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Looney Ricks Kiss
Looney Ricks Kiss (LRK) is one of the nation’s largest and most well-respected planning and design firms. LRK covers a broad range of project types, all of which strive to nurture communities and create a better quality of life. They have been developing innovative housing design ideas for over 25 years, including many principles of Smart Growth and mixed-use development. For more on LRK, see their website: http://www.lrk.com/ 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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Two really excellent collaborations came together this week and remind you of the positive spirit of most Long Islanders: |
only 14 Days left! Nominations wanted for the 2009 Smart Growth Awards!Deadline:
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! |
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Long Island Smart Growth Working Group Meets
Four State agencies were on hand to give updates. Margaret Conklin and Mark Bocamazo of NYS DOT Region 10 discussed their Green 347 Vision Plan, which has completely revolutionized the way the DOT does business in Long Island. The newly modified boulevard will include narrower lanes, a bike path, and other pedestrian enhancements. Scott Howell of Long Island Rail Road mentioned small successes in transit-oriented development projects, such as in Ronkonkoma and Riverhead. Howell also reminded the group of the MTA budget cuts and the promise of the Ravitch Commission report. Andrea Lohneiss of Empire State Development also announced that the Governor has released Round 3 of Restore New York's Communities Initiative grants, which has a pot of $150 million. If any municipalities want applications, they are encouraged to call the ESD office at (631) 435-0717.
The Working Group includes representatives from local Towns and Villages, and some announced updates on local Smart Growth action. Councilman Steve Flotteron of Islip has seen a great deal of progress on the fronts of environmental considerations and next generation housing. Councilwoman Barbara Blass of Riverhead mentioned that the Town has made progress in revitalizing its downtown, but it cannot truly move forward without sewer system upgrades. The group also heard updates on the Lighthouse and Glen Cove Ferry projects, the Village of Patchogue, NYPA's renewable energy initiatives, and the technology community.
Any municipalities or organizations that have not already sent us their list of ready-to-go projects are strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible. They can be sent to info@visionlongisland.org or faxed to our office at (631) 754-4452. Eric Alexander, Vision Long Island's Executive Director, wrote an op-ed piece for Long Island Business News that was published on Wednesday, February 11th. The piece also served as an introductory page for Vision's infrastructure list that will be sent to Albany. It is a solid overview of what infrastructure projects exist on Long Island and how they relate to Smart Growth. Read the full article in LIBN here. New State Cabinet for Economic Recovery
For more, see coverage in Long Island Business News. Stimulus Compromise Reached
The stimulus package has the potential to put money into Smart Growth-related projects where there was none before. The breakdown includes $46 billion for transportation projects, including $27 billion for highway and bridge construction and repair, $8.4 billion for mass transit, $8 billion for high-speed rail construction (a huge increase from what was expected), and $1.3 billion for Amtrak. There is about $50 billion for energy programs, focused mostly on efficiency and renewable energy, which includes $5 billion to weatherize modest-income homes, $13.9 billion to subsidize loans for renewable energy projects, $6.3 billion in state energy efficiency and clean energy grants, and $4.5 billion to make federal buildings more energy efficient. There will also be $4 billion for public housing improvements, and $7.2 billion to expand broadband internet access. These numbers are still subject to change before the final written bill is produced. Final votes are expected before the weekend. \This news has big implications for projects in the region. Groups such as Transportation for America, Congress for the New Urbanism, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, and Vision Long Island have been advocating for Smart Growth projects to be considered for funding. For more coverage, see Transportation for America and the Associated Press here and here. DiNapoli balances Wall Street anger with realistic outlook on the future
DiNapoli wrote, "President Barack Obama's cap on salaries at corporations receiving TARP money is a good step toward addressing that anger and restoring a sense of business ethics and responsibility. It's clear that Wall Street needs a dose of real world sensitivity and a change in the corporate culture." Despite the complete injustice of this system, DiNapoli reminded readers that Wall Street really does run the economy, with 20% of state revenues coming from the financial services industry. Furthermore, for every job created on Wall Street, another 3 jobs are created elsewhere in the city and suburbs. "Wall Street needs a comeback," said DiNapoli. "We don't want to surrender New York's role as the center of world finance." We must re-regulate, enforce increased oversight and accountability, and improve transparency to rebuilt a better Wall Street. |
On Wednesday February 11th, the Long Island Smart Growth Working Group met at Molloy College's Neighborhood Network office in East Farmingdale. The Working Group meets quarterly to discuss state policies that will affect Smart Growth development on Long Island. The group is organized by Vision Long Island, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Neighborhood Network, Regional Plan Association, Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, LI Federation of Labor, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, and many others. With about 60 leaders in attendance, this meeting focused discussions around infrastructure projects for federal stimulus, particularly on sewers. 
