|
 |
|
Welcome to our weekly publication reviewing Smart Growth projects and policies across Long Island that reaches over 8,000 Long Island desktops. It has been a busy week as plans take shape around the region. The NYC Traffic Mitigation Commission is wrapping up its work with some interesting support for transportation investments. Folks across Long Island are eagerly awaiting a presentation from the 2008 Long Island Index. Speculation grows on how Long Island will fare in the New York State budget, particularly in light of the Governor’s recent State of Upstate address. In addition, a rather bold proposal for a cross sound tunnel will be the subject of a New York State Senate hearing next week. Fresh off a number of inaugural events, Long Island Towns are shaping up their agendas for the coming year. In the Town of Brookhaven, folks want to keep the momentum going on implementing visioning efforts with the cooperation of the new Town Board leadership. The Town of Oyster Bay has formed a new economic development office that will focus on redevelopment activities, while the Town of Hempstead is showing some signs of flexibility in reviewing the plans for the Lighthouse development and revitalization efforts in Baldwin and Elmont. Feel free to contribute news, events, links and other information. Please send us data, articles, images and video clips of new or emerging issues. Please note - We have edited our list to delete those who have either moved away or are involved in other efforts across the region. We have also added a few hundred new members who may be interested in the issues we are covering on a weekly basis. If you would like to unsubscribe, there is an 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom of this newsletter. Conversely if you know anyone who would like to receive this weekly publication, please send them over to info@visionlongisland.org |
|
Citigroup Foundation Citigroup Foundation has supported Vision Long Island for our work on implementing community visionings across Long Island. VISION would like to thank Citigroup for their support of Vision as well as all of the other not-for-profit community initiatives they back across the region.
Be a Smart Growth News or 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. 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.|
NOminations Being Accepted for 2008 Smart Growth Awards 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. 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. They 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.
Governor Spitzer Delivers State of Upstate Address: Long Island Next?
According to Newsday's article by James Madore, Sen. Charles Fuschillo (R-Merrick) said Spitzer's remarks, showed that "he needs to be reminded that Long Island is part of New York State. His action of dividing our state is troublesome." On the other hand, Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island was more optimistic, saying that "some will look at this speech as a negative ... but I think it's a challenge for us to get him focused on Long Island's priorities," Alexander said. "Until we know that he's not listening ... I don't think we should storm the Capitol with a lot of negatives."
Congestion Pricing Panel Holds Hearing at Hunter College
The city's transit workers' union endorsed the congestion pricing proposal. Secondly, a new coalition of pro-congestion pricing groups, calling itself Communities United for Transportation Equity, presented research from the Pratt Center for Community Development suggesting that black, Hispanic, and low-income riders have the longest commutes of any residents of the New York.
"The mass-transit system is failing those of us who need it the most, while truck and car-related infrastructure running through our neighborhoods wreaks havoc on our health," said Silvett García, an official at Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, a nonprofit group in the Soundview section of the Bronx. The group called not only for congestion pricing as a way to finance mass transit and reduce traffic, but also for the city to hasten its plans to start a bus rapid transit program. Community Backs Open Space, Fights Commerce Bank Proposal
On August 2, 2006, the Town of Brookhaven Board of Zoning Appeals granted a variance request to Commerce Bank. In order for the bank to proceed with their intended multi-lane drive through, a special permit must be granted by the Planning Board. The Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Association urges the community to attend the hearing and voice opposition for this "inappropriate development." Far from being NIMBY, the community has attempted to work with Commerce Bank on alternate sites for development. Will Commerce Bank compromise and avoid building on the last piece of open space on this sprawling commercial corridor? Stay tuned. $1.56M Granted to Huntington Station for Revitalization
In the Town of Huntington, this money will go towards the Columbia Tower Street Housing Revitalization project at the corner of Railroad and Lowndes Avenue in Huntington Station. It includes building seven new owner-occupied town homes with rental units on the top floors and two adjacent homes will be rehabbed as part of the town's 'Take Back the Block program'. The goal of the TBTB Program is to improve housing and neighborhood conditions while providing ownership opportunities for existing residents. |
In Albany yesterday, Governor Spitzer did what Newsday called a "first-ever" in a State of Upstate speech, by asking Long Islanders and other downstaters "to support $1 billion in spending to bolster the moribund economies of Buffalo, Syracuse and other communities." Citing New York City's renaissance in the 1970's as an example of state-wide support, the Governor urged an infusion of aid to Northwestern New York. 
Matthew Crosson, president of the Long Island Association business group agreed with a state-wide effort but said the governor's emphasis on upstate alone was creating a dangerous contest for resources. "I have no problem helping upstate New York; I want to help them," Crosson said. "But we have serious economic issues on Long Island that require immediate state assistance as well." He added that the Island is facing its own issues such as anemic job growth, an exodus of residents to low-cost states and high property taxes. Though, according to Spitzer's analogy of an "economic storm," the rest of the state should help dig out their upstate neighbors, even if they haven't started on their own driveways.
The latest congestion pricing hearing, held Wednesday afternoon, January 16th, at Hunter College, brought more than the supporters and opposers to the table. According to New York Times writer Sewell Chan, many groups turned up to weigh in on the proposed $8-a-day traffic charge; two developments seemed noteworthy. 
