the debate about what to do about affordable housing has taken a new turn.  Two approaches to addressing the problem are underway and both have merit.  The Long Island Association and the NYS Senators and Assemblymembers who worked hard on moving the Inclusionary Zoning legislation are continuing their effort at a bill.   The new proposed "incentives only" legislation by Suffolk County, in concert with the Regional Plan Association and multiple counties, is also a unique approach.  Coordination with local municipalities and State officials will make it even better.   Tell us your thoughts on the best way to achieve a consensus on a housing bill for Long Island.

Posted by Eric at 10:31:55 AM in Blog (23) | Comments (0)

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