Thursday, May 15, 2008

Density in the Downtowns

Density in downtowns has been the theme of the year, from the multiple projects proposed across Long Island including Mineola, Patchogue, Riverhead, Islandia, and Farmingdale, to new energy for Smart Growth in Albany, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties, as well as the publication of the latest Long Island Index report.  It is funny that over 100 years ago, Long Island downtowns had 2-4 story buildings that were limited in height only by the amount of stairs folks would climb.  To hear folks opposed to modest density increases based on fears of urbanization is frustrating.  The good news is that the tide is turning and we may be able to see the types of planning and development we have all been working at so diligently.

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.

Posted by Eric at 6:19:58 PM in Blog (23) | Comments (1)

Comments

1. dennis regan said...

I was astonished to see Avalon Glen Cove was recipient of a Smart Growth Award. It defines BIG, URBAN, UGLY, DEPRESSING, ALIENATING. It's a known fact there are many problems with shoddy construction...a soon to be slum time bomb. If this project fits your vision, the organization has to be looked at as the enemy of the people. It clearly raises the suspicion that members of the organization received kick backs (big ones) from Avalon. This is an interesting target for investigation.

7/4/2008

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