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Dear Readers,

Many of you are new to Smart Talk this week. Welcome! You are receiving this email because you've either been to a Vision Long Island event, expressed interest in receiving more materials from us, or a friend or colleague of yours has recommended you receive these messages. We publish every Friday and currently reach 9,000 people in Long Island.

We are always looking for information on land use, transportation, energy, environment, housing, downtowns, local communities, public spaces, and, of course, planning. Feel free to forward us articles, comments, or your own submissions on the state of planning and Smart Growth on Long Island. Also feel free to forward this to friends and colleagues, as we want to reach as broad an audience as possible and have a goal to reach 10,000 weekly readers this year.

We also welcome suggestions on how to make the newsletter more dynamic and interesting. For the 1,000 new Long Islanders reading this, you are all a fresh set of eyes, so please take a moment to give us some feedback. Your input will not just make our newsletter better, but will continue the flow of information that can help make planning decisions on Long Island more intelligent to meet our actual needs.

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Please enjoy this issue of Smart Talk, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

- The staff of Vision Long Island

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Obama's infrastructure plan linked to jobs plan

We may not necessarily see it in our everyday lives, but the economy has hit this country hard. The US lost over 2 million jobs last year, with 225,000 lost in New York State. With nearly a trillion dollars about to be spent on infrastructure projects nationwide, President-elect Obama hopes to produce 3 million jobs. There is the expectation that for every $1 billion spent, 47,500 jobs will be generated or saved. This is the most ambitious jobs program in U.S. history. There has been some concern floating around that the stimulus will not reach the correct industries or projects. According an article in Long Island Business News, Obama aims to help the middle class and create jobs, something that has been somewhat overlooked during Bush's presidency. This stimulus is a real opportunity to kick-start good projects that will help our communities grow. This is not a "bailout." This stimulus will make infrastructure and certain industries stronger than they were before the economic crisis. 

"Shovel-ready" infrastructure projects require construction work immediately, so a vast majority of these new jobs will benefit the construction industry. In New York State, an emergency moratorium was recently placed on all projects that did not receive 75 percent federal funding. While this has delayed road widening projects (i.e. Route 110 in Melville, Route 112 in Medford and Coram, and Route 347 in Islip, Smithtown, and Brookhaven), it provides an opportunity for redesign for safety and walkability. On Monday, 83 construction vehicles lined the west-bound LIE's right lane between the Hauppauge office of US Congressman Steve Israel and the Melville office of US Senator Chuck Schumer in a show of solidarity for the need for federal dollars to move forward projects on Long Island. The construction industry wants everyone to know: Long Island is shovel-ready. We've got local projects ready to go, and we've got the manpower to get the projects done.

There is some hope that moving forward Long Island can be on the same page in terms of Smart Growth principles: the Long Island Contractors' Association Executive Director Marc Herbst said "Long Island could tremendously benefit from sewers. It would create the opportunity for greater-density downtowns." Federal funds received need to be spent on the right projects and not just on blanket road widening that shows little concern for pedestrian safety or community development.

Organizations have come together to prioritize projects for federal funding. At last week's State of the State address, NYS Governor David Paterson announced several of the projects that he would be pushing through to receive funding. Many of Long Island towns and villages have produced their own priority projects that are being vetted through their local congresspeople and senators.

Through the Smart Growth Working Group, Vision Long Island pulled together its own list of shovel-ready projects that would most benefit Long Island, which we know has influenced the folks up in Albany. Groups involved in the Working Group include Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Neighborhood Network, Long Island Progressive Coalition, Regional Plan Association, Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, LI Federation of Labor, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, and more.

Read the LIBN story here or find out more about the contractors' demonstration here.

LIPA in need of bailout

The Long Island Power Authority has accrued a whopping $6.72 billion debt, most of which has come from the defunct Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant. LILCO spent a huge amount of time and money to build the plant that was shut down and decommissioned as soon as it opened due to ineffective planning, including poor emergency evacuation plans. The failed plan has cost both LIPA, a public utility, and taxpayers enormously: for every dollar LIPA customers pay, 16 cents go toward paying off that debt.

Now, a coalition of environmental, civic, and business groups have come together to form the "Fix LIPA Coalition." On Wednesday January 14th, the group gathered in LIPA's Uniondale office lobby and denounced LIPA's debt-inducing policies, while advocating for the federal government to wipe clean that debt with its bailout funds. Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment said, "The debt is crushing Long Island ratepayers. Our money is being used to pay for the foolishness of the past instead of planning for our energy needs of the future." 

