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County abolishment initiative proposed
In a sweeping show of solidarity, nearly all of Long Island's Towns, Villages, and Special Districts have come together to demand an end to the County level of governance. Elected officials and representatives gathered at the first annual Long Island Governance Summit last Friday, March 26th, at the Melville Marriott to strategize ways that the various municipalities could collaborate. Topics on the planned agenda included transportation coordination, climate change strategies and consolidation of services. It was during the final brainstorming session that an unknown voice shouted out "kill the counties!" After a few minutes of shocked silence, the leaders started to take the outburst seriously. By the end of the day, the leaders had drafted a proposal to eliminate both Nassau and Suffolk County's governments. If passed, Long Islanders could see a huge tax burden lifted without a decrease in services. The initiative would cut down on bureaucratic red tape- rather than having to work through various levels of government to approve a project, the biggest barrier to project approvals will be the statewide SEQRA process, which is only required for certain large-scale projects. Imagine the status of the Lighthouse project today without Nassau County! By localizing development decisions, Long Island will be able to embrace Smart Growth quickly and in better community context. Stay tuned for details on how the proposal will move forward. Vision anticipates some red tape in implementation. Steve Levy to join new Green Tea Party
Earlier this month, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy announced that he was switching to the Republican Party in order to run for Governor of New York State. This week, he announced that he was also being backed by the newly-formed Green Tea Party. which combines aspects of both the Green Party and the Tea Party. While embracing strict fiscal conservatism, the party seeks to improve the environment through grassroots activism. It is common knowledge that going green saves in the long-term. The Green Tea Party embraces that market-based concept while fighting to reduce carbon emissions for the sake of our planet. In a press statement issued yesterday, Levy said,, "today I am pleased to be joining the Green Tea Party. I believe I represent New York’s best hope for a better future." Levy continued, "The single most important thing the people of New York want to hear in the race this year is not ‘what party do you belong to,’ they want to hear 'what is your plan to rescue our state," adding, "besides, Green Tea is high in antioxidants and what good American can't get behind that?" Mr. Levy has also received endorsements from other obscure-but-vocal political parties, including the Know Nothing Party, the Bull Moose Party, Party! Party! Party!, the Death, Dungeons, and Taxes party, and the recently revived Whig Party. MTA snnounces "MTA Classic" to deal with budget woes
The MTA has proposed a new solution to deal with its budget woes. According to an article co-authored by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and Straphanger's Campaign, MTA chief Jay Walder has announced the "MTA Classic," which would return the subway, train and bus system to how it was during the last major recession in the 70s. The plan will replace existing train models with the classic models that were popular in the 1970s, including replica 70s-era graffiti on the train cars. The move is expected to boost tourism immensely and plug the MTA's $800 million deficit. It would also help stop the MTA's devastating service cuts. Read the full article here. As seen on TV: Green Glasses
Have you been hypnotized by the Green Movement, but don't want to put in the effort? Then there's a new product just for you! From the masterminds who brought you the Snuggie, Green Glasses tint everything green to calm your inner environmentalist without the investment capital needed for retrofits! As a special bonus, Green Glasses has partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau: every household that returns their Census form can get a free pair! Just check the box in the lower-right hand corner of the last page that says "Yes! Send me a pair of Green Glasses!" A press release from the Census Bureau said, "The United States is committed to improving our environment. Offering Green Glasses to all Americans will not only improve participation in the 2010 Census, but will also help ease public sentiment toward environmental progress." The Green Glasses brand is also available in White, Black, and Hispanic. Return your Census Forms today! You can also order a pair here. |
Glowfields: the newest trend in Big Box conversion
