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Cameron Engineering
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Cameron Engineering & Associates is celebrating their 25th year in business and are looking forward to making Long Island an even greater place for generations to come. We thank them for their generous support and wish them many more years of success. Read more about them on 
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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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Vision Plan for a Green Route 347 gains momentum
This time, we aren't posting a picture of someone banging his head on his desk in connection to the Department of Transportation. The Green Route 347 plan represents a seismic shift in the way the DOT has done business on Long Island (Region 10) and Vision Long Island is very excited to finally stand with the organization.
The evening's public information session was well-publicized, including large signs lining Route 347. The meeting drew over 400 people, excited to see the plan for a road whose plans had previously drawn criticism for blanket road widening. Skeptics are still concerned about traffic tie-ups during construction, the cost of the project, and the viability of the shared-use path. However, the response was generally very positive.
The DOT hopes to begin construction next year. To submit comments or receive more information, call (631) 952-6929 or write to: NYSDOT, 250 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788; Attn: Margaret Conklin, Regional Public Involvement Coordinator. Additional support for transit secured as stimulus passes through House
Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York sponsored an amendment to the stimulus package that would provide an additional $3 billion for transit: $1.5 billion for a transit capital improvement program and $1.5 billion for the New Starts Program. The amendment passed by a verbal vote almost unanimously, raising the total funding for transit and rail in the recovery bill to $13 billion. Support for the transit amendment was so overwhelming that it begs the question of what Congress members' constituents want. Several weeks ago, a report was released by Transportation for America and the National Association of Realtors called "The 2009 Growth and Transportation Survey." The poll found that a full 80 percent of those surveyed believed federal stimulus money should not only create jobs, but also help meet multiple goals such as improving the environment, achieving energy independence, and increasing transit options. This group believed that it is more important for stimulus money to repair existing road and transportation infrastructure and build new transit systems than to build new highways. (In fact, 45 percent of the polling group said that construction of new highways "definitely" or "probably" should not be included in the stimulus plan.) The other 20 percent responded by saying they want only ''road and bridge projects that can be started right away and create an immediate boost to the economy.'' The poll also showed strong support for the environment, with 89% saying that transportation investments should support reducing energy use and 75% saying they want the stimulus to help reduce carbon emissions. As Americans live in a hopeful "honeymoon" period these past few weeks, it is encouraging that so many people believe in the comprehensive opportunities the federal stimulus provides. For more on the poll, see Transportation for America's website here, or read more about the Nadler amendment here. Bishop seeks more aid for wastewater infrastructure
Congressman Bishop's proposal would increase federal funding for wastewater infrastructure needs. Currently slated to receive $6 billion, the amendment calls for $12 billion. Over the next twenty years, New York State alone will need at least $36 billion to repair aging and failing wastewater infrastructure. As the nation's need for clean water infrastructure has continued to grow in recent years, federal investment has actually shrunk. Since 2004, New York State has received 50% less federal funding for wastewater projects, shifting the costs down to local governments. Citizens Campaign for the Environment has been a powerful force in the call for more funding. Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said in a press release on the amendment, "Congressman Bishop is a champion for clean water and this latest effort exemplifies his commitment...We are in desperate need for increased funding and this amendment is critically needed." This money would help protect public health and strengthen our local economy. 412 wastewater infrastructure projects servicing 10 million people and creating thousands of jobs have already been identified in New York State as ready-to-go once this funding is received. The press release said it best, "The lack of federal support for essential infrastructure is crippling, resulting in sewage fouling our beaches, polluting our waters and over-burdening already cash-strapped municipalities." To read a memo on the topic, see the Citizens Campaign for the Environment website. Nation's Infrastructure doesn't make the grade
Education in Focus: Long Island Index releases 2009 report
Ann Golob, Executive Director of the Index, said: "What this shows is that there is a willingness to start considering some new ideas. Other areas of the country have figured these things out. It is not unimaginable that Long Island might too." To learn more about the Index, check out their website. See the article from Long Island Business News here. |
The DOT has done it again! With their Vision Plan for a Green Route 347...wait, green? That can't be right. Or can it?
On Thursday, January 29th, the DOT hosted a press conference and public meeting to release the plans. Green 347 will focus on a 15-mile strip of Nesconset Highway, stretching from the end of the Northern State Parkway to Route 25A in Port Jefferson. The Vision plan includes lowering the speed limit from 55mph to 45mph, creating and enhancing sidewalks for pedestrians and bicyclists (a "shared use" path), "Parks to Ports and Harbors," which would highlight the area's nearby assets, narrower lane widths, shorter street crossing distances and longer crosswalk times, a median designed for pedestrians, and even an effort to improve transit options along the corridor. 
