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Caithness
Caithness and the Long Island Power Authority are currently completing the construction of a 350 megawatt natural gas project in Yaphank. 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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Caithness Development, L.L.C. and its affiliate Caithness Energy, L.L.C. (collectively "Caithness") are privately held Independent Power Producers specializing in power generation from environmentally friendly renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Their primary focus for over 25 years has been the development, acquisition, operation and management of renewable geothermal, wind and solar energy power projects, as well as (environmentally friendly) natural gas power plants.
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120 Days into the Stimulus
Some states used their funds excellently, creating jobs and 21st century transportation, but most others did not. Ohio, Florida, Arkansas, and Kentucky are just a few examples of states that made unwise decisions, spending more money on creating new roads rather than maintaining existing roads, and ignoring to spend on public transportation and non-motorized projects (i.e., bike and pedestrian projects). In fact, out of the entire $26.6 billion, only 0.9% was spent on public transportation and 2.8% on non-motorized projects. The ramifications of the states’ mishandling of funds are frightening: gas prices are rising, public transportation is experiencing cuts, streets aren’t being maintained, and states aren’t spending on improving transportation options. Soon, there are going to be no safe options for Americans to get around. Fortunately, New York was one of the states that proved smarter at investing their funds. Over 90% was devoted to road repair, which creates more jobs and makes streets safer for residents. Unfortunately, that left only 2.5% to be spent on public transportation and non-motorized projects, but with the second half of the stimulus funds, hopefully more will be allocated in that direction. New Energy Stimulus Funds for New York State and Long Island
Paterson said, "Under this program, NYSERDA will target local governments, schools, hospitals and not-for-profits in an effort to simultaneously meet our 45 by 15 clean energy goal and reduce energy costs for these institutions.” The plan includes several programs: the Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program will cost $91.2 million and will provide grants to municipalities, schools, hospitals, public colleges and universities, and not-for-profit organizations for the installation of such measures. Funds for technical assistance studies also will be available to assist customers in evaluating their energy-related projects. The Energy Code Program will provide $4.4 million for the Department of State and NYSERDA to support the Governor's effort to adopt more stringent energy codes for buildings. Various implementation and support services will be available to the entire building community, including local jurisdictions charged with implementation of the state energy code, architects, engineers, and homebuilders, to work aggressively to achieve at least 90 percent compliance in the commercial and residential sectors. Finally, the Solar Energy Program will offer $27.4 million for NYSERDA and LIPA to implement power purchase agreements for 50MW of solar capacity and to promote the installation of large-scale, multi-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) installations in high-load pockets. Read more in the Governor's press release. |
This year’s $787 billion stimulus bill gave all states and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) $26.6 billion in funds for transportation projects. The stipulation was that within 120 days of receiving the funds, half of what was received would be committed in projects throughout the state. On the 120-day mark, Smart Growth America released a report detailing how each state was using their funds.
