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Smart Growth Awards Coming June 12th: Register Today!
Registration forms can be mailed to our office at 24 Woodbine Ave., Suite One, Northport, NY 11768, sent by fax to 631-754-4452, or emailed to info@visionlongisland.org. Sponsorship packages are available. Reserve your seats today. Click here for the registration form. Be sure to stay tuned next week when we reveal this year's honorees!
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Last year, over 500 people came out to honor projects from across the Island in fields such as mixed-use development, green building, and regional leadership. See more on last year's event 
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Be a Smart Growth News or Smart Talk Visionary
Archives of Smart Talk and Smart Growth News Weekly are available on our website. For more information on this chance to be at the forefront of Long Island’s Smart Growth Movement, call Vision Long Island, 631-261-0242 or email info@visionlongisland.org. |
We invite you to strengthen and sustain VISION's e-news publications by becoming a Smart Talk Visionary. For $500, you can sponsor Smart Growth News, our weekly publication. In recognition, your firm’s logo and a short description of your work will be featured in every issue. For $1,000, your organization can sponsor Smart Talk. This monthly news resource will include your firm’s logo and feature revolving articles on the organizations helping inform Long Island.|
Public To Have CHance to Weigh In On Lighthouse Proposal
As of now, most concerns lie with traffic and transportation issues, especially for those living near the site, as the development would greatly increase the number of people- workers, visitors, and residents- in the area. The developers hope to begin construction of Phase 1 next summer and say that their final report, which will include a transportation study, will be presented to the town this July. Read more in the Long Island Business News' flash report. For more on the proposal, visit Lighthouse Long Island's website. Third Track Hits the Third Rail
Over 400 residents attended a NYS Assembly public meeting in Floral Park regarding this proposal last week. Speculation is that the proposals will be open for public comment sometime this summer. However, with the current MTA budget shortfall in the wake of the failed Congestion Pricing plan, there could be additional delays in the process, now slated for completion in 2020. Vision Long Island supports the third track proposal. We would also like to see the MTA/LIRR clearly outline the need for the project and negotiate with the impacted communities' public benefit and mitigation concerns. Rockville Centre Resident Speaks Up on Development at former Darby Drug Site
However, many residents, including the author of the Op-Ed, feel otherwise. The passage continues, "The AvalonBay development will be luxury apartments within walking distance of the LIRR. Who will rent them? I would suggest two groups will be the primary market: young professionals who can't afford to rent in Manhattan and empty-nesters who no longer wish to maintain a home... More people in close proximity to the downtown translates into more foot traffic and more business for the commercial district. How many empty storefronts do we need downtown before people realize that development can be a good thing?" |
Dates have been set for the public to voice their opinions on the Lighthouse proposal. Hearings are scheduled on May 22nd and 27th for Charles Wang and Scott Rechler's $2 billion project surrounding the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale. According to 
In a story published in April 18th's New Hyde Park Herald Courier by Geoffrey Walter, it was reported that there are ongoing problems between the LIRR and the Village Board regarding the proposed "third track." Community residents are concerned that with the development of the "third track," many of their homes and businesses would need to be condemned, as most at-grade crossings would need to be replaced with over- or under-passes because of the increased rail traffic the area would see.
In response to the controversy, the LIRR has thus far only proposed the elimination of the at-grade crossing at New Hyde Park Road. Additionally, they have presented four alternative plans to avoid having to condemn or buy out existing homes and properties: "a bored tunnel, an 'open-cut' depressed tunnel, elevating the tracks in place, and a 'conventional' elevated rail." Any plans, it is noted, must lay tracks next to existing lines, as to not disrupt train traffic during construction.
A recent Op-Ed in the Rockville Centre Herald highlighted the current struggle regarding the development of the former Darby Drug site. AvalonBay has a proposal in place to build luxury apartments in village's downtown, within walking distance of the LIRR station. The Trustees believe that the project would be detrimental to the village.|
Vincent Polimeni Presents Cross-SounD Tunnel Plan to Nassau Business Leaders
The Cross Sound Link Project, as it was presented, was the brainchild of Vincent Polimeni and was inspired by his travels to Poland and the Chunnel, which connects England and France under the English Channel. As Mr. Polimeni was sure to note, the project will not cost taxpayers anything. The privately-funded project, when completed, will charge drivers for its use and can serve as an emergency exit point for Long Islanders in case of a catastrophic event.
Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce President Rich Bivone said that this was a "bold and fantastic proposal" and that it is necessary to get off the Island to the mainland in case of an emergency. Looking at the reality of peak oil, a 25 million unit over-supply of single-family homes, and 20 million residential unit under-supply in walkable communities around the country and on Long Island, we hope that this proposal goes through due diligence. It must stand on traffic, infrastructure, environmental impact, and life safety standards in order for it to work for Long Island. New York Governor and Department of Environmental COnservation Announce $1.3 Million in Funding for Smart Growth and Sustainability Work Across State
Additionally, Gov. Paterson also announced $500,000 in Smart Growth planning funds, which will be allocated to projects in the Catskills. The Governor said, ''Smart Growth is based on belief that environmental protection and sustainable development can and must go hand-in-hand.'' The funds come from the State Environmental Protection Fund and are distributed through the national Land Trust Alliance and the State Department of State. More information on the projects is available here, along with a press release from the Governor's office, available here. $4 a gallon For Gas Not Far Off
The recent rise in gas prices offers VISION and other groups a unique opportunity to highlight the use of alternative modes of transportation, whether it be carpooling, public transportation, biking, or walking. Suffolk Community Council Announces New Project: Accessible Long Island
The Council says, "Long Island is currently home to 293,308 people over the age of 5 with a disability. Long Island residents are going to need increased accessibility and ease of mobility to remain active members of the communities," continuing, "accessible environments ...need to be addressed during the planning and design stages of community development and redevelopment. Accessible Long Island, much like Smart Growth and green building, seeks to create sustainable communities." Universal Design change, they note, is just that. A curb cut, wider doors and hallways, automatic doors, ramps, and similar modifications are useful to both wheelchairs and strollers and needs to be worked into a project in the early design stages. According to their press release, Accessible Long Island's advisory committee is made up of builders, planners, community organizers, architects, realtors, educators, elected officials, veterans, and advocates, working to shape policy, recommend best practices, and raise public awareness about the benefits of Universal Design. "Universal Design principles focus on equal use, making environments accessible to everyone who uses them to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. The benefits of universal design principles are safety, ease of use, and usability across the lifespan." For more information about Accessible Long Island, contact the Suffolk Community Council at (631) 434-9277. Additional information on Universal Design is available from the Center for Universal Design, Adaptive Environments, and the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access. |
On Thursday morning, April 24th, dozens of members from the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce gathered at the Bristal in East Meadow to see a presentation from Vincent and Mike Polimeni regarding their proposed plan for a cross-Sound tunnel from Syosset to Rye.
In addition to reducing traffic on the LIE, Throgs Neck and Whitestone Bridges, I-95, and I-287, he noted that using the tunnel would save 24 million gallons of gas each year, along with 175-235 tons per day of carbon dioxide emissions. Studies show that there could be a 20-32% reduction in congestion on the LIE, in addition to reducing wear and tear, maintenance, and construction costs on new and already existing infrastructure. The entire project, estimated to cost the developers and investors $25 billion, would be underground and would minimally disturb the existing infrastructure and environment, Polimeni added, noting that the area directly over the entryway in Syosset would be converted into a public park.
The 18-mile long tunnel would have 3 lanes in each direction and include shoulders and emergency access. The closed-boring system the developers are proposing, in addition to the fact that the tunnel will be 150 feet below the bottom of the Sound, is supposed to minimize its environmental impact. As it is currently proposed, the natural material displaced in the construction process will be used to create the park in Syosset and to alleviate erosion problems in the area.
The Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis, along with state lawmakers and other officials, recently announced $850,000 in grant funding for local and regional trusts for Smart Growth projects across the State. 
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Conserve Energy!
One way to help is to simply use less electricity. CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) use one-third the energy of standard incandescents and last up to 10 times longer, especially when they are turned off when not being used. Unplugging appliances such as TVs, VCRs, DVD and CD players, and cell phone chargers when they are not in use saves a wasted energy that comes from idle electronic devices.
Additionally, consider how much energy you use on air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter. Keeping the blinds closed and opening windows in the summer and keeping blinds open and windows closed in the winter can lead to using less air conditioning or heat. Programmable thermostats also can control airflow to minimize energy use when no one is home. For more information, visit EnergyStar's site. |
In the spirit of Earth Day, the Group for the East End has highlighted just how much energy the average US family uses and what a few small changes can do to help. Their studies have shown that an average US family spends about $1,900 per year on utilities and that nearly 30% of that is wasted.
All major appliances, including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, water heaters, and dishwashers should be EnergyStar compliant, in order to maximize savings to you and to help the environment. According to the report, EnergyStar certified products and appliances save nearly $450 per year per household and can qualify you for rebates and other tax credits.