Senator LaValle joined the effort to ask for federal funds to pay off the residual debt from the Shoreham plant. In a press release this week, the Senator said, "When the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) was created, the Authority took on the financial liability related to the shuttered Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant. The debt has since been embedded in the bills of Suffolk County and Brookhaven Town rate payers. Relief from even a portion of that debt would help reduce rates and stimulate the economy."

A bailout of LIPA would be a rescue for the politically popular term "Main Street," which would greatly affect every LIPA customer.

Vision Long Island has joined the Fix LIPA Coalition in order to help plan downtown revitalization projects, green infrastructure, and, ultimately, green jobs.

For more, see Newsday, News12, or coverage from the New York League of Conservation Voters.

Universal Design LI

A new program by the Suffolk Community Council may revolutionize housing on Long Island. Universal Design is a set of design standards that makes living in a house much safer and accessible to all ages. By making small changes in home decor, houses can accommodate everyone from infants to senior citizens. According to UDLI's website, 1 million baby boomers on LI can benefit from it by being able to stay in their houses for longer. The changes are simple: most can be done by the homeowner and many just include picking something up at the hardware store. Changes include wider door frames and hallways, no-step entries, bedrooms on the first floor, lever door handles, cabinets with pull-out shelves, and non-slip safety measures for showers and other slippery surfaces. Universal Design can help strengthen families and communities, preserve the tax base, lower nursing home institutionalizations, and improve home safety for all ages. 

On Monday, January 12th, the Suffolk Community Council held a press event to introduce the concept at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale. The Council hopes to bring awareness of Universal Design to Long Island and begin to retrofit traditional homes. According to builders, it only costs about $700 more to build these into new homes or homes undergoing major renovations. Several Long Island towns have already begun to enact Universal Design incentives in their codes and many others are considering similar measures.

For more information, explore the Urban Design Long Island website.

Dowling Institute offers new course: "Nonprofit Employment & Volunteerism in Life's Next Chapter"

The Dowling Institute at Dowling College has developed a brand new course, "Nonprofit Employment & Volunteerism in Life's Next Chapter," targeted at older individuals who are seeking greater purpose and meaning in life through employment or volunteerism in nonprofit or government agencies. Students will learn the goals and functions of nonprofits, how governments finance community services, the political process in shaping publicly-funded programs, and more. Delve into Long Island's social and economic challenges and brainstorm ways to address them. The course will also allow students to thrive on a personal level, developing projects and assessing current interests and skills. Students will learn how to transfer their private-sector employment experience into leadership, management, financial, administrative, technical, or advocacy positions.

The multi-faceted course includes lectures, discussions, guest speakers, group exercises and team-building activities, visits to nonprofit organizations, writing assignments, and the case-method learning approach. Completion of the course will lead to future opportunities in the nonprofit sector. It is taught by Paul Afrin, of Intergenerational Strategies.

The course runs 10 weeks, on Monday evenings, March 23rd to May 18th from 6:30-9pm. It will take place at Dowling College Melville Center, 145 Pinelawn Road in Melville. The 10 sessions are $195. For more information, call (631) 232-1262. To register, call (631) 244-3420 or visit Dowling's website.

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Wal-Mart makes noise in Patchogue

Wal-Mart has had a tough time staying out of local news lately. This time, they have set their sights on East Patchogue. The megastore has submitted plans to the Town of Brookhaven to build a 120,000 square foot store in the wooded area directly north of the Sunrise Highway Service Road on Hospital Road. However, Patchogue residents won't have it. They have created the Wal-Mart Coalition & Action Group, which features this website to raise awareness of their platform and help build a coalition against the project.

This Wal-Mart has been called "the death knell for downtown revitalization projects" in both Patchogue and surrounding areas. The store's draw is expected to be within a 10-mile radius, which includes areas that already have a Wal-Mart like Centereach (8 miles away) and Middle Island (9 miles away). Obviously, North Bellport and Patchogue downtown revitalization efforts are at risk with the spector of a Wal-Mart opening.

