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TRammell Crow Residential
They have Smart Growth projects in the Village of Hempstead and West Hempstead that are underway. We applaud their efforts and thank them for their ongoing support. Become a Supporter of Smart Growth Vision Long Island prides itself on having a broad range of supporters. Become one today. A donation as small as $50 buys outreach materials to help a community build support for their vision. $500 sponsors an entire newsletter. $5,000 makes you a lead sponsor of our Smart Growth Summit, buying 10 tickets and a key branding opportunity for your organization.
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Trammell Crow Residential, a multi-family real estate firm, develops, constructs, and acquires multi-family rental and condominium communities of the highest standards. 
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Nominations wanted! 2009 Smart Growth Awards Deadline: Friday, February 28th
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Smart Growth Awards. If you have a project that you would like to nominate, whether it be our own or one you are excited about, please submit it to us no later than Friday, February 28th. To read about past winners or to find out more about the Awards, visit our website here. Registration forms and rules for nominations are available here, along with a flyer here. Call our office at 631-261-0242 with any questions. SAVE THE DATE! JUNE 19TH 11:30-2:00 CREST HOLLOW COUNTRY CLUB WOODBURY, NY |
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Protest comes to Garden City MTA Hearing
Support at the hearing was rallied by the following organizations: ACORN, Tri-State Transportation Coalition, the LIRR Commuters' Council, advocates for Able Ride, numerous labor groups, LIPC and Vision Long Island. Elected officials who spoke in favor of maintaining service and transit oriented development included Hempstead Councilman Ed Ambrosino, Nassau County Legislator Vincent Mucarella and Nassau Legislator David Denenberg.
However, an alternative plan exists with the Ravitch Commission recommendations, which propose more commuter-friendly measures to fill the MTA's $1.2 billion deficit for 2009. To restore the budget gap, the Commission suggested putting a toll on the East River and Harlem bridge crossings, investing in key regional infrastructure such as the LIRR Third Track project, consolidating regional bus services, and raising fares and cutting service much less than proposed. The Commission also recommends a payroll tax for regional commuters of one-third of one percent. The recommendations have been gathering support, but time is tight to get them passed through the legislature. Luckily, at least one of the Ravitch Commission recommendations are gaining support in the State Senate. The payroll tax will generate $1.5 billion a year. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith said Democrats would support the tax if the business community supports it: "It's really the last thing we want to take a look at, however, this is a classic example, I think, of shared sacrifice," Smith said in the Daily News on Thursday. The bridge tolls are expected to be more of a tough sell. The MTA cuts would affect everyone, but hit especially hard are the disabled. Able-Ride bus tickets would double in cost. One Mineola resident said at the hearing, "The proposed increases would limit my ability potentially to go to work and be a productive member of society." Tri-State Transportation Senior Planner Ryan Lynch offered this in his testimony: "It is time to get real about the service and capital needs of the MTA and deal with them head on...The proposed fare hike and service cuts are anything but fair. We want our Legislature to enact what is fair. Transit riders will notice, and transit riders vote." Vision Long Island is in support of the recommendations of the Ravitch Commission and strongly encourages Long Islanders to contact their NYS Assemblyman and Senators ASAP. Several more hearings are scheduled for other counties in the coming weeks. See more here. For more information, see Newsday. Vision Plan for a Green Route 347
On Thursday, January 29th from 4-9pm, NYSDOT will host a public open house and presentation (at 6pm) to learn more about the plans. It will take place at the State Office Building at 250 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge. Displays and information will be available and NYSDOT personnel will be on hand to describe and discuss the plan, answer questions and hear public comments and suggestions. Public input is critical to developing a vision that integrates Route 347 For further information, email R10-RPIC@dot.state.ny.us or call Margaret Conklin, Regional Public Information Coordinator at (631) 952-6929. VIsion Long Island staff had the opportunity to review an early version of this revised plan and was impressed by the safety amenities, coordination with local land-use and integration of green design. Vision looks forward to working with NYS DOT Region 10 on roadways such as 347 and we hope that local community leaders attend this session. Energeia Graduation ceremony Brings Forward Next Wave of Long Island Leaders
At the graduation, former graduate and Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning and Marketing at North Shore Long Island Jewish Healthcare System Jeffrey Kraut presented an entertaining and inspirational speech. He said, "If we truly want to improve Long Island, we need to work with, invest and lift up the communities at the lower end of the scale in order for them to truly enjoy all the benefits, pride and joy of calling Long Island home. We can only do so if we have leaders...These individuals possess courage, honesty, persistence, strength, integrity and caring. Yes they have also charisma and personality, but those traits alone will not sustain loyalty and allegiance or engender trust as much as character. Character is substantive, it's enduring and it's real. Those are the people who are the Energeia Partnership Class of 2007." |
Last week, we encouraged Long Islanders to attend the public hearings for the proposed MTA fare hikes and service cuts. The first Long Island hearing took place this past Wednesday evening at the Garden City Hotel, and a huge turnout of over 500 people showed heavy opposition to the plan. There was a strong showing of support for transit options on Long Island, a positive sign that the region is pulling away from its taken-for-granted auto dependence. 
