Roger Clayman, Executive Director of Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO: “The hard economic times have put a tremendous strain on Long Island’s working families, many facing protracted unemployment and foreclosures. Our top priority must be jobs. Budget cutting alone will not remedy the financial crisis in New York. We need investments in roads, bridges, sewers, public transit and schools to jump start this economy and make New York competitive again.”

New York Power Authority (NYPA)

NYPA's mission is to provide clean, low-cost and reliable energy consistent with a commitment to the environment and safety, while promoting economic development and job development, energy efficiency, renewables and innovation, for the benefit of our customers and all New Yorkers.

Read more about them on their website.

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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Nominate the best Smart Growth Projects for the 10th annual Smart Growth Awards!

Deadline extended to Friday, February 18th!

Business, community, labor and environmental leaders join forces for 3rd annual Long Island Lobby Day

Tuesday, February 8th marked the third annual Long Island Lobby Day. Over 50 participants, representing nearly 45 Long Island business leaders, environmentalists, civic associations, human services, senior advocates, Smart Growth planners, labor groups and transportation advocates converged in Albany to meet with elected officials in hopes of advancing a substantive platform to help Long Island. The platform included transportation, sewer infrastructure, energy and environment, small business, jobs and economic development and human services.

The diverse coalition has grown once again and now includes: AARP, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Empire State Future, Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, Long Island Business Council, Long Island Federation of Labor, Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Long Island Software and Technology Network, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, Tri-State Transportation Campaign and Vision Long Island. Additional participating organizations include: Concern for Independent Living, Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Coram Civic Association, Dowling College, Elmont Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Huntington Station, Glen Cove Business Improvement District, Gordon Heights Civic Association, Gordon Heights Chamber of Commerce, Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization, Long Island Housing Partnership, Long Island Minority AIDS Coalition, Mastic Beach Property Owners Association, Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, Middle Island Civic Association, Neighborhood Network, New York League of Conservation Voters, Plainview/Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, Renaissance Downtowns, Roel Resources, Save the Forge River, Selden Civic Association, South Yaphank Civic Association, them TV, US Green Building Council – Long Island Chapter, Verizon, Wading River Civic Association and Youth of Ethical Societies, Long Island Chapter.

Meetings were held with all nine Long Island Senators- Kenneth LaValle, John Flanagan, Lee Zeldin, Owen Johnson, Carl Marcellino, Kemp Hannon, Jack Martins, Charles Fuschillo, and Majority Leader Dean Skelos; Assemblymembers Philip Boyle, Steve Englebright, Al Graf, Andrew Raia and Harvey Weisenberg; Senate Minority Leader John Sampson and Senator Daniel Squadron; and Tony Giardina, Assistant Secretary for Economic Development for the Governor. Members of our Coalition also met separately with Assemblymembers Chuck Lavine, Dan Losquadro and Dean Murray.

Here is a brief summary of the Lobby Day agenda:

1) Transportation: The $1.3+ billion proposed in a variety of Long Island transportation projects would create an estimated 51,000 jobs for our region
a) Complete Streets
b) Fix-it-First
c) Transportation Financing
d) Save Long Island Bus
e) Multimodal Transportation Solutions

2) Energy and Environment: Solar creates more jobs per MW than any other power source. Adding 5,000 MW of solar will create an estimated 22,000 jobs and inject over $500 million in annual wages into the New York economy through 2025. Jobs created would be well-paying, long lasting, and local positions across a wide spectrum of professions; including business managers, salespeople, engineers, installers and electricians.
a) Offshore Wind
b) Solar Jobs & Development Act
c) NYISO Reforn

3) Human Services
a) Universal Design
b) Food Insecurity

4) Small Businesses, Jobs & Economic Development: There are an estimated 15,000 units of housing projected near train stations on Long Island that need to be processed expeditiously to meet the needs of our workforce and next generation.
a) Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit
b) Reducing LIPA debt
c) SEQRA Reform

5) Sewers & Infrastructure: Funding and 5 Long Island Sewers Priority List
a) Increase sewer funding through the Environmental Facilities Corporation fund and LI Sewer

Priorities: These five wastewater projects totaling $434 million in investment that would create an estimated 12,000 jobs to our region.
• Mastic/Shirley
• Bay Park in Nassau County
• Bergen Point, Babylon, Suffolk County
• Smithtown/Kings Park
• Northport

You can download the full agenda here.

