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Sponsorships and journal ads are also available. Contact Vision Long Island at 631-261-0242 for more information.

National report ranks Nassau County among most dangerous places for senior pedestrians

One of the top stories in Newsday this week underscored the importance of pedestrian safety on Long Island and the need for Complete Streets legislation. Tri-State Transportation released a report titled “Older Pedestrians at Risk: And How States Can Make it Safer and Easier for Older Residents to Walk.” The report states “Nassau County is among the most dangerous places in the metropolitan area, and the nation, for older pedestrians.” The report revealed the fatality rate for pedestrians age 60 and older in Nassau is 4.67 per 100,000 people- more than twice the national rate. In the tri-state area, Nassau ranked the fourth-highest fatality rate for pedestrians over age 60. In fact, 45% of the 87 pedestrians killed in Nassau County from 2007-2009 were seniors. Arterial roads, multilane routes such as Sunrise Highway or Hempstead Turnpike, ranked among some of the most dangerous roads for senior pedestrians. Bill Ferris of AARP said in Newsday, “The older population, they’re being disproportionately killed while walking in their own communities. That’s unacceptable.”

Pedestrian safety has increasingly become an issue over the years, as many people feel that Long Island roads are not safe for pedestrians or bicycle riders. The New York State Complete Streets bill, introduced by Senator Charles Fuschillo, has passed the Senate Transportation and Finance committees, but is seeking re-introduction to match the Senate’s language in the Assembly. If this legislation is passed, roads will be designed with pedestrians and bicyclists in mind to promote safer transportation for everyone.

With the release of Nassau County’s ranking as one of the most dangerous areas in the county for pedestrians aged 60 or older, New York State needs Complete Streets legislation now more than ever. Complete Streets assures that new road construction and redesign takes into account the needs of all road users, including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and passengers, motorists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. The statewide Complete Streets policy would amend the NYS highway law so that any new road construction or redesign projects that receives State or Federal funding must at least consider implementing Complete Streets design features, such as clearly marked crosswalks, protected bike lanes and traffic calming devices. To help support Complete Streets, contact your local Assembly Member. (Names and numbers are listed below).

The following organizations issued memos of support for S.5411:

AARP, NYS County Highway Superintendents Association, NYS Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, Inc., Regional Plan Association of NJ, CT, and NY, American Heart and Stroke Association, Long Island Lobby Coalition, New York State Wide Senior Action Council, Inc., Sierra Club (Atlantic Chapter), American Cancer Society, Transportation Alternatives, Vision Long Island, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, New York Association on Independent Living, New York State Association of Area Agencies on Aging (NYSAAAA), Empire State Future, NRDC – National Resources Defense Council, NYBC – New York Bicycling Coalition, NIPIRG Straphangers Campaign- New York Public Interest Research Group, NYSTEA – New York State Transportation Equity Alliance, Parks and Trails of New York, The New York Academy of Medicine, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, Green Village Consulting, Rochester, New York, Hudson Valley Speaks(WEACT) for Environmental Justice, Syracuse First, New York State Public Health Association (PHA), AIA New York State – An Organization of the American Institute of Architects, APA NY – American Planning Association New York Chapter, NYLCV-New York League of Conservation Voters, Environmental Advocates of New York, Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ), League of Women Voters Buffalo-Niagara, BALCONY – Business and Labor Coalition of New York, The New York Academy of Medicine, Orange County Citizens Foundation, Earth Day Lobby Day 2011, NYSHEPA – New York State Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Alliance: Signatories: New York State Public Health Association, Be Active New York State, New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Public Health Association of New York City, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, New York State PTA, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, YMCA’s of New York State, American Diabetes Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, District II NYS, Parks ^ Trails, New York, Gilmour Planning, LLC, Herkimer County HealthNet, Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network, Clinton County Health Department, New York Bicycling Coalition, Corning Community YMCA, FAST (Fit and Strong Together), Lewis County Public Health Department, Clinton County Public Transit (CCPT), Center for Communications, Health & the Environment (CECHE), Local Development Corporation of West Bronx, Broome County Health Department, Community Cradle, Cycotour Guide BooksBrooklyn Health Educators Lions Club, Healthy Monday Campaign, The People’s Policy Institute, National Association for Health and Fitness, NYS Dietetic Association, Chautauqua County Health Network, Geri Brewster RD MPH CDN PC, Green Options Buffalo, Hudson River HealthCare, Inc., Chautauqua County Built Environment Team, Tioga County Health Department

View the report here.