In the January edition of "The Fourth Wave," the 
As of last year, the owner of the site refused to sell due to a pending purchase by Commerce Bank. In addition, despite outspoken opposition, the significance of the Visioning process and suggested alternative sites, Commerce Bank has ignored the community's feedback.
According to David Winzelberg's latest column, |
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.|
"Public Matters" Radio Program Discusses 'Preservation for the Next Generation' on January 20th
Next NYC Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission Hearing to be Held on January 24th
Read more on the NYS DOT's website here. Persons wishing to submit testimony needs to submit the RSVP form quickly and bring 20 copies of any prepared statement at the hearing registration desk. Cross-Sound Tunnel Hearing Scheduled for January 24th
The dream of Garden City developer Vincent Polimeni, it involves a tunnel extending from the intersection of Route 135 (Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway) and Route 25 (Jericho Turnpike) in Syosset to the intersection of I-287 and I-95 in Rye, Westchester County, NY. Oyster Bay Town Hall is located at 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, contact Kathy Wilson at 516-922-1811 or Deborah Peck Kelleher at 518-455-2390. For more information, click here to see the proposed project, here to visit Sen. Marcellino's website, or here for an interesting article about Rye, NY's reaction to the proposal. Society for Marketing Professional Services Hosts Transit-Oriented Development Event on February 13th
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
Donations of unused baby items, diapers, formula, unopened toiletries, and non-perishable foods will be accepted at the door. For more information, contact the Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless on their website, at 516-742-7770, or gguarton@nsch.org. Sierra Club To Hold Downtown Redevelopment Seminar
For more information, visit lisierraclub.org. 9th Annual Organic Turf Trade Show Coming February 26th
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. RSVP to olitgmp@omh.state.ny.us. The VFW is located at 259 Dougty Blvd. in Inwood. |
Local radio show "Public Matters" will be hosting a discussion about 'Preservation for the Next Generation' on Sunday, January 20th on a number of locally syndicated stations. The show, hosted by Greenstone/Fontana's Jean Fontana, features VISION's own Eric Alexander, will discuss issues relevant to all of Long Island in an informative and interesting way. Be sure to tune in on Sunday morning to hear it. For more information, contact Drew Kenyon at Greenstone/Fontana at 631-588-5900.
The Traffic Mitigation Commission will continue to hear input and concerns throughout the region. On Thursday, January 24th, the commission will return to Hofstra University for a public hearing scheduled at 6PM at the University Club. Please make every attempt to be at this meeting to provide public comments regarding the proposed congestion pricing. The New York City Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission has updated their website to provide information on how to register and submit public testimony for the Manhattan public hearing next week.
On Thursday, January 24 there will be a Cross-Sound Tunnel meeting at the Oyster Bay Town Hall's Hearing Room at 10:30am. The public hearing on Long Island is arranged by New York State Senator Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset), the chairman of the Senate's Environmental Conservation Committee.The Senator will host the meeting in conjunction with the State Senate's Transportation Committee. The public is invited to listen at the hearing, but only invited participants may speak. The meeting will be a discussion of the proposed privately- funded cross-Long Island Sound 16-mile tunnel.
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. TOD is one of the key elements to the long-term success of Smart Growth on Long Island. 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. 
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.|
Hofstra Holds Suburbia Photography Exhibit
To make the visit even more appealing, there is another exhibit downstairs featuring the work of 6 famous female photographers from the University Museum Collection. If you are craving a break from the repetitious, cookie cutter frames, visit the work of Sally Gall's "Monadnock" (1990), where, as New York Times writer Benjamin Genocchio eloquently puts it, "there are no boats or swimmers to break the water's stillness, no houses or suburbs anywhere in sight." "Photographing Suburbia" runs through Jan. 28, and "On Location: Women Photographers From the Hofstra University Museum Collection" runs through June 27, both at the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, Hofstra University Museum, Hempstead. Information: (516) 463-5672 or on their website. Multi-Instrumentalist 'Gene the Machine' plays Port Jefferson on January 19th
Call (631) 476-3800 for more information or visit Gene's website.
|
An apropos photography exhibit is currently on display at Hofstra University. Entitled, "Photographing Suburbia," the exhibition shows the work of three prominent American photographers, Bill Owens, Dan Weiner and Gregory Crewdson. According to a January 13th New York Times review called "The Soul of Suburbia, Captured on Film," the exhibit draws from a range of eras and documents the birth and rise of suburbia into the 1990s. Exhibition curator Daniel R. Rubey stated that "he wanted to convey both the way suburbia has been a part of art photography for the past half-century and the way its depiction has changed over that time." Beginning with a glowing vision of early suburbia- community, family, friendship and safety- the exhibit moves into the critical lens of those artists who grew up in suburbia. Aside from the excitement of the exhibition itself, it provides an interesting lens through which to view modern suburbia and the images we have of Long Island today.
Head to downtown Port Jefferson Friday night for a unique Night With Gene The Machine - He plays drums with his feet, guitar, harmonica, and sings all at the same time while playing your favorite songs from Frank Sinatra to Green Day. Head to |
"As in the pseudoscience of bloodletting, just so in the pseudoscience of city rebuilding and planning, years of learning and a plethora of subtle and complicated dogma have arisen on a foundation of nonsense." - Jane Jacobs |
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: |