The day opened with a press conference where the group introduced the agenda and themes for the day: economic development and job creation, benefits of transportation, sewer infrastructure, renewable energy and more. The Coalition’s proposals would create an estimated 85,000 jobs, as well as incentivize the creation of 15,000 new units of housing near transit and in our downtowns. These items will help address changing demographics on Long Island.

Chris Murray of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce explained that the Coalition is an opportunity for business groups to talk about their concerns with people who are not as familiar with their needs- and it turns out, there is a lot in common. For example, saving Long Island Bus is critical for transportation advocates, labor, small business owners and employees and environmental conservation. He concluded, “we’re all Long Islanders and we all represent Long Island.” Bob Fonti of the LI Business Council added that we need incentives from government to create jobs: “there’s a time for politics and a time for governance. This is a time for governance.”

Civic leaders spoke from both the Millennial and retired perspectives. Joe Conte from Nassau County explained that as a young Long Islander, he is concerned about the region’s long-term economic viability. He wants to see density, walkable communities and alternative modes of transportation. Tom Talbot of the Middle Island Civic Association had similar priorities. The good news, he said, is that many communities have created Smart Growth-based land use plans to address future needs of both the young and old. Expediting the SEQRA process will help advance these visions to achieve our mutual goals.

The higher education sector was also invested in the platform. For this year’s LI Youth Summit for high school students hosted by Dowling College, the four most popular application topics were, in order: water and environmental protection, renewable energy, transportation and economic development. Meanwhile, Suffolk Community College is hoping to create a solar job training institute to prepare students for the green economy.

The first meeting was with the Senators, and we were told it was a huge feat to get all nine leaders to meet with us at once. Last year, Senators LaValle and Skelos had some problems with the Complete Streets bill, so we hope to work with them to address their concerns and move the legislation forward this year. Many of the Senators seemed enthusiastic about supporting the Solar Jobs & Development Act. Sen. Skelos spoke about small business tax incentives, saying that we need support from the Assembly. Senator Skelos concluded that “we’ll continue to communicate.”

Senator LaValle was sympathetic toward the LIPA debt, and spoke of a bill that just came out of the energy committee. The bill would mandate that any increase over 2% in LIPA bills be reviewed by the Public Service Commission. LaValle also mentioned a forthcoming bill that would expedite critical economic development projects, rather than getting delayed by the SEQRA process. He suggested that many of us in the room should help in that effort by sitting on a panel.

Senator Zeldin talked about our outdated wastewater infrastructure and its negative impact on the environment. Investing in infrastructure will also lower energy costs and bring together many of the Coalition's agenda items. He expressed interest in working with the Coalition's energy and environment partners moving forward.

Senator Fuschillo stressed the importance of finding ways to fund capital transportation programs. The transportation committee had met with MTA chief Jay Walder that morning and agreed that people cannot afford any more taxes, so we must find a balanced funding mechanism to improve infrastructure. The Coalition encouraged implementing the new Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act to prioritize good projects in this process. The Senator committed to meeting with our transportation partners in the future.

Senator Martins, former Mayor of Mineola, talked about the need for downtown revitalization. He encouraged overlaying our local goals with the Governor’s new initiative for regional economic councils. He promised to work with the Governor to address regional needs including affordable, next-gen and senior housing, revitalization around transit and efficient transit.

Senate Minority Leader John Sampson, joined by Brooklyn Senator Daniel Squadron, who used to work on Long Island and supports transit-oriented development, was eager to hear from us, especially on the budget neutral items of which he said “we’ll be able to work out.” He talked about the importance of being bipartisan, saying, “some of us do get caught up in rhetoric, but at the end of the day people want lower taxes, jobs, and the opportunity to achieve the American dream.” He said that his conference would continue to fight for our common goals and suggested that we were “preaching to the choir” on many of our issues.

Senator Squadron said that ours were core issues that he and his colleagues care about and that unlike the old way of dividing things, environment and economic development are now the same in many ways. He added that we should not tax unduly to fund transit, but we also should not gut transit funding without a responsible alternative. He concluded that we are “completely on the same page" and that he and the Coalition "could not be more aligned.”

Next, the Coalition met with five Assembly members (Boyle, Englebright, Graf, Raia and Weisenberg). Assemblyman Weisenberg gave a passionate talk about the difficulties of the budget and its negative effect on not-for-profit issues. He was very upset about cuts to AbleRide, LI Bus and school aid, and mentioned that he had a “confrontation” with the Governor on these issues. He asked for the Coalition’s help with resources and we responded that our agenda was crafted with an understanding of the budget. “We get it; we’re the pulse of the public; we’re in it,” said Esposito.