If the MTA cuts are enacted, transit fares will have a huge increase and many transit lines will be cut. Assemblyman Joseph Saladino of Massapequa spoke out against the fare hikes in the Farmingdale Observer: "They increased fares last year and now they're looking for this tremendous increase this year." The MTA plan means a 24-29% fare hike for LIRR tickets and 62% increase for Long Island Bus fare (a ticket will cost at least $3.25, up from $2). All service on LI Bus will be eliminated on lines N51, 53, 65, 66, 67, 80, 87, and 93. Weekend service on the West Hempstead LIRR branch would be eliminated, and weekday off-peak service would be reduced on the Port Washington Branch from half-hourly to hourly.
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has developed a "Vision Plan for a Green Route 347." The Route stretches from the end of the Northern State Parkway in Hauppauge to Route 25A in Port Jefferson. Currently one of Long Island's most dangerous roads, this plan will not only advance the final plans of the preferred alternative identified in the 2008 Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision to improve safety and mobility for motorists, but will also transform Route 347 into a suburban greenway or modified boulevard. The plan envisions providing a separate shared-use bike and pedestrian path, adding new facilities for transit
On January 9th, a new class of graduates passed through the Energeia Partnership program: The Academy for Regional Stewardship on Long Island. The program began in 2006 at Molloy College, with the goal to create a dynamic learning environment for current and future regional leaders who are committed to action for social justice, human worth, and the protection of natural resources. A member of the Class of 2007, Vision's very own Eric Alexander was honored at this ceremony as a Long Island Trustee: "acknowledged of [his] dedication to regional leadership, ongoing commitment to service on behalf of the community, and other participation in The Energeia Partnership." In addition, Tawaun Weber, Vision's Director of Special Projects, was also honored as part of the graduating class.|
Inauguration Unites Long Island Communities & Neighborhoods Across the Country
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Around 9:15 am I, along with my Aunt Janey and her friend Rita, situated ourselves right next to the Washington monument to witness the inauguration and all its festivities. We had a decent view of the jumbo-tron and could hear everything loud and clear, though the sound did bounce off the monument a bit creating a cool echo effect. From the time we arrived until about 1 pm, when left for the metro, we were literally rubbing elbows with folks surrounding us; quarters were tight. No one minded the extreme physical closeness of strangers for this extended period of time since it helped to insulate us from the cold and the and the joyous occasion made all annoyances seem meaningless. There was a collective elation that made us all instant friends. Lots of conversations about the excitement and the personal meaning of the day were happening all around. 
Barbara Johnson, 67 of Jacksonville Florida said, "Never in my time did I think we would elect a black president." I asked her what about President Obama inspired her and she was reminded of a statement made by Martin Luther King Jr who said, "Judge us not on the color of our skin but on the content of our character." Ms. Johnson was moved by the character President Obama displayed throughout the primary campaign and the election campaign.
Act Now to Stop LI Transit Cuts
Please call your Senator or Assembly Member now: State Senators: Assembly Members: Tis the season of giving
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. |
Take action to stop the proposed transit cuts! Vision Long Island, in coordination with Tri-State Transportation Campaign, ACORN, Long Island Progressive Coalition, and other advocacy organizations, are calling on Long Islanders to oppose the massive budget cuts and fare increases proposed by the MTA. Call your State Senators and Assemblypersons to seek alternative funding mechanisms to fund needed transit services. The recommendations proposed in the Ravitch Commission report spell out necessary funding offsets such as payroll taxes and tolling of East River and Harlem bridges.