Patchogue residents are serious about keeping their community Wal-Mart free. To kick-start what looks to be a vicious battle against the corporation, the Coalition is organizing a film screening of "Walmart: The High Price of Low Cost." This 30-minute independent film will be part of a community meeting on the project, taking place on Monday, January 26th at 7pm, upstairs at the Brickhouse Brewery (67 West Main Street, Patchogue). Space is limited so call to reserve a seat: 1-800-522-0456 ext. 251.

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MTA Fare Hike Hearings reach Long Island

On Wednesday, January 21st, from 6-9pm, come sound off to the MTA about their proposed fare hikes and service cuts. This will be an important chance for Long Islanders to tell the MTA to accept the Ravitch Commission recommendations, which will create a much smaller burden on commuters in the entire region.

The hearing will be at the Garden City Hotel in the Grand Ballroom at 45 Seventh Street in Garden City. 

Vision Planning Consultant Juliana Roberts Dubovsky attended the first of these hearings on Wednesday, January 14th. The following is an excerpt from her testimony on behalf of Vision:

"My name is Juliana Roberts Dubovsky. I live in Astoria, take the N, W, and 7 into Manhattan for work, and the LIRR for my work with Vision Long Island. Our extensive mass transit system is the region's life blood, and I am a voice among the millions who depend on it every day.

On behalf of Vision Long Island, I testified before the Ravitch Commission this past year with recommendations for their report and now implore you all to support the commission's recommendations. As Abraham Lincoln said, "The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew."

The austerity budget's cuts in transit service and increases in fares and tolls will debilitate the economic recovery of the region and do not resolve any of the authority's internal fiscal problems.  Ravitch's creative rescue package would address the authority's financial dilemma, and offers NYers fair and equitable methods of paying for MTA services. We support a regional payroll tax and tolls on the East River and Harlem River bridges which would limit next year's fare and toll increases to 8 percent and would stave off most service cuts. This is essential when more people are relying on those services than ever before. Please make a coordinated lobbying strategy for the plan and you, the authority board members, should offer to help Mr. Ravitch in approaching lawmakers. Please urge our elected officials to move swiftly to pass these recommendations...

As Tri State Transportation Campaign said, "tough choices need to be made to keep our transit system afloat." As a straphanger dependent on this great system, I ask you to make those tough choices, save our mass transit and ensure that NYC is a great place to live and work."

Community Service: Personal Satisfaction and Free Starbucks!

Community service is an integral component of Smart Growth. Smart Growth aims to build stronger, more livable communities, and volunteerism is a natural piece of that puzzle. It seems as though the Obama family has recognized this, and are taking active steps to increase public service. On Monday, the day before the inauguration and in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Michelle Obama has announced a national day of service with the Renew America Together initiative. The Obama family will be volunteering in their new community of Washington, DC that day. You can join an official community service event or do something small on your own that day. It's as simple as helping out an elderly neighbor with her grocery shopping or helping a group like Mineola's Island Harvest collect and distribute donated food.

If the satisfaction of helping out people in your community isn't enough to get you volunteering, maybe this will: free Starbucks! From January 21-25, Starbucks stores will be offering a free tall coffee to anyone who pledges 5 hours or more of volunteer community service. Customers will have to fill out a pledge card, available in stores. The coffee chain is partnering with the organization HandsOn Network, which works with not-for-profit organizations to boost volunteerism. 

Mrs. Obama announced in her YouTube video: "Help us kick off the new administration with the spirit of national unity and shared commitment." Let's bring that spirit back to our Long Island communities and help strengthen them through community service. 

Watch Michelle Obama's video here or read about the initiative in Newsday here.

Tis the season of giving

As the weather continues to get colder, we must remember that not everyone is so fortunate. Make a donation to help out someone less fortunate who may need food, clothing, or other household items. Here are a few suggestions of places to give:

Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island: clothes, toys, and furniture (i.e. cribs, strollers) for children: 38 Old Country Road, Garden City. (516) 741-7304.

Freeport Emergency Food Center: infant formula, non-perishable foods, fresh produce, turkeys, hams, rice, beans, pasta, cake mix. 450 North Main Street, Freeport. (516) 565-0290 or (631) 727-2210.

Interfaith Nutrition Network: food, toys, clothing, cleaning and kitchen supplies, towels, blankets, furniture, etc. 211 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead. (516) 486-6243.

Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank: food items donated at local drives. 10 David's Drive, Hauppauge. (631) 582-3663.