Of the proposal to privatize LI Bus, Assemblyman Raia said “Who wants to take over a company you have to pour money into?” He was also interested in our proposition for HOT lanes, concluding that “it’s a good idea.” He met with the Governor recently and said that DEC reform was a major topic. All agreed that SEQRA reform is about speed and not about cutting corners. Vision’s Eric Alexander added that we’ve “got to pick up the pace. It’s not the old environment versus development fight anymore; we’re done with that."

On the Solar Jobs Act, which Assemblyman Englebright sponsored, Assemblyman Weisenberg said, “You’ve got my vote.”

The final meeting was with Tony Giardina from the Governor’s staff. Giardina, a former Long Islander and co-chair of the Smart Growth Cabinet, is involved in organizing the new regional economic councils. He explained the Governor’s vision for the councils is to be localized and bottom-up in how funds are allocated. The Coalition discussed how these councils might function and who would serve on them. We cautioned that the councils should build upon pre-existing local plans and downtown projects rather than start from scratch as a new regional plan. Giardina was very receptive to our needs but also reticent of the economic climate and state deficit. He discussed the budget, saying it was “very tightly wound" and "relies on change in the way we do business.”

He seemed especially interested in the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, and agreed that the development process can take a prohibitively long time in New York. The Governor’s environmental platform includes Complete Streets and the Coalition encouraged him to take a leadership role on this. Giardina also said that the administration has been meeting with solar technology companies this week.

Last year, two of the Coalition’s bills were passed: the Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act and the Pesticide Free Schools law. The Coalition hopes for bipartisan support on our agenda and we are eager for more progress this year. As Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment explained, “Governor Cuomo said in the State of the State: ‘Where are the people in the halls of Albany?’ Well, here we are and here we come! We come to bring a message from communities all across Long Island to the halls of Albany. We speak together with one voice. We can recover from the recession and make Long Island better. We stand together and we fight to protect our quality of life.”


Here are some press quotes from participating organizations:

Roger Clayman, Executive Director of Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, said, “The hard economic times have put a tremendous strain on Long Island’s working families, many facing protracted unemployment and foreclosures. Our top priority must be jobs. Budget cutting alone will not remedy the financial crisis in New York. We need investments in roads, bridges, sewers, public transit and schools to jump start this economy and make New York competitive again.”

Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said, “Governor Cuomo’s State of the State included a call to action for citizens to come to Albany and participate in the democratic process. We agree and here we are! LI Lobby Day has been carefully crafted to allow the public’s voice to be heard by our elected leaders. Long Islanders are united in our efforts to help grow small businesses, improve transportation, increase solar and wind power, advance smart growth and improve our island’s economy. The LI Lobby Coalition has gained momentum each year and 2011 promises to continue that trend.”

Will Stoner, AARP NY Associate State Director for Livable Communities, said, “The vast majority of New Yorkers want to remain living in their homes and communities as they age. New York State has the opportunity to make the infrastructure of our homes and streets more accessible by creating incentives for universal design standards and by adopting Complete Streets legislation that would create an approach to road design that balances the needs of all users - cars, transit, pedestrians and bikes.”

Ryan Lynch, senior planner and Long Island coordinator for the Tri-State State Transportation Campaign, a non-profit transportation policy watchdog, said, “Even in the face of the State’s fiscal crisis, it remains imperative that Long Island’s transportation needs are addressed. Key investments in transit, fix-it-first and cycling and walking infrastructure not only foster a more sustainable, multi-modal and smart growth oriented future, but are also the catalyst for generating the good jobs that will ensure Long Island enhances its economic competiveness in the 21st century and beyond.”

Richard Bivone, Nassau Chair of the Long Island Business Council, said, “Long Island’s economic development needs are great, though we are restricted by sky-high taxes on top of the recession. A Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit is one way to incentivize job growth for our struggling small businesses. We must lower the crushing LIPA debt and reform the time-consuming SEQRA process in order to restore our region’s economic health.”

Bob Fonti, Suffolk Chair of the Long Island Business Council, said, "In today's stalled economy the economic engine is the business community. We need leadership in Albany to make it easier for businesses to stay afloat. Tax credits, lower electric rates, payroll incentives and real estate caps are a start. The key to our preservation is in your hands.”