Please call or write your State Assembly Member today and support Complete Streets:

Dan Losquadro: 631-727 -0204; 518-455-5294
Fred Thiele: 631-537-2583; 518-455-5997
Dean Murray: 631-207-0073; 518-455-4901
Steven Englebright: 631-751-3094; 518-455-4804
Al Graf: 631-589-8685; 518-455-5937
Philip Ramos: 631-435-3214; 518-455-5185
Michael Fitzpatrick: 631-724-2929; 518-455-5021
Philip Boyle: 631-647-9400; 518-455-4611
Andrew Raia: 631-261-4151; 518-455-5952
James Conte: 631-271-8025; 518-455-5732
Robert Sweeney: 631-957-2087; 518-455-5787
Joseph Saladino: 516-844-0635; 518-455-5305
Charles Lavine: 516-676-0050; 518-455-5456
Brian Curran: 516-561-8216; 518-455-4656
Michael Montesano: 516-937-3571; 518-455-4684
Michelle Schimel: 516-482-6966; 518-455-5192
Tom McKevitt: 516-739-5119; 518-455-5341
Earlene Hooper: 516-489-6610; 518-455-5861
David McDonough: 516-409-2070; 518-455-4633
Harvey Weisenberg: 516-431-0500; 518-455-3028
Edward Ra: 516-437-5577; 518-455-4627

Please call or write your State Senator today and support S5411:

Kenneth LaValle: 518-455-3121, lavalle@nysenate.gov
John Flanagan: 518-455-2071, flanagan@senate.state.ny.us
Lee Zeldin: 518-455-3570, zeldin@nysenate.gov
Owen Johnson: 518-455-3411, ojohnson@senate.state.ny.us
Carl Marcellino: 518-455-2390, marcelli@senate.state.ny.us
Kemp Hannon: 518-455-2200, hannon@nysenate.gov
Jack Martins: 518-455-3265, martins@nysenate.gov
Charles Fuschillo (please thank him!): 518-455-3341, fuschill@senate.state.ny.us
Dean Skelos: 518-455-3171, skelos@nysenate.gov

Residents continue to fight proposed Wal-Mart in E. Patchogue

After being out of the spotlight for almost a year, the construction of a Wal-Mart in East Patchogue has again raised concerns among local residents. The issue was last presented in June 2010, when the Town of Brookhaven rescinded zoning for a 108,000-square-foot store. The decision, however, permits the construction of a 98,000-square-foot building and consequently does not prohibit a Wal-Mart outright.

This time around, Wal-Mart submitted a Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) for a smaller store in the same location at the intersection of Hospital Road and Sunrise Highway. The DEIS was originally accepted, but not approved, at a May 9th meeting of the Brookhaven Town Planning Board.

As in the past, the possibility of a ‘big box store’ being built was not welcomed by residents. Many believe that a Wal-Mart would hurt the nearby downtown and small businesses. Recognizing the strong opposition, the Planning Board announced their decision to rescind the acceptance of the DEIS and accrue additional public input. They will be holding a Public Scoping meeting on June 23rd at 7pm at the Brookhaven Town Hall Auditorium.

Due to the close proximity to a revitalized downtown Patchogue, Vision Long Island joins with local business and community leaders in their opposition to a Wal-Mart in their borders.

Read more at Patchogue Patch. For more information, visit Stop Wal-Mart's website.

AvalonBay in Huntington Station gets zoning OK

On Monday, June 6th, the Huntington Town Board approved zoning for the proposed AvalonBay Communities’ Huntington Station project. Needless to say, the hearing was a madhouse, with residents and regional people speaking out (and screaming out) on both sides.