The final agency update came from Peter Scully of the NYS DEC, who also gave a keynote presentation on wastewater infrastructure and Smart Growth. The technical discussion was very useful for the group. Scully included several main points. Most importantly, creating and increasing sewer capacity provides opportunity for communities to grow and to develop downtown centers. Other ideas linked to Smart Growth include creating nitrogen trading credits to help local economies, and creating ocean outfalls which are more environmentally friendly and can handle more capacity. Scully concluded that there are ample opportunities to expand wastewater infrastructure on Long Island, in spite of needed environmental regulations that may hinder growth at a specific plant.
Finally, the meeting included a robust discussion on the federal stimulus and its implication for projects in Long Island. Over the last two months, Vision Long Island has been drafting a comprehensive list of infrastructure projects that are to be considered for federal stimulus dollars. We have been gathering lists from Towns, Villages, and agencies in order to provide Albany with a full scope of what is needed on the Island. The next step will be to prioritize the projects that most promote Smart Growth principles and are most shovel-ready. We will be sending a draft of the list up to Albany next Wednesday. A full list will be ready for release in this newsletter next week. 
Governor Paterson announced on Monday the creation of a new State Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Cabinet to manage local infrastructure projects that are financed through the federal stimulus package. Timothy Gilchrist, the state's deputy secretary for Economic Development and Infrastructure, has been named as the head of the new cabinet as senior advisor for infrastructure and transportation. This cabinet will manage the distribution of stimulus funds across the state for projects involving transportation, water and sewers, energy, technology, and other infrastructure projects. Paterson was quoted in Long Island Business News, saying that "as we struggle to close our $13 billion budget deficit, this Cabinet will ensure that critical projects move forward and that our local governments are fully prepared to put these funds to use and get people back to work."
Big news came this week when the Senate passed its version of the stimulus bill, and later in the week when the House and Senate reconciled the two versions of the plan. The final package is worth $789 billion, significantly less than proposed by both legislative bodies. 
Earlier this month, NY State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli incited national and international anger over a report he released on the exorbitant bonuses that Wall Street executives receive. On February 6th, DiNapoli wrote "New York Needs Wall St. to Swim," an op-ed piece for Newsday "that attempts to balance anger over Wall Street's hubris with a practical approach toward rebuilding a reliable, responsible, well-regulated financial services industry that maintains New York's role as the financial capital of the world." Wall Street workers received $18.4 billion in cash bonuses in 2008, a fact that angered everyone from President Obama to the folks on the unemployment line. This huge number was even 44 percent lower than bonuses in 2007. Furthermore, tax payers have subsidized $350 billion in Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds to bail out the financial services industry, with even more expected to come this spring.|
Homeless Vigil draws huge crowd
NSCH Director Greta Guarton provided Vision with this comment on the event: "In these difficult economic times, it's heart warming to know that so many Long Islanders have come together to help others in need. This year, through the wonderful contributions made by our community partners, we were able to distribute hundreds of brand new coats, blankets, winter clothing, hats, gloves and scarves - in addition to thousands of pounds of food, baby items and toiletries. We were even able to provide school children with new backpacks, books and school supplies. Those in attendance all worked together to get donations to those in need, give support, and get the message out about homelessness on Long Island. Barriers and stereotypes were left at the door.
This type of leadership is exactly what Long Island not-for-profit organizations need to provide in difficult times. Vision applauds NSCH for organizing such an important and successful event. |
On Thursday night from 6-8pm at Farmingdale State College, the Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless hosted their annual candlelight vigil "Have a Heart for the Homeless." The event drew over 2,000 people, ranging from government representatives, non-profit organization members, school and community groups, members of faith-based organizations, volunteers, and more. The event even included a special appearance by WWF/WWE Wrestling Champion Mick "Mankind" Foley, who is very supportive of the Coalition's efforts. 
Not only did the vigil raise awareness, but it also provided necessary services and support for the Long Island homeless population. It included a successful drive for clothing, coats, food, and baby 
Everyone there got the message: the only difference between the homeless and the housed is the roof over their heads."
Act Now to Stop LI Transit Cuts
Please call your Senator or Assembly Member now: State Senators: Assembly Members: Call to Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk
If you are looking to answer President Obama's call to service, volunteering for Habitat is a very rewarding experience. You will get your hands dirty and see tangible results. Volunteers are needed to help build, especially in the Women Build program, as well as to help prepare lunches for volunteers. Groups and individuals of all ages are encouraged to help out. To learn more about volunteering, see the Habitat Suffolk website or call (631) 924-4966. |
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.