E. Christopher Murray, President of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, said, "Long Island lobby day is important to the business community because it permits a variety of groups to speak with one voice to support business incentives that will help the Long Island economy"

Jorge Martinez of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said, “The Long Island Hispanic Chamber is one of LI’s oldest and most respected business organizations. We support the LI Lobby Day Coalition’s efforts in job creation and infrastructure investment. We encourage our State officials to work with small businesses and allied organizations in improving Long Island’s economy.”

Peter Fleischer, Executive Director of Empire State Future, said, "Empire State Future is once again pleased to be part of the Long Island Lobby Day. Together we call on this new administration to promote appropriate and sustainable community and economic development. Specifically we call for adequate funding for sewer infrastructure to allow for needed density and to protect precious water supply, wetlands and beaches. We also call for robust and comprehensive implementation of the Public Infrastructure Policy Act. This will help to ensure that infrastructure funds are available for Long Island's most needed developments and redevelopments. Finally, we call for Complete Streets legislation to ensure safe streets and revitalized downtowns for all users."

Eric Alexander, Executive Director of Vision Long Island, said, “Last year the Long Island Lobby Coalition was able to assist in the passage of two important bills, the “Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act” and “Pesticide Free Schools.” This year the mandate is to move regulations and legislation that will further assist our local economy. The proposals the coalition has put forward today will create an estimated 85,000 jobs in transportation, energy and wastewater infrastructure. The economic development proposals will help small business grow and incentivize the creation of 15,000 units of planned housing near transit and in our downtowns.”

See press coverage in Newsday and Long Island Business News.

Long Island tops list for most dangerous roads for pedestrians

According to a recently released study by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Long Island once again has the dubious distinction of being home to several the tri-state region’s most dangerous roads for pedestrians. In fact, for three years running, Nassau County’s Hempstead Turnpike has topped the list with more pedestrians killed than any other roadway in the region. Ryan Lynch, senior planner and Long Island coordinator for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, suggested a pedestrian island could help curb fatalities by providing a refuge for pedestrians in the middle of the road. "If you get caught between the light, you can feel like you won't get sideswiped by a car," he said.

Suffolk’s Sunrise Highway also held the prominent position of number four on the list. Much like Hempstead Turnpike, it is a multi-lane highway bordered by shopping centers and restaurants on either side. Analysts blame factors such as these, as well as poor road design, for pedestrian deaths.

Although a Complete Streets bill that would have called for developers and traffic engineers to consider the needs of all users when designing streets passed the State Senate, it has since stalled in the Assembly. Tri-State Transportation Campaign, however, noted that this work could be completed with minimal funds and be a major benefit for New Yorkers and Long Islanders of all backgrounds. “Even with limited resources, the region can step up efforts to design more balanced, walkable streets,” said Kate Slevin, Executive Director of the Campaign. “Pedestrian improvements offer a tremendous bang for the buck.”

For more information, check out the full study here. See Vision's Executive Director Eric Alexander's comments on News12 here and the story in Newsday here.

New HUD funds for Long Island homeless programs

On Monday January 31st, Congressman Steve Israel and HUD Regional Administrator Adolfo Carrion attended a press conference hosted by Greta Guarton of the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless to announce $11.2 million in HUD funds for housing and other programs for Long Island’s homeless. According to Guarton, “the HUD funds awarded to Long Island agencies will keep 2,700 Long Islanders out of shelters and in safe, stable housing. The programs supported by these funds provide crucial housing and services for the most vulnerable Long Islanders.” The $11.2 million will primarily go to 75 local Long Island agencies that provide permanent and transitional housing and other services such as job training, healthcare, mental health and substance abuse counseling and childcare for the HUD’s Continuing of Care program.

Following success stories from individuals helped by LICH and other regional organizations, Congressman Israel and Mr. Carrion explained how these funds could allow local Long Island organizations to continue their work in helping the homeless: “The recession and housing crisis has been a perfect storm for too many families,” Congressman Israel said, “It put them in a position they never dreamed of- struggling to afford housing. Successful housing and support programs have never been more important. The $11 million provided by HUD will go a long way to keep these families on their feet.” Carrion also singled out LICH’s longstanding dedication to Long Island’s homeless. According to him, “It takes ample resources, staff and time to provide the homeless with the care and support they need. That is why it is so important to ensure that our federal dollars are spent wisely and appropriately. I feel encouraged that the LICH is doing just that in its coordination with dozens of homeless providers based in Nassau and Suffolk.”