Not only is the plan designed with pedestrian enhancements in mind, but it will turn Route 347 into a green boulevard. Tree lined streets and the incorporation of open space into areas along the corridor will contribute to the goal of receiving "Evergreen" status in the GreenLITES program. GreenLITES (Leadership in Transportation and Environmental Sustainability) is a new program that is similar to LEED green building classification, only it focuses on roads and transportation rather than buildings. Only 2% of projects in the State are expected to achieve Evergreen status. 
This plan really takes initiative to emphasize local communities and build a sense of place along the corridor. NYS DOT Commissioner Astrid Glynn is committed to partnering with local businesses, civics, transit agencies, and other advocacy organizations to build something that works for everyone. Tri-State Transportation Campaign's Kate Slevin noted that "there's an improved relationship with the community." Vision's Eric Alexander said, "We're very happy that DOT Region 10 is incorporating safety, green design and local land use into the revised Route 347 plan."
The proposed redesign of Route 347 is a direct result of a new dialogue between the Department of Transportation and Smart Growth planners, through the efforts of the NYS Smart Growth Cabinet. In particular, NYS DOT Commissioner Astrid Glynn has directed her staff to bring best practices of land use and transportation planning into their projects. Many other projects on the books are under review. Special thanks should go out to Karen Rae, Skip Carrier, Bob Dennisen, Phil Eng, and especially Heather Sporn from the Albany and downstate DOT offices. Region 10 DOT staff that took leadership included Subi Chakraborti, Margaret Conklin, and their design and landscape architecture team.
The Thursday afternoon press conference included many speakers supporting the efforts: NYS DOT Commissioner Astrid Glynn, NYS DOT Region 10 Regional Director Subi Chakraborti, NYS Assemblyman Steven Englebright, NYS Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, a representative for NYS Senator Kenneth Lavalle, NYS Legislator John Kennedy, Michael Harrison from the Office of Governor Paterson, Kate Slevin from Tri-State Transportation Campaign, and Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island.
On Wednesday night, the $819 billion federal stimulus package passed through the House of Representatives. Though still subject to amendments before next week's expected Senate vote, this represents a huge step in investing in our country's infrastructure needs.
Congressman Timothy Bishop has submitted an amendment to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a huge piece of the economic recovery plan that has been moving quickly through Congress this week. 
In a study by the 
On Friday morning, a press conference was held to announce the release of the 2009 Long Island Index, an annual project that gathers data on Long Island in a neutral manner in order to affect policy. This year's report focused on education, demonstrating that a striking 73 percent of Long Islanders would favor "pooling commercial taxes and distributing them equally across the school districts." These numbers were even higher for African Americans (87%) and Latinos (80%). Not surprisingly, the Index also found that students in schools that received less funding performed much worse than their wealthier counterparts. To address decreasing school segregation and disparity, 63% supported creating magnet schools, 64% favored allowing students in failing schools to attend a school in a different neighborhood, and 61% supported building low-income housing in wealthy or middle-class communities.|
Huntington AvalonBay project moves along
It appears that things are moving forward after the developers met with Huntington school board members in early January. To address the school children numbers, AvalonBay representatives reminded the school board that anticipated numbers of children in a new development differ in every context and it is very difficult to predict the outcome. AvalonBay took a stab at it, though, upping the estimated number of students from 79 to 101, as opposed to 128 if single family homes were built on the 30 acres instead. The project seems to have gathered enough support to move forward. The developers plan to target the housing to Huntington school district teachers, health care workers, first responders, and pre-existing Huntington residents. The goal is to serve a middle class population that will help developing Huntington businesses flourish. The school board meeting ended with a unanimous 6-0 vote to continue amicable negotiations with the developers. For more, see this article from the Times of Middle Country. Vision Long Island supports the AvalonBay Huntington Station transit-oriented development project. This proposal will provided needed housing choices for Huntington residents, improve the tax base for the local school district and the Town, and provide an opportunity for young people to live in the Town of Huntington. Vision encourages residents to contact the Town Board and voice their support for this important development. |
Smart Talk last mentioned the 
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. 
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. |
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. 