Long Island Council of Churches: canned food, fresh produce, and turkeys. 450 North Main Street, Freeport. (516) 565-0290 or (631) 727-2210.

Pronto: Food, clothing, toys, household and personal items. 128 Pine Aire Drive, Bay Shore. (631) 231 8290.

Riverhead Pantry: non-perishable foods, canned meats, fruit, peanut butter & jelly, infant formula, baby food, spaghetti sauce, hot cereal, gift cards, paper towels, and toilet paper. 407 Osborne Avenue @ Lincoln, (631) 727-2210.

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Home Energy Assistance Program expanded

Governor Paterson has announced the expansion of the emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), as administered under the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). The program supplies emergency help to families who are unable to adequately heat their homes during the winter months. Starting on January 1st, 2009, the income level for eligible families will increase from 60% of the State's median household income ($45,312) to 75% ($56,635). There will also be a new $100 supplemental HEAP benefit automatically issued to HEAP recipients who pay directly for heat, meaning that the maximum regular HEAP benefit will increase from $800 to $900.  

For more information about HEAP, including how to apply, please call OTDA's toll-free hotline at 1-800-342-3009 or visit www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap/. To determine potentially eligibility for HEAP assistance visit: www.myBenefits.ny.gov.

Neighborhood Excellence Initiative

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation's Neighborhood Excellence Initiative is now accepting applications for its 2009 awards. The program recognizes individuals and organizations making a difference in communities across the country. It is divided into three categories: Neighborhood Builders, Local Heroes, and Student Leaders. The Student Leaders Program is an exciting opportunity for high school juniors and seniors, and interested students are highly encouraged to apply. It allows exemplary students with a passion for improving their communities the chance to explore how the nonprofit world can help in their endeavors. Two major opportunities allow these students to develop into the next generation of community leaders. The first is an eight-week paid summer internship with a nonprofit organization, and the second is a week-long summer trip to Washington DC to introduce students to civic, social, and business leadership skills.

The deadline to apply for this program is February 20th. The deadline for Neighborhood Builders and Local Heroes is June 30. 

For more information or to apply to any of these programs, see Bank of America's website.

Money Available for Commercial Development

With banks tightening credit, merging, downsizing and being just plain picky, many think there is a lack of capital available for commercial development. In fact, there is plenty of money available for development-including downtown revitalization- for businesses and nonprofits.

Banks such as Citibank, Capital One, Banco Popular, Suffolk County National, Bridgehampton, Empire, and Madison are still out in the community working with businesses and nonprofits. True- borrowers have to have their paperwork in order. The process may be a bit more detailed and rigorous. Banks may not lend as easily as in the past.  At the end of the day, however, banks are lending to commercial customers.

In particular, banks are lending more and more with support from government programs such as the SBA 504 and the New Market Loan Fund. These programs supplement the bank’s offering and  mitigate the bank’s risk.

If you are involved in a commercial transaction in a downtown or other area being revitalized, keep these programs in mind. They are available for acquisition, construction, renovation and refinancing of capital projects (owner user with the New Market Fund permitting a minimum 35% occupancy). They are available for mixed use projects- perhaps a retailer in basement and first floor; accountant and software developer on the second floor; and affordable apartments on the upper floors.

The SBA 504 loan program and the New Market loan fund provide up to 40% of the project cost in a second mortgage position behind a bank or other lending partner. The buyer puts in just 10% of total project cost. In some cases the New Market Fund can provide 100% of the financing need. Both programs can be leveraged with programs such as the NY Job Development Authority, Industrial Revenue Bonds and straight lease backs and other government programs.

For working capital needs, there are programs such as the SBA 7A (where a lender gets a guarantee from SBA), the LI Targeted Industry Revolving Loan Fund, targeted loans in the Town and Village of Hempstead, the SBA micro loan program and other government related funds.

For information about these financing sources which are ready, willing and able to lend to small businesses and not-for-profit entities seeking to revitalize their communities, contact the LI Development Corp. at 866 433 5432 or see them on the web at www.lidc.org.

NYMTC announces grant for individuals with limited income or disabilities

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) are soliciting proposals for two new programs: Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom. About $11 million is available from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The grants "are intended to fund innovative and flexible programs and projects which identify and address the transportation needs of individuals with limited incomes and persons with disabilities." The money will support job training, job opportunities, travel to work ease, and will address gaps in transportation options for targeted demographics. Not-for-profit organizations, state and local governments, and public transportation service operators are all encouraged to apply.