Regional planners gather to discuss TOD

This past Tuesday, February 8th, developers and city planners gathered at the NYU Kimmel Center to speak on the future of TOD planning and implementation. Spearheaded by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and the New York Community Trust, the symposium featured speakers from a range of cities and towns across the area presenting their municipality’s efforts to bring transit-oriented development to their citizens.

Speakers included Kate Slevin, Executive Director of Tri-State Transportation, Patricia Jenny, Program Director for New York Community Trust, David Killeen, Planner for the Town of Stratford, Perris Slaughter, Senior Planner for the City of Newark, Taneshia Nard Laird, Executive Director for Trenton Downtown Association, Jeremy Doxsee, Planner for the City of Peekskill, Jeffrey Williams, Commissioner of Planning for the City of Mount Vernon, Jonathan Keyes, Project Manager for Affordable Housing in the Town of Babylon, and Paul Rogalle, Director of Planning for the Town of Brookhaven. The three person panel on past TOD implementation included Dara Kovel, the Chief Housing Officer for Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Elissa Ward, Director of Sustainability for Vision Long Island, and Sam Zimbabwe, Director of the Center for Transit Oriented Development.

The morning featured presentation from the seven regions that had been given grants by One Region Fund to create TODs. These projects ranged from small, common sense improvements to master plans aimed at gradual and constant improvement. The speakers came from a wide variety of Towns and Cities in the area who have all become leaders in bringing safer transportation and more walkability to their neighborhoods.

The afternoon session featured an expert panel covering past successful TOD projects and a discussion on what was needed for implementation of future projects. Vision Long Island’s Elissa Ward sat on the panel and spoke about Long Island’s various successes with its 31 separate TODs across the area, including Mineola’s new master plan and intermodal, Bay Shore’s Downtown Development District, Wyandanch’s master plan centered on the LIRR station and many others.

LI Coalition for the Homeless holds annual candlelight vigil

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless held their annual "Have a Heart for the Homeless" candlelight vigil on Thursday evening at Farmingdale College. With well over 1000 concerned citizens there, the Coalition's biggest turnout ever, the event was a great confluence of compassion and support for the homeless. There were many agencies at the event to offer services or information to the homeless and non-homeless in attendance, as well as activities like free haircuts and face painting for kids.

Attendees brought a huge amount of donations of clothing and toiletries, which were given away at the end of the evening to those in need. The program was held inside with electronic candles, and began with a moment of silence followed by some songs by the girl scouts. LICH Executive Director Greta Guarton gave a short speech and mentioned the federal funding the Coalition received this week. The program closed with two powerful speakers telling their stories of overcoming homelessness and finding a place to live.

More information can be found on LI Coalition for the Homeless, see their website.

Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization is Smart Growth friendly

Over the past year, the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization has been promoting Smart Growth development on Long Island. Most recently, they were instrumental in supporting the Portion Road Corridor Land Use Plan. Although the road was not widened to five lanes as originally intended, it has been able to accommodate increased traffic without compromising pedestrian and bicycle safety by incorporating sidewalks, bike paths and crosswalks into its design.

Their support of the Portion Road Corridor Land Use Plan has established an important precedent for further Smart Growth development in the Town of Brookhaven. As implemented by the town, this will include the revitalization of the long-established downtown at Hawkins Avenue and support the creation of a new one at Morris Avenue, as well as integrating other centers into a regional transportation plan.

Throughout 2010, the Civic also cooperated with the Town of Brookhaven’s Planning Board in drafting a land use plan for the area around the Ronkonkoma LIRR station. This plan creates a roadmap for residents and planners to decide how further construction can be incorporated into the area near the train station and encourages transit-oriented development near this transit hub.

Alongside their work in promoting local development, the civic has also been a tireless advocate for safeguarding Lake Ronkonkoma. Most importantly, they played a central role in convincing former Governor Paterson to designate the lake as a New York State Inland Waterway. This will make the lake eligible for the State’s waterfront revitalization program and ensure its preservation in the future.

For more information on what the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization has done for Long Island, check out their website.