Canvas Magazine Holds Earth Day Events
The exhibit, curated for Canvas by Cherie Via of Ripe Art Gallery in Greenlawn, New York, is one of many efforts throughout the year by Canvas Magazine to bring attention to the sustainable issues facing Long Island. An Artists Reception for the Exhibit will be held Saturday, April 26, 5-8pm, when visitors can meet many of artists and learn first-hand what their inspiration was for their work and enjoy refreshments served compliments of Whole Foods. For more information about the canvas Gallery and event, call: 631-351-6480 MobiliZed Interfaith Coalition Against Hunger To Host "Ending Poverty on Long Island: An Action Plan" Conference on April 28th
Space is limited, so you must pre-register by April 18 to attend. $20 registration fee includes lunch and checks should be made payable to Catholic Charities. They will take e–mail registrations to robinson.mary@catholiccharities.cc by April 18th with payment at the door for any group that can’t make the April 18th mail deadline. Mail can be sent to Parish Social Ministry at Catholic Charities, 90 Cherry Lane, Hicksville, NY 11801. When emailing registration information, please include first, second, and third choices for workshops, names of attendees, congregation/agency affiliation, address, phone, fax, and email. For more details on the event, please contact: robinson.mary@catholiccharities.cc. Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce Presents Restaurant Night - May 1st The Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to attend their 2008 Culinary Delights event on Thursday, May 1st from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Brookville Country Club at 210 Chicken Valley Road in Old Brookville. There will be food and wine from over 40 local resaturants. Advanced tickets are $50 and entry at the door is $55. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Chamber's Scholarship Award. More information is available by calling 516-676-6666. Green Building, Design, and Development Panel at Southampton Expo to Take Place May 2nd-4th
LEED AP Sustainable Design Leader and member of the Congress for the New Urbanism, Charles Bergen, of WDG Architecture PLLC Washington, DC, will moderate a panel focusing on green building on Sunday, the 4th from 12pm-2:30pm. The Residential Green Building, Design, and Development panel will also feature Chris Earley PE with Greening Urban, Rick Stott with Flynn and Stott, and Ari Meisel with LEED Pro LLC, and will cover the basic principals of green building and sustainable site design, the costs and benefits of green building and green real estate development, as well as the current green building rating systems. Each panel participant will present their recent work in green building, development, and design before opening up the floor to questions. The Elks Lodge is located at 605 County Rd. 39 in Southampton. |
Canvas Magazine will be holding its first Eco Art Exhibit in honor of Earth Day at their gallery at 51 Gibson Ave in Huntington, from April 22 through June 14. Numerous Long Island Artists will be showing their unique works that employ the use of materials such as recycled stacking pallets, automotive belts, plastics, metals, and many others. The goal of the exhibit is to showcase art and artists who understand the impact we have on our environment. By using art as a format to express the need for change, it also raises environmental awareness on Long Island. "This is very much in-line with the goals and values of Canvas — a commitment to local art and artists, as well as sustainable living. It also allows us to bring attention to two causes very important to us and Long Island," said Canvas Publisher Tom Pellicane.
On Monday, April 28th, Adelphi University will be hosting a conference on “Ending Poverty on Long Island: An Action Plan.” Organized by the Mobilized Interfaith Coalition Against Hunger (MICAH), the conference features a range of speakers invested in changing the systems of poverty on Long Island. Workshops include “Overcoming Racial and Class Inequities in Public Schools,” moderated by Elaine Gross of ERASE Racism, “Funding the Departments of Social Services for Success,” moderated by Dr. Richard Koubek of Catholic Charities, “Funding Child Care for Quality Services,” moderated by Dana Friedman of the Early Years Institute, “Securing Decent Pay for Decent Work,” moderated by Professor Trudy Goldberg of Adelphi University, “Organizing Your Community to Create Affordable Housing,” moderated by Michael White of the LI Regional Planning Board, “Ensuring Health Care for Poor Long Islanders,” moderated by Professor Suzanne Michael of Adelphi University, “Expanding Public Transportation for Working Long Islanders,” moderated by Neal Lewis of Neighborhood Network, and “Social Work for Social Justice,” moderated by Professor Carol Ann Daniel of Adelphi University. Eric Alexander, Executive Director of Vision Long Island, will speak in the closing plenary/call to action.
The Southampton Elks Lodge will host the 4th annual Hamptons Home and Garden Expo on May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. 
Green Living Expo Runs This Weekend
According to their website, the Expo will "provide information to help move us in the direction of a lifestyle that is both economically viable and ecologically sound" and "will have two full days of programming to make the event both educational and fun. Speakers have been selected for their passion, commitment, innovation, and authority on their “green” topic." There is no fee to attend the programs, lectures, or classes. Suffolk Community College's Brentwood Campus is located at 101 Crooked Hill Rd. in Brentwood. The Expo takes place at the Sports/Exhibition Complex and runs from 11am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. For more information, visit their website. |
A great way to spend this weekend is at the Green Living Expo at Suffolk Community College's Brentwood campus. The 2-day event focuses on informing Long Islanders, both residents and business leaders, on greener ways of living.
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: |