To guide organizations interested in applying for the funds, NYMTC will be hosting several workshops. The first one took place this Wednesday, January 14th in Long Island. The next workshops will be on January 29th in the Westchester County Center (198 Central Ave, White Plains), and February 3rd at NYMTC (199 Water Street, 22nd Floor, NYC).

For more information and to apply, see the Programs & Projects section of the NYMTC website, or contact Nancy O'Connell at (212) 383-2529 or NLOconnell@dot.state.ny.us. Application deadline is March 27th, 2009.

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Urban League of Long Island seeks participants and hosts for Mature Worker Program

The Urban League of Long Island's Mature Worker Program (MWP, formerly SCSEP) is designed for older individuals to partner with host agencies to improve employability skills. Participants are paid during their job training at a host agency site. The purpose is to enhance quality of life, retrain for today's job market, and create economic independence. Low-income individuals over age 55 in need of employment training are encouraged to participate. 

The Mature Worker Program is currently recruiting host agency sites (nonprofit or government agencies), especially in Suffolk County. Highest priority areas are Medford, Patchogue, Riverhead, and Smithtown. Organizations are encouraged to become hosts, as there are numerous benefits to both the community and the agency itself. Participation will lead to an improved and experienced labor force in the community, can lead to potential employees for the agency, and will provide the agency with mature individuals with flexible schedules and an eagerness to learn.

For more information call (516) 570-6645 in Nassau and (631) 232-2482 or (631) 348-3077 in Suffolk.

Suffolk County Department of Environment and Energy seeks Senior Environmental Analyst

The Suffolk County Department of Environment and Energy's Division of Water Quality Improvement is looking for a Suffolk County resident to fill the position of Senior Environmental Analyst for their Hauppauge office. The candidate will be responsible for scientific research and analysis on water quality improvement projects and for supervising other environmental analysts and technicians. Work will include consulting and maintaining liaisons with other governmental agencies, public interest groups, and educational institutions involved in the study and protection of the environment.

A Bachelor's Degree in mathematics, the sciences, environmental studies, or a related field is required, as is four years of experience in an environmental protection field. Graduate education may be substituted for two years of work experience. Salary is $55,828 plus benefits. Send resume to scpersonnel@suffolkcountyny.gov or mail to Alan K. Schneider, Suffolk County Personnel Director, P.O. Box 5992, Hauppauge, NY 11788-0194.

Town of Brookhaven Seeks New Planning Commissioner

The Town of Brookhaven, a large municipality of 450,000 plus residents, seeks a Commissioner of Planning, Environment and Land Management who will be responsible for overall management of a department containing large and diverse divisions. This position will supervise professional and support staff of over 99 individuals. This is a management confidential position, salary $110k plus.

Please send resumes to searchcommittee@brookhaven.org.

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MLK Interfaith Service

On Sunday January 18th from 7-9pm, Long Island Jobs with Justice will sponsor an important event called "When Will We Hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's call to end Poverty?" The service will feature a multicultural, interfaith prayer service and choir concert on behalf of Long Island's working poor. Featuring Preacher Fred Brewington, Esq., this event will include 10 Long Island choirs.

This is a "Rock and Wrap It Up" event, which means your admissions fee is a can of nonperishable food (or a monetary donation) to support the efforts of the anti-poverty think tank Rock and Wrap It Up. It will take place at St. Matthew's Church at 35 North Service Road in Dix Hills.

Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless presents "Have a Heart for the Homeless"

On February 12th, the Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless will be holding their annual "Have a Heart for the Homeless" candlelit vigil. Community members, groups, and clubs are encouraged to participate: the participation of everyone who cares will make a huge difference.

The event will also include musical guests and speakers to address the serious issues of homelessness and lack of affordable housing on Long island. The group will be accepting donations of unused baby items, diapers, formula, unopened toiletries, and non-perishable foods.

The vigil will take place on February 12th from 6pm-8pm at the Farmingdale State College Plaza and Multi-Purpose Room at Roosevelt Hall, 2350 Broadhollow Road in Farmingdale. NSCH encourages you to hold a drive in your community. Contact them for more information at (516) 742-7770 or by email to gguarton@nsch.org or jking@nsch.org. 