Federal budget targets infrastructure, environmental programs

Earlier this week, House Republicans announced a new round of cuts for discretionary spending for the remainder of the FY 2011 budget. Although the $32 billion they plan to eliminate falls far short of the $100 billion the GOP initially aimed proposed, these cuts will affect a wide array of public programs and agencies. In particular, it eliminates $1 billion slated for high-speed rail and $224 million in funding for Amtrak (not as grievous as removing all Federal funding for Amtrak, as the conservative Republican Study Committee planned to do), $530 million for the HUD Community Development fund and puts numerous EPA programs on the chopping block.

House Republicans have championed these cuts as necessary to solve the nation’s fiscal and economic woes. Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) explained, “Make no mistake, these cuts are not low-hanging fruit. These cuts are real and will impact every District across the country– including my own... But with this [budget], we will respond to the millions of Americans who have called on this Congress to rein in spending to help our economy grow and our businesses create jobs.”

House Democrats, however, question the Republican approach to deficit reduction. As four Congressmen, Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), James Moran (D-VA), Albio Sires (D-NJ) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), pointed out, “our nation’s infrastructure is crumbling and Americans are hungry for work. During a time of record deficits, it’s more important than ever to invest wisely and spend money efficiently. The current Republican proposals not only fail to do that, they strip away important resources that keep our nation moving and keep people employed.”

The White House’s new infrastructure initiatives, particularly for Amtrak and high-speed rail, contradict the GOP’s intended cuts. Standing in Philadelphia’s 30th Street Train Station on Tuesday, Vice President Joe Biden, together with Transportation Secretary Roy LaHood, announced a new $53 billion investment for high-speed rail. Although it is unclear what influence House Republicans will have the intended investments, Biden, who traditionally has been a major Amtrak supporter (and customer), emphasized rail’s importance for the nation’s future. In addition to creating new jobs, he said, “The proposal will place high-speed rail on equal footing with other surface transportation programs and revitalize America’s domestic rail manufacturing industry by dedicating $53 billion over six years to continue construction of a national high-speed and intercity passenger rail network.” He also stressed the proposal’s environmental benefits in taking cars off the roads and promoting sustainable transportation nationwide.

The White House also emphasized clean and renewable energy in its environmental and economic agenda. Alongside a $27 million plan for solar energy from the Department of Energy, the Obama administration announced its intent to put $50.5 million into research and development for offshore wind power. Overall, the plan is to create 10 gigawatts capacity by 2020 and 54 gigawatts by 2030. “By harnessing a fraction of the immense, available wind resources off our coast,” Sean Garren, clean energy advocate for Environment America, explained, “we can reduce global warming emissions, create local good-paying jobs and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”

For more information on the proposed budget cuts, check out Streetsblog, for more on the Obama Administration’s high-speed rail initiative see this Streetsblog article and for more on wind power and renewable energy, see Treehugger.

Encourage better urbanism: Ask HUD Secretary to support mixed-use buildings

Financing is one of the most significant obstacles to mixed-use development. Currently, a standard used by FannieMae and Freddie Mac blocks mortgage financing to residential units in mixed-use buildings. The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) recently announced a major step towards removing that obstacle. In a partnership with the National Town Builders Association (NTBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), CNU has encouraged the NAHB board to push Fannie and Freddie to raise their minimum threshold for the amount of commercial space in mixed-use developments from 25% to 45%. The standard also applies to mortgages guaranteed by HUD.

In December, John Norquist, President and CEO of CNU, and a delegation of New Urbanists including Frank Starkey of the NTBA met with Jerry Howard, president of NAHB, to encourage him to support this effort. Earlier this month at the NAHB winter Board of Directors meeting, Starkey and William Tuyn, who is on the NAHB board and is a longtime CNU member, worked successfully with four committees to authorize the NAHB lobbyists to help reform Fannie, Freddie and HUD.

This is encouraging news for developers and designers of urban infill, mixed-use and Main Street development types, as reforms will provide federally-backed loan guarantees for a sector that has been overlooked for decades. Through brief, informal discussions with Secretary Shaun Donovan at CNU 18 in Atlanta, it seemed as through Secretary Donovan was sympathetic to these views.

Show your support for Main Street today! Email HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan at secretary.donovan@hud.gov and ask him to support good urbanism by relaxing the standard used by Fannie and Freddie that blocks mortgage financing to residential units in mixed-use buildings.