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: 
Home Energy Assistance Program expanded
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 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
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
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. |
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. 
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. 
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. 
Suffolk County Department of Environment and Energy seeks Senior Environmental Analyst
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
Please send resumes to searchcommittee@brookhaven.org. |
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.
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. 
Global Chat on Seoul, Newark, and New York Tonight!
The event is Sponsored by AIA New York Chapter and NY Projects, Inc. Reservations are required, and cost is $10 (or free if you are an American Institute of Architects member). Register here. Chart New York's Climate Change Agenda January 27th-29th
The first meeting will be Tuesday, January 27 in Manhattan (Department of Public Service Board Room, 4th Floor, 90 Church Street): open house from 2-5pm and presentations at 6pm. Wednesday, January 28th will be at the Nassau County Legislative Chamber (1st Floor, Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola): open house from 4-7pm and presentations at 7pm. Thursday, January 29th will be at Brookhaven National Laboratory (Berkner Hall, Upton): open house from 4-7pm and presentations at 7pm. For more information on the task force, visit the DEC's website. Lean and Green Forum on Political Climate Change To Be Held February 12th
Panelists will include Ariella Maron of NYC's Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability; Michael Colgrove, NYSERDA's new NYC Director; Emmaia German of Center for Working Families; David Hepinstall of Association of Energy Affordability; and Moderator Marcia Bystryn of NY League of Conservation Voters. Registration fee is $20. For more information or to register, visit their website. Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless presents "Have a Heart for the Homeless" on February 12th
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
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. For more info or to register, see the Neighborhood Network's website.No Child Left Inside
For more information, call (516) 304-5480 or visit the website. |
Enjoy an exciting opportunity to explore issues of planning on a global scale. Come to "Global Dialogues: Seoul, Newark, and New York" TONIGHT, Friday, January 23rd from 6-8pm at the Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place in Manhattan. Hear Seoul Deputy Mayor Young Gull Kwon in conversation with Newark Deputy Mayor Stefan Pryor and New York City Chief Urban Designer Alexandros Washburn discussing the integration of environmental design and urbanism. 
Come help New York State chart its climate change agenda! The New York State Sea Level Rise Task Force will be holding several public meetings next week. They will each include an informal open house session with exhibits and agency staff on hand to discuss issues of climate change and sea level rise. After the open house will be staff presentations and a public-comment period. 
Come to the Pratt Center for Community Development (144 W. 14th Street in Manhattan) on February 12th from 10am-12pm for "Managing Lean and Green Forum: Political Climate Change." In this session, hear a panel discuss the public resources, policies and programs that have the potential to dramatically increase the energy efficiency of NYC's housing and other building stock and contribute to the economic development of NYC's neighborhoods. 
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. 
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'. 
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. 
Patchogue Winter Arts Festival
The Patchogue Theatre is located at 71 East Main Street. Community members are hoping to turn this into an annual event. For more information, call the theatre at (631) 207-1313 or see more information here. Yoga Day offers Free Classes
9 am: Hatha Yoga (basic yoga postures) For more information, call (631) 893-1146 or email info@yogadarshanacenter.com, or see this website. |
This Saturday, January 24th, come to a great downtown event in Patchogue at their Winter Arts Festival. Presented by the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts and the Patchogue Arts Council, the festival will include presentations of original local poetry and artwork. The day includes three sections. First, at 1pm, join ceramic artist Bill Shillalies at the Patchogue Theatre lobby for a reception for his "Texture, Fire, Color" show. He will be afterwards be joined other artists for a walking tour of Main Street where the work of local artists will be displayed in store windows. The event hopes to address the fact that there are not currently any art galleries in the Village. Next, at 3pm, join Long Island poets for "Lines in the Lobby," where lines of verse will be presented in the Theatre lobby. The two afternoon events are free, but you may want to splurge $10-35 for the evening concert. The concert will include many bands and singers with short sets, including Iridesense, Karmasutra, Goliath, Johnny Cuomo, Jay Scott, and more. 
On Saturday, January 24th, the 
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: |