Big Box stores represent the antithesis of Smart Growth, so we here at Vision were thrilled when we heard about a new trend in big box conversion. It works like this: raze the building, keep the parking lots, and transform the pit into a "glowfield" that will keep toxic waste- something akin to a "reverse brownfield." The sites would be redeveloped to store the waste, while the existing expansive parking lots would serve as large buffer zones to protect surrounding areas. New trees and shrubbery could be planted to minimize the radioactive eyesore. The process is already underway in some communities in California. Long Island leaders should take note on this new trend that sweeping the nation. CDC issues warning
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a warning against a new disease, ASGS, or the Anti-Smart Growth Syndrome. Aaptly nicknamed "New Urbanitis," ASGS is the physical manifestation of the frustration experienced by New Urbanism advocates when faced with unfavorable development decisions that perpetuate sprawl. Symptoms include irregular heartbeat, fever, pressure headaches, sharp pains in the stomach, involuntary muscle spasms and sudden mood swings. Only a handful of cases have been confirmed in the U.S. The CDC recommends "a long vacation" to treat the symptoms, as no drugs have been developed. ASGS should be a great conversation starter at the Congress for this year's New Urbanism Conference, taking place on May 19-22 in Atlanta. CNU 18: Rx for Healthy Places is being organized with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn more about the conference here. |
 New course available at Hofstra University: Electeds and The Electorate
The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University has announced a new Continuing Education course entitled "The Elected and The Electorate: Dealing With the Public." The course description states its mission well: "Are you an elected official? Are you increasingly frustrated in dealing with your electorate? Trying to fight the anti-incument tide? Do you get hate mail and death threats because you raised taxes? Then this is the course for you! The Elected and The Electorate will help elected officials mitigate public anger in various ways. Discuss when it is appropriate to listen to the public and when you should work behind closed doors. Learn how to improve your public image and be more personable to minimize backlash against your more questionable decisions. Most importantly, you'll improve your likelihood of being re-elected by learning the strategies used by Long Island's most successful elected officials." Each week, the course will feature a different guest lecturer who has had success with mitigating the public. The course will take place this summer on eight Saturday mornings from June 27th-August 15th, 8am-12pm. Early enrollment is now open. Completion of the course will result in a special certificate of completion. This is a do-not miss for any elected official who has struggled with the public in the past! To register or for more information, including pricing, call the Continuing Education program at 516-463-7200 or e-mail ce@hofstra.edu. You can also get more information on Hofstra's website here. Coming soon to Bravo: The Real Politicians of New York State
Harping on the political upheaval that has plagued the New York State Capital over the past year, the TV network Bravo has announced a new reality show in the vein of their ultra-successful "Real Housewives" series- "The Real Politicians of New York State" will follow 5 state lawmakers as they navigate through the mess that is Albany. The show began filming in September 2009, after the infamous Senate coup. Cameras follow the 5 politicians 24/7: you'll see where they live, work, and play. Follow them in their offices and get to understand the realities of being a New York State lawmaker. The show is set to premiere in September. A companion show will follow called Government Fit Club, where bureaucracies compete to shed staff and contracts. Further details to be released soon. Check out airdates and more information on Bravo's website. |
Long Island Easter Egg Tour on Sunday
The first Island-wide Easter Egg Tour will take place this Sunday. Sponsored by a consortium of big-box chain stores from across the Island, the tour includes several stops to check out oversized, meticulously decorated Easter Eggs. Standing 15 feet tall, the eggs are a sight to behold, as they are designed by local artists. They will be set up on Saturday night to stand proudly for Easter Sunday. A tour map can be picked up at any of the "galleries." The organizers encourage you to visit all the locations on Sunday! Tour stops include Roosevelt Field Mall (south parking lot), Broadway Mall (107 side), Airport Plaza in East Farmingdale (Walmart parking lot), Tanger Deer Park (main entrance), the Best Buy parking lot in Commack (Route 25), the Bellport Outlet Mall (west side of parking lot), Nesconset Plaza on Route 347, Route 58 in Riverhead (abandoned Suffolk Life parking lot) and next to the Long Island Duck (in Flanders, between Riverhead and the Hamptons). Don't miss these artistic gems! |
April Fool's!We hope you enjoyed Vision's little joke. Stay tuned for the regular newsletter tomorrow. |
SMART GROWTH NEWS Newsletter Editor: Michelle Dutchen, Director of Communications 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.
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