Annual Neighborhood Network Organic Turf Show set for February 17th in Farmingdale

The Neighborhood Network presents the 12th annual Organic Turf Show on Thursday, February 17th at Farmingdale State College. The unique trade show, the region's leading event of its kind, highlights current "organic" methods that help reduce chemical pesticide use. The show features organic product vendors and workshops on organic turf maintenance. Invitees include landscapers, horticulturists, golf course & parks employees, garden centers from around the region, school facilities managers, public officials and non-profit groups. Scheduled speakers include: Patty Kleinberg of Queens Botanical Garden, Chip Osborne, Jr. of Osborne Organics, Suzanne Ruggles of The Barefoot Gardener, Paul Sachs of North Country Organics, Rich Staudt of Total Landscape Care and Tamson Yeh of Cornell Cooperative Extention.

To learn more and to register online, visit the trade show's website or call Neighborhood Network at 631-963-5454.

Gasland with CCE's Adrienne Esposito at Huntington's Cinema Arts Centre on February 17th

On Thursday, February 17th at 7pm, there will be a screening, discussion and reception at Huntington’s Cimema Arts Centre on Gasland, featuring guest speaker Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

Is hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" safe? Part verite travelogue, part expose, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown. Josh Fox encounters EPA whistleblowers, congressmen, world recognized scientists, and some of the most incredibly inspiring and heart-wrenching stories of ordinary Americans fighting against fossil fuel giants for environmental justice in his Academy Award-nominated documentary Gasland. Esposito will talk about the potential dangers of hydro-fracking and about CCE's role in ensuring drinking water protection in New York.

The event is pat of the Real to Reel Documentary Film Series and is co-sponsored by the Huntington League of Women Voters. The Cinema Arts Centre is located at 423 Park Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for the public and includes a reception. Tickets can be purchased online, at the box office during theatre hours, or by calling Brown Paper Tickets toll free at 1-800-838-3006. Learn more here.

“Our Town” grant available for creative placemaking

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is offering grant funding ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 for projects that incorporate the arts and creative placemaking. The Our Town grant will invest in “creative placemaking projects that contribute toward the livability of communities and help transform them into lively, beautiful, and sustainable places with the arts at their core.” Projects should work to improve a community’s quality of life, encourage creative activity, create community identity and a sense of place and revitalize local economies. The grant requires an arts-based partnership with committed governmental leadership and the philanthropic sector.

These partnerships must involve at least two organizations: a nonprofit design or cultural organization and a government entity. In addition, each project must have a systemic approach to civic development with a persuasive vision for change; clearly defined civic development goals and objectives that recognize and enhance the role the arts play at the center of community life; an action plan aligned with the project vision; and a funding plan that is appropriate, feasible, indicates strong community support and includes a well-conceived sustainability strategy.

To apply for the Our Town grant, you must submit a statement of interest by March 1st. The invitation to apply will be issued March 25th and the final application is due April 25th. Instructions and more information are available online here.

Social Change Grants available

The Long Island Fund for Women and Girls recently announced their 2011 Social Change Grants. Priority will be given to organizations or groups in which women are the primary decision makers, as well as to smaller, grassroots organizations with limited access to other donors. 2011 Funding Priorities include: Women & Girls Leadership (Leadership Development, Political Empowerment, and Self-esteem Building); Gender Equity & Women’s Rights (Gender Equity in Education, Anti-Discrimination, Advocacy for Women’s Rights, Pay Equity, Non-traditional Employment for Women, Anti-bullying, and Addressing Violence Against Women); and Economic Opportunity & Financial Stability (Job Skills Development and Training, Career Planning and Development, Financial Literacy, Access to Healthcare/Healthcare Education, Poverty Prevention and Response in Context of Current Economic Climate). Please make sure that your proposed program fits at least one of these priorities.

The application deadline is March 1st. For more information, contact Fran Medaglia, Director of Programs & Advocacy at 516-396-9857, Ext. 9 or email grants@lifwg.org. You can also learn more from their downloadable pdf, available here.

NYS DEC accepting grant applications

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is currently accepting grant applications for urban and community forestry projects the provide environmental, economic and social benefits to urban communities. Possible projects include tree inventories, management plans, tree planting and maintenance and green infrastructure projects such as storm-water management properties, green roofs or rain gardens. In addition, this there are $1,000 Quick Start Arbor Day grants available with no match requirement to help communities begin tree programs and Arbor Day celebrations. Appropriate consideration will be given to undeserved communities as well as targeting areas of environmental concern. Applicants are encouraged to form regional partnerships.

You can contact the DEC for more information by calling 518-402-9425, emailing mckramar@gw.dec.state.ny.us, or writing to The Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233.