Organic Turf Trade Show

On Tuesday, February 24th from 8am-3:30pm, the Neighborhood Network will host its 10th annual Organic Turf Trade Show at Farmingdale State College. This will be a great event for any professional in a "green" industry or anyone who handles turf care at a business or home. The show will feature vendors who sell 100% organic turf care products, as well as workshops on how to care for turf without using harmful chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Workshops will cover topics dealing with soil compaction, organic weed control, soil biology, legal issues for organic turf care, natural pest control, and more. Scheduled speakers include Paul Sachs of North Country Organics, Dr. Gary Brown of Farmingdale State College, a representative from the New York State DEC, Chip Osborne of Osborne Organics, and Master Gardener Nancy Peters. A special lunchtime workshop will be led in Spanish on the basics of organic turf care, presented by Beth Fiteni of Neighborhood Network and Fabian Sanin of Marders'.

Full registration including workshops with DEC credits, access to the exhibit floor, and lunch is $65. It is $50 for the exhibit floor, lunch, and to audit the workshops but not receive credits, $20 for only the exhibit floor and lunch, and $10 for only the exhibit floor.

No Child Left Inside

On Thursday March 12th, Long Island Nature Collaborative for Kids (LINCK) will host their "No Child Left Inside: Connecting Kids with Nature" conference. From 8:30am-6pm at the Islandia Marriott, the day will address the vital role that nature plays in childhood development. As so many kids today default to video games and the internet, children are deprived of basic outdoor skills and important creative experiences that guide development, not to mention the obesity epidemic and the high rate of allergies among children. Speakers at the conference will include Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, Nancy Rosenow of Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, John Rosenow of National Arbor Day Foundation, and Dana Friedman of The Early Years Institute. Panels will discuss exciting new ways to use parks, schools, early childhood programs, after-school and youth programs, neighborhoods, and backyards to get children back outside. The conference will be filled with interactive events and looks to be a very exciting and important event for Long Islanders. 

For more information, call (516) 304-5480 or visit the website.

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Our Times Coffeehouse presents Bill Staines

On Friday, January 16th at 8pm, Bill Staines will be the featured performer at Our Times Coffeehouse. A collaborative effort between the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, the Long Island Progressive Coalition, and the Research and Education Project of Long Island, the Coffeehouse is an all-volunteer organization that is dedicated to supporting affordable and quality folk music on Long Island in a warm and intimate setting. Bill Staines has become a very popular performer on the folk circuit. He is an uplifting artist who blends wit and humor into his Americana guitar tunes. He may even yodel for you, having won the National Yodeling Championship in 1975. 

The performance will be at the Ethical Humanist Society, 38 Old Country Road in Garden City. Doors open at 7:30. Donations are requested at $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $6 for children under 12 (very young children are free). For more information on this and future performances, see the Our Times Coffeehouse website.

Live Jazz Funk with Fusion Collective

Stop by Four Food Studio & Cocktail Salon every Tuesday night between 9 and 11:30 for live jazz funk by Fusion Collective. Featuring the music of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, and more. Fusion Collective doesn't rehearse, and it is rarely the same group of musicians. In fact, they have had more than 200 musicians play with them since the group's start in January 2005. This unique performance group is fresh and unpredictable, and is also somewhat raw and unpolished for a distinctively "unproduced" sound. This week, come on down to celebrate the group's four year anniversary. Fusion Collective will also be playing at the Velvet Lounge in Stony Brook on Sunday at 9pm with Hypno Smoothie.

The Four Food Studio is located at 515 Broadhollow Road (Route 110), South of the LIE in Melville. Look for the blue lights in the trees. For more on the group and to hear a sample, visit their website.

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We hope this lighthearted take on the economic crisis will bring a bit of humor to the situation. Source unknown.

New corporate Logos, post-economic crisis

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SMART GROWTH NEWS

Newsletter Editor: Michelle Dutchen, Communications Director
Contributors: Eric Alexander, Executive Director; Tara Klein, Planning Coordinator;
Tawaun Weber, Director of Special Projects; Juliana Roberts Dubovsky, Planning Consultant

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:
24 Woodbine Ave. Suite One Northport, NY 11768. Phone: (631) 261-0242. Fax: (631) 754-4452.
Email: info@visionlongisland.org