After the original 490 housing unit plan was denied in September, AvalonBay resubmitted a scaled-down version in March. This modified project will construct 379 housing units on a 26.5-acre parcel of vacant land located a half-mile away from Huntington’s Long Island Railroad Station. The new design will also meet the Suffolk County Planning Commission’s conditions for energy efficiency and public safety.

Despite continued opposition from local Huntington Station residents, Town Council Member Susan Berland believes that AvalonBay will “bring immediate benefits and serve as a catalyst for even greater improvements and growth.” Berland’s positive vote was joined by Mark Cuthbertson, Glenda Jackson and Supervisor Frank Petrone’s, while Mark Mayoka cast the sole dissenting vote.

AvalonBay Vice President for Development Matt Whalen assures that “in the end, this development will help to bring the community together and result in a better Huntington for all residents.

Vision Long Island supported the current and past AvalonBay proposals, as they would provide additional housing options near a highly-utilized train station. We hope lessons can be learned from the community interactions with this project and other revitalization efforts in Huntington Station moving forward.

Read more from Long Island Press, Long Island Business News, and Huntington Patch.

Third annual Green Fest of Port Jefferson Village on June 11th

On Saturday, June 11th, The Village of Port Jefferson will hold its annual Green Fest. The fest will feature vendors of eco-friendly art, crafts, services, and products, as well as various speakers, demonstrations, children's activities, and live music.

Green Fest will be held at the Port Jefferson Village Center from 1pm to 6pm and is free to the public. For more information, see their website.

NYU to hold Alternative Fuel / Advanced Vehicles Technologies and Infrastructure Requirements conference on June 14th

On Tuesday, June 14th, the NYU Rudin Center for Transportation will be hosting a conference on “Alternative Fuel / Advanced Vehicles Technologies and Infrastructure Requirements - Bringing innovation to our streets.” The conference will be held at the NYU Kimmel Center at 60 Washington Square South from 8:30am - 2:15pm.

With the transportation sector one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, there is increased public interest in finding cleaner mobility options, including the use of alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) technologies. Co-sponsored by Con Edison, the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Energy and Research Authority, this event seeks to contribute to the public’s understanding of AFV current technologies and innovations, by analyzing their strengths, limitations and the required infrastructure for their broad deployment. Speakers will discuss market conditions and current challenges in promoting these new technologies, including infrastructure investments and policies and strategies that foster the broad deployment of AFV technologies in the United States.

Advanced registration is required. More information is available here.

Sustainable Film Series presents: Carbon Nation on June 16th

The Sustainability Institute at Molloy College continues its Sustainable Film Series with Carbon Nation, a documentary by Peter Byck. It describes itself as "a climate change solutions movie that doesn't even care if you believe in climate change". The screening will take place at Molloy College’s Suffolk Center on June 16th, and will begin with a half hour of networking and food (all produced locally) at 7, with the film itself starting at 7:30.

Attendees are being asked to bring their used or unwanted cell phones, pagers, etc. to be collected and properly recycled. Visit the Sustainablilty Institute’s website for directions and more information. To RSVP for the free event or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for future events, call 516-678-5000 ext. 7562 or email info@si.molloy.edu.

Storm Water Management Conference on June 22nd

The Suffolk County Planning Commission will be holding a free conference called “Smart, Green & Clean Storm Water” on Wednesday, June 22nd from 2:30pm to 5pm at the Suffolk County Legislative Building. The event features vendors and speakers on the issue of storm water pollution, including representatives from the US EPA, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Environmental Facilities Corporation and Citizens Campaign for the Environment. All presentations will exhibit the latest green technologies and review current storm water regulations and financing options.

To RSVP, contact Chrissy Einemann at 631-853-5190 or e-mail Chissy.Einemann@suffolkcountyny.gov.

“Real Estate: Movers & Shakers” at The Chateau on July 13th

This Summer, The Chateau in Carle Place will host the series “Take Your Business Outside!” The series will consist of five industry specific events meant to bring together real decision makers, influencers and potential deal partners.