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Governor Paterson Announces Local Government Efficieny Grants for LI
Governor Paterson said at the press conference, "Consolidating local government operations will reduce waste, lower the cost of doing business and ease property taxes for the people of Long Island and across New York." Read more in the Governor's press release. NY Area Congestion 2nd Worst in Country
Despite this grim outlook, the study also suggests that the situation is getting a little better: as in 2007, New Yorkers again spent one hour less in traffic than in 2006. According to Kate Slevin of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, these figures reflect the region's robust public transportation system: "People want to be on transit. They like having options and transportation choices, and that's reflected in these numbers." NYSDOT also reported that the Long Island Expressway carried 1.98% fewer cars in 2008 than in 2007, numbers which reflect more than just last summer's high gas prices. According to David Shrank, a co-author of the study, economic constraints can cause drivers to change their driving habits. They may shift their schedules to drive during off-peak times, telecommute from home, or eliminate some trips altogether. Read more at Newsday. Richard Ravitch Appointed Lieutenant Governor
The Governor said, "In this struggle for power, both sides claim that their leader is Temporary President of the Senate and next in line of succession to be Governor in the event of my incapacitation or death. With no sitting Lieutenant Governor, this matter is in dispute with no clear path to resolution. This confusion cannot continue. The stakes are too high. Acting on behalf of the people of New York, I am taking a bold step to end at least one aspect of this crisis. I am using my legal authority as Governor to appoint a new Lieutenant Governor, Richard Ravitch. The appointment of a new Lieutenant Governor will resolve the issue of succession and may provide a means to help break the stalemate in the Senate." Some controversy has arisen over the legality of Paterson's appointment, which both Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos and Democratic Attorney General Andrew Cuomo have both rejected as unconstitutional, though there is no direct ban on such an act in the state constitution. Ravitch is most recently known for leading a Paterson-appointed commission to create a financial rescue plan for the MTA, which Vision supported but was largely unused in the final MTA bailout. Read more at the Governor's website. Real Life Wall-E Comes to City Streets
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The Texas Transportation Institute released a report on Urban Mobility that found that the New York area ranks second in total peak travel delay and total annual congestion cost. Nearly 380 million hours are wasted stuck in rush hour traffic each year in the NY region, second only to Los Angeles. In 2007, it took the average NY driver 37% longer to travel in rush hour traffic than at non-peak times. The total congestion cost is $8,180,000 annually, again in 2nd place nationally. The average delay per driver is 44 hours, placing us in 14th place; and the congestion cost per driver annually is $951, or 15th place. 
Governor Paterson has been under some pressure to have a lieutenant governor, since there has not been one since Paterson, who previously held the position, replaced Eliot Spitzer last year. Now, in an effort to calm the State Senate standoff, Paterson has appointed former MTA chairman Richard Ravitch for the position. Ravitch would be poised to break the 31-31 Senate tie.
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Lighthouse DGEIS Approved as Complete and Open for Public Comment
The resolution marks the beginning of a public comment period, which will run until August 17th. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse at Hofstra University at 9:30am. You can also email any comments to the Town of Hempstead at lighthousecomment@tohmail.org. The DGEIS is now available on the Town's website and at public libraries, as well as lighthouseli.com. Senator Chuck Schumer recently endorsed the Lighthouse project and plans to negotiate to get federal funds for the project's traffic mitigation. Read more at Newsday. Mayor moved to town post
The position will entail creating jobs. In the last year, Brookhaven’s unemployment has grown from 4.4 to 6.9 percent. Fortunately, Pontieri is no stranger to economic revitalization. In 2004, before Pontieri was elected as mayor, Patchogue’s Main Street had a vacancy rate of 40 percent. Today, the vacancy rate stands at around 15 percent. This resurgence is why Brookhaven Town Supervisor Mark Lesko believes in his selection of Pontieri as deputy supervisor. The town board voted 5-2 in favor of Pontieri. |
At a lengthy Hempstead Town Board meeting on Tuesday morning, the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement for the Lighthouse at Long Island was deemed complete and ready for public review. Vision spoke at the hearing, encouraged that the process is moving forward and hoping for a thorough review. The Lighthouse Development Group hopes that the Town will sign off on exactly what can be built by September, at which point they will negotiate lease terms. 
Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri has been appointed as Brookhaven’s Deputy Supervisor for Economic Development.|
The House Transportation Bill Needs Your Help! Call your representative's office today!
With Congress moving quickly on transportation, we must go the extra mile today to make sure that Congress gets the message. Please call your federal representative's office right now. It will make a real difference, and it only takes about one minute:
What will $450 billion in transportation spending achieve? Without over-arching goals and targets -- such as reductions of vehicles miles traveled, CO2, and household transportation costs -- there's no way to be sure billions of dollars in transportation spending will truly deliver clean, affordable and smart transportation. Oberstar's bill includes a lot of what Smart Growth supporters have been pushing for, but as it stands today, it still falls short. We can do better. We can't keep pouring tax dollars into the same flawed transportation system that leaves us stuck without options. Let's tell Congress to make transportation funding smart, clean, and accountable starting TODAY. |
Representative James Oberstar, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, just released the long-anticipated first draft of the Surface Transportation authorization bill to replace the expiring SAFETEA-LU legislation. The bill is a good start, but as it stands today, it leaves out a few