Scholarship opportunity available through the Long Island chapter of the American Planning Association

The Long Island Section of the American Planning Association just announced two Arthur Kunz Memorial Scholarships that will cover conference registration, APA membership for one year and additional expenses for the April 9th to 12th Conference in Boston. Available to entry-level planners, the scholarship is for students less than three years out of college or less than three years in a professional planning position or graduate students in a planning-related major.

If you are interested, email your resume and a statment explaining why you are interested to APALongIsland@gmail.com. Deadline is Monday, February 21st.

New York League of Conservation Voters seeking Development Associate

The New York League of Conservation Voters is seeking qualified applicants for a Development Associate position. The Associate will be responsible for tracking direct campaigns and producing reports for them, updating donor records, researching projects on corporate donor and foundation prospects, generating and distributing weekly acknowledgement letters, assisting with meetings, supporting and planning the execution of fundraising events, updating the Grants calendar, researching grant guidelines for the preparation of grant reports, executing a quarterly financial reconciliation, tracking board fundraising and preparing and updating marketing and cultivation materials.

Applicants must have 1-3 years of related experience, strong writing, communication and organizational skills and the ability to establish and meet multiple project deadlines. The ability to prioritize and organize various projects is essential in both an individual and a group setting. Applicants must be skilled in Excel and Word.

Those who are interested in applying must send a resume and a cover letter to Hilary Wilkes no later than February 15th, 2011.

For more information, please visit the NYLCV's website.

Vision Long Island seeking interns for Spring 2010

Vision Long Island is now seeking unpaid interns for Spring 2010. If you are interested in suburban/urban planning, community development, local government, or sustainability, consider working for us part time.

Our staff likes to say we "wear many hats," and interns will have to do the same. Interns will assist with planning, design, outreach, event planning, writing, research, attending meetings, reporting, photography, and more. Bring your unique skill set to the table! We are looking for energetic and conscientious individuals with an interest in suburban/urban planning from a bottom-up perspective. This is a valuable opportunity to work with great people in a small office environment and learn about the issues impacting Long Island. Strong writing skills a plus.

Note that hours, start date, and end date are all flexible. Although this is an unpaid position, we will gladly work with you to provide college credit and transportation reimbursement. We will also work with you to make sure you have a great experience that is tailored to your specific interests and skill set.

Individuals interested in learning more are encouraged to contact us at info@visionlongisland.org. Please put "Internships for Spring 2010" in the subject heading, include a resume and/or letter and indicate when you are available.

Historian Edmund Morris to headline Oyster Bay’s Presidents’ Day celebration

Start celebrating President’s Day early this Saturday February 19th, at 1:30 pm, with the Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian and bestselling author, Edmund Morris. He will be discussing and signing copies of his latest work on our nation’s 26th president, Colonel Roosevelt. The final book in his trilogy on Theodore Roosevelt, this explores the TR’s life after departing the White House in 1909. In it he captures the tumultuous final decade of a man’s life in which he hunted lions in Africa, met with European royalty and heads of state, ran unsuccessfully for a third presidential term in 1912 (and survived an assassination attempt) and led the movement for American involvement in World War I.

The event is hosted by Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in partnership with the Friends of Sagamore Hill and Eastern National and be held at Christ Church Parish Hall in Oyster Bay. Refreshments and complementary snacks will be available at the conclusion of the event.

For more information, see their website here.

Watch a Show!

As winter continues to chill Long Island, consider spending time indoors to enjoy a show at one of the many local theaters on Long Island! With many downtown restaurants offering special meal deals for theater patrons, this promises to be an inexpensive way to enjoy an evening on Long Island.

For more information, check out Newsday’s list of local theaters.

SMART GROWTH NEWS

Newsletter Editor: Michelle Dutchen, Communications Director
Contributors: Eric Alexander, Executive Director; Tara Klein, Planning Coordinator;
Tawaun Weber, Assistant Director; Elissa Ward, Sustainability Director; Chris Kyle, Director of Special Projects; Chloe Johnson, Planning Assistant; Colin Walfield, Research Assistant

We strive to provide continued quality publications such as this each week. If you have any news or events that you would like to add to our newsletter, submit them to info@visionlongisland.org for consideration.

If you are interested in becoming a newsletter or news blast sponsor, please call the office at 631-261-0242 for rates and opportunities.

For more information about Vision Long Island, visit 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