On Wednesday July 13th, Vision’s Eric Alexander will discuss the benefits of mixed land use at the series’ second event: “Real Estate Movers & Shakers: Where top people in commercial and residential real estate meet.” Other speakers will include Matt Whalen of Avalon Bay Community and Bob Knakal of Massey Knakel Realty Services.

ll events will begin at 5:30pm and last until 8:30pm. The $30 admission fee will include food, an open bar, and live entertainment. Download the registration form here. For a full list of events go to The Chateau’s event calendar.

Farmers Markets in or adjacent to Long Island's downtowns:

NASSAU

BAYVILLE
Bayville Commons parking lot, at the corner of Bayville and Ludlum Avenues
Saturdays from 8:30am to 12pm
May 29th to September 4th

HEWLETT
Grant Park
Fridays 8am to 1pm
June 3rd to November 18th

HICKSVILLE
Kennedy Memorial Park, between Jerusalem and Broadway, near the LIRR station
9am to 2pm
Late May to November 20th

LOCUST VALLEY
Forest Avenue, across from post office
Saturdays from 8am to 1pm
June 4th to November 12th

LONG BEACH
Kennedy Plaza at Long Beach City Hall, next to LIRR station
Wednesdays from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm
May 5th to November 24th

GLEN COVE
Village Square (intersection of School, Glen and Bridge Streets)
Fridays from 9am to 3pm
June 17th to November 18th

OYSTER BAY
Audrey and Shore avenues, at the bandstand
Fridays from 10am to 4pm
May 27th to October 28th

PORT WASHINGTON
Town Dock, Main Street
Saturdays from 8am to noon
June 4th to October 29th

ROCKVILLE CENTRE
Sunrise Highway and Long Beach Road
Sundays from 7am to 12pm
June 5th to November 20th

ROOSEVELT
380 Nassau Rd., in parking lot.
Sundays 11am to 4pm
July 11th to October 31st

SUFFOLK

EAST HAMPTON
Nick & Toni’s parking lot at 136 N. Main St.
Fridays from 9am to 1pm
May 27th through Sep. 30th

HUNTINGTON
Elm Street parking lot on Main Street
Sundays from 7am to noon
June 5th to November 20th

ISLIP
Town Hall parking lot on Montauk Highway
Saturdays 7am to noon
June 4th to November 19th

MONTAUK
Village Green
Thursdays from 9am to 1pm
June 23rd to October 6th

NORTH BELLPORT
Corner of Post Ave. & Montauk Hwy.
Sundays 11am to 4pm
July to October

NORTHPORT
Cow Harbor Park parking lot.
Open Saturdays 8am to 1pm
June 18th to November 19th

PATCHOGUE
7-Eleven store parking lot, Montauk Highway west of Route 112.
Fridays from 8am to 1pm
July 8th to October 7th

PORT JEFFERSON
Parking lot next to ferry, Route 25A.
Thursdays from Noon to 7pm
July 7th to October 6th

109 Main St., near East Broadway, in the parking lot next to Lainie’s Way / Tommy’s Place.
Sundays from 9am to 1pm
Late May to November 14th

SAG HARBOR
Breakwater Yacht Club parking lot, Bay and Burke Streets
Saturdays from 9am to 1pm
May 21 to October 29th

WESTHAMPTON BEACH
85 Mill Rd., next to Historical Society
Saturdays from 9am to 1pm
Open until December 11th

Jon Stewart lambasted Donald Trump on an episode of The Daily Show this week, focusing his rage on Trump's choice of pizzeria in Times Square. In light of Trump's confusion, here are some pizzerias in Long Island downtowns he might want to consider next time.

SCREENCAP OF VIDEO

SUFFOLK

Coleseo - Port Jefferson Station

Filleto's - East Northport

La Porta Pizza - Northport Village

Little Vincent's - Huntington Village

Nina's Pizza - Northport

Pizza Carnival - Port Jefferson

Renzo's - Mt. Sinai

Rosa's - Huntington Village

Sausages - Montauk

NASSAU

Broadway Pizza - Hewlett

Downtown Cafe/Pizza - Glen Cove

Gino's - Farmingdale

Gino's - Manhasset

Il VIllagio - Sea Cliff

Martino's - Elmont

The Pizza Place - Hewlett

Special thanks for all of the friendly suggestions from our Facebook friends.