Habitat for Humanity is a group that is often heard of in association with an alternative college spring break trip to New Orleans or a high school extra curricular activity. But this great grassroots organization has roots right here on Long Island: Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk uses volunteers to build homes for low-income families, with the belief that everyone deserves a simple, decent, and affordable place to live. The Suffolk chapter is proud of its 
Governor announces Round 3 of Restore New York grant
Governor Paterson said of the program, "During difficult and challenging economic times, the innovative Restore New York program will be crucial to rebuilding our economy and launching New York on a path towards full economic recovery. This program will revitalize New York's cities, towns and villages by leveraging both public and private funds. Municipalities across the State can improve their businesses and community climates to attract industry, commercial enterprises and families to some of our most economically distressed areas. I look forward to announcing Round 3 recipients and witnessing the positive transformations that these projects will stimulate." A statewide Information Workshop will be held by Empire State Development on February 27th to answer questions that applicants may have. It will take place at 1:00pm in room 6 of the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. Applications are due by May 4th and awards will be announced in the spring. For more, see the Governor's press release. 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. 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. |
Beginning this week, municipalities are able to apply for a piece of a $150 million grant for economic revitalization. Round 3 of Restore New York's Communities Initiative encourages economic development and neighborhood growth by providing municipalities with financial assistance for revitalization of commercial and residential properties. There is a strong emphasis on economically distressed communities. Towns, villages, and cities can apply for the grants to aid with the demolition, deconstruction, rehabilitation, and/or reconstruction of vacant, abandoned, condemned, and surplus properties. 
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. 
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. 
Nassau County Funding Crisis; Youth Services Rally Feb. 19
The Coalition of Nassau County Youth Service Agencies is holding a rally to bring this matter to the public's attention and to express outrage to Nassau County officials. It will be held on Thursday, February 19th at 11:00 am. Adults and youth are urged to attend. The site for the rally is tentatively set as the front steps of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building 1550 Franklin Ave. (on the corner of Franklin and Old Country Road) in Mineola. From an alternative perspective, Nassau County is currently experiencing an unforeseen $55 million deficit, brought on by a reduction in sales tax revenues. County Executive Tom Suozzi has proposed filling this gap not only by cutting youth programs, but also implementing pay cuts of 7 percent across the county. This pay cut would ensure that County workers are not laid off and that vital programs and services are not cut. More information is availble in this news article from the Glen Cove Record Pilot. For more information on the rally, contact the Hicksville Boys and Girls Club at 516 822-KIDS. 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. New Jersey Future Redevelopment Forum: Feb 27
Registration opens at 8am, program begins at 8:30am, lunch and keynote address at 12:30pm, and reception at 3:30pm. The conference is $115 for nonmembers and $75 for members, but those prices will go up after February 15th. For more information, visit their website or email njfuture@njfuture.org. To register, send a check payable to New Jersey Future and mail to: New Jersey Future, 137 West Hanover Street, Trenton, NJ 08618. You many also pay via credit card online. The Hyatt Hotel is located at 2 Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ. Nassau County Master Plan Plans March 2nd Kickoff Workshop
County Executive Tom Suozzi is hosting a 2009 Master Plan Kick Off Workshop on Monday, March 2nd from 7-10pm. It will take place at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building/Legislative Chamber, 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola. The workshop will include a brief summary of the master plan process and how it will relate to the County's 10-Point Exonomic Development Plan and County & Local Priority Initiatives. It will also include an opportunity for public comment and suggestions. For more information, see Nassau County Planning's website. 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. 1st New York Women's Conference for Sustainability March 27th-29th
Conference activities will include speakers and conversations, music and dance performances, an information fair, community focus dialogues, networking opportunities, yoga, hikes, meditation, tea tasting, and meals provided. Speakers thus far include Margaret Wheatley of Berkana Institute, Harriet Fulbright of J. William & Harriet Fulbright Center, Wendy Gordon Rockefeller of Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet and The Green Guide, Richard Leakey of Wildlife Direct and the Turkana Basin Institute in Kenya; Sara Gordon of The Climate Project and Greener Days, Patti Wood of Grassroots Environmental Education, Sarah Newkirk of the Coastal Resilience Project and The Nature Conservancy, and Beth Fiteni of Neighborhood Network and LI-Climate Action Network. Themes from the keynote addresses will be integrated into a series of participatory conversations and focus groups: attendees will actively engage in developing tools for grassroots leadership, action plans, and post-conference networking. The conference organizers are looking for partners to join in outreach for the event. See their website for details. Costs are as follows: There is a discount until Feb 15, making tickets $145. Registration from Feb 15- March 15 is $165 and registration taking place after March 15 is $225. Tickets to attend Saturday's dinner are $22. WISE, based out of Southampton, is on a mission to assist one another to lead communities and the world toward social, economic, and environmental health by focusing on climate stabilization. Women hold keys to change – the power to create a sustainable future for the planet. For more on WISE and on the conference (and to register), visit their website. Reducing your home energy costs seminar from LI Sierra Club - April 18th
Presenters at the event will include a tour guide from the Heritage Center at North Shore Heritage Park, Chuck Schwarz from L.I. Green, Leah Sontag from Sun Power Systems, and Anita from Majestic Son and Sons. |
In response to the worst modern funding crisis, Nassau County has proposed cutting $4.7 million from youth services--a 60 percent reduction in funding. If these cuts go through, most agencies funded by the Youth Board could be closed, completely dismantling programs that foster youth development. Not only that, but the State is threatening to cut youth programs from its budget this year as well (see more in 
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.