February 11th - Weathering the Economic Cycle: Long Island Towns' Perspective
For more information and to register, see their 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. Free seminar on home foreclosures on February 23rd
Topics will include counseling services and workouts, the bankruptcy option, the foreclosure process, and investigating and prosecuting real estate crimes. Speakers will include M. Yvette Pacheco, Esq., Deputy Director, Homeownership Center, Nassau County, Office of Housing and Homeless Services; Ronald M. Terenzi, Esq., Berkman, Henoch, Peterson & Peddy, P.C., Garden City; Adam Browser, Esq., Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C., Uniondale; and the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, Economic Crimes Bureau Crimes Against Real Estate (CARE) Unit. The event will take place at the Nassau County Bar Association, 15th Street and West Street in Mineola. Reservations are recommended: (516) 747-4070 or ckatz@nassaubar.org. Organic Turf Trade Show February 24th
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. CNU-NY event: New Urbanism for New Yorkers on February 25th
The talk will take place at the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street. Cost is $5 for Museum members, RPA, CNU, APA, seniors, and students; $9 for anyone else. For more information on the speakers, visit RPA.org, CNU.org, CNU-NY.org, and NYPlanning.org. No Child Left Inside on March 12th
For more information, call (516) 304-5480 or visit the website. Asian American Cultural Festival of Long Island To Be Held March 21st
From 1:00-6:00, enjoy free admission to the Multipurpose Room for multicultural booths, arts and crafts, live performances, an Asian market (including food!), lectures and films from Asian countries, a tea ceremony, workshops, and more. From 6:00-9:00, a $30 ticket will let you into the Little Theater at Knapp Hall for classical stage performances by Asian Artists, "Exotic Taste of Asia" VIP reception, a raffle drawing, and a presentation of awards. For 4 or more people, tickets are discounted to $25 each. The festival is organized by Chinese Cultural Programs. For tickets to the evening portion of the event, send a check payable to the AACFLI (include your name, phone number and email address) to 23 Fernwood Drive, Commack, NY 11725. To volunteer, become a Corporate Sponsor, or for more information, call (631) 543-5768 or visit their website. |
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 Monday, February 23rd at 7pm, the Nassau County Bar Association's Community Relations and Public Education Committee will be hosting a free seminar called "Home Foreclosure: Where to Turn for Help When Things Start Coming Apart." As so many Long Islanders are suffering the consequences of the economic crisis and are in danger of foreclosure, this will a great opportunity to learn about next steps. 
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 Wednesday, February 25th from 6:30-8:30, the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU)'s New York Chapter will partner with Regional Plan Association (RPA) and the APA New York Chapter for an exciting event entitled, "New Urbanism for New Yorkers." This event will be a timely discussion about urban design theories and their effects on climate change, quality of life, and the economy. 
RPA President Bob Yaro will discuss the effects New Urbanism, Transit-Oriented Development, LEED-ND and Smart Growth in the New York metropolitan region and offer his suggestions for moving forward in this tough economic time. CNU President John Norquist will comment on how New York's urbanism positions it for future success and how the nation as a whole can benefit from the techniques of New Urbanism. The event will include case study examples of New Urbanism in the region. After the event, there will be a 30-minute informal discussion and networking opportunity. Refreshments will be served.
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. 
Save the date for Saturday, March 21st, when the 3rd Annual Asian American Cultural Festival returns to promote awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity on Long Island. The event will be at Farmingdale State College, Roosevelt Hall, 2350 Broadhollow Road in Farmingdale. 
SUPERBOWL PARTY!
Celebrate the Year of the Ox in Stony Brook
The festival will take place from 1:30-3:30 at Ward Melville Heritage Organization Education and Cultural Center, Stony Brook Village Center, 97 Main Street. Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children under 12. Reservation is required, call (631) 689-5888. A flyer for the event is available here. |
Although most of the Vision office staff couldn't tell you which teams are playing (Pittsburgh vs. Arizona!), this Sunday's SuperBowl XLIII is a cultural tradition of togetherness. Head over to your local downtown bar to enjoy the game with your friends and community members. Pig out on wings, try to win money in a pool, or if football isn't quite your style, bring a magazine and then pay attention during the awesome high-end commercials that everyone will be talking about on Monday. This year's halftime show performer? Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. 
This Sunday, join in a pre-SuperBowl celebration of last Monday's Chinese New Year. Come and see the Wu Mei Kung Fu Association perform the Lion Dance, see the Stony Brook Taiko Drum Ensemble, see the Spotlight Dance Academy, participate in craft activities, and more. Chinese cookbooks will be on display. 
An entirely new meaning of "mobile homes," care of artist Peter Garfield.
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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: |