Register now for the New Jersey Future Redevelopment Forum 2009. On Friday, February 27 at the Hyatt Hotel and Conference Center, come join experienced professionals as they explain how to achieve innovative, community-minded redevelopment in light of current economic and environmental constraints. Workshops will include Redevelopment and Current Economic Realities, Using Redevelopment to Go Green, Affordable Housing and Redevelopment, Getting Jobs Near Transit, Getting Your Community Organized for Redevelopment, and many more. Lunchtime keynote speaker will be Robert Liberty, an attorney with 27 years of planning experience in rural conservation and compact cities and towns. 
Nassau County has announced its new master plan for future growth, development, and preservation, "Drawing on the Past. Planning for the Future." The plan will address County needs for the next twenty years and provide guidelines on how to address them. 
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. 
The newly formed non-profit, Women's Initiatives for a Sustainable Earth (WISE), presents The 1st NY Women's Conference in Sustainability: "Mobilizing for Climate Stability One Conversation at a Time." From Friday, March 27th through Sunday, March 29th at SUNY Stony Brook- Southampton campus, women and men of all ages and backgrounds are invited to participate in this great event. Learn innovative techniques to build a dynamic movement through grassroots leadership; strengthen networking strategies and passion for protecting life on Earth; move from ideas to crystallized action strategies for green mobilization; and help build a sustainable future where the climate is steady, the environment is hearty, and the economy is humming. The conference will increase awareness of predictable, potential outcomes from global warming; suggest personal and community actions to achieve carbon footprint reduction; enliven a network of people with shared concerns about the Earth's future; and provide a safe, supportive space for exploration of these concerns and possible outcome. 
The Long Island Sierra Club will be hosting an upcoming presentation called “Reducing your Home Energy Costs.” On April 18th at 1:30pm at the Heritage Center in Mt. Sinai, come to this free, 2-hour community meeting to learn how to save money on your energy bills. The educational program will give you a tour of a very efficient public building and provide ways for you to reduce energy consumption while making your home more comfortable. The meeting will also explain how to become free from paying LIPA for all the electricity you use with no upfront costs, with monthly payments less than or equal to your current ones. You will also learn about energy audits and how to get one for little or no cost, as well as home-ready solar systems that are no more than what you currently pay. 
Weekend Fun at Sag Harbor's Bay Street Theater The Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor (on the Long Wharf) has several great events going on this weekend, including two classic film screenings and a cabaret concert. Friday 2/13, The Picture Show: Saturday 2/14, The Picture Show: Saturday 2/14, Cabaret at the Bay: For more info, visit the Bay Street Theater's website. Let's Funk it Up!
The museum is open 10-5 Tuesday-Saturday, and is located at 110 N. Franklin Street in Hempstead. For more on the museum including directions, see their website. |
We thought we'd provide you with a non-romantic option this weekend. February is Black History Month, and what better place to embrace Long Island's diversity that the African American Museum in Hempstead? Let's Funk It Up is a special exhibit that includes a slide show, guest musicians, live performances, and guest speakers to explore the life of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Band, Sly & The Family Stone. Let's Funk it Up will run through February 28th, and times and specific dates are TBA (call the museum for details: 516-572-0730). The African American Museum offers some great long-term exhibits that should not be missed. Admission is free. 
"The days where we're just building sprawl forever, those days are over. I think that Republicans, Democrats, everybody recognizes that that's not a smart way to design communities." -President Barack Obama, Tuesday 2/10, Ft. Myers, FL
See the entire speech here (quote is at the 55-minute mark). |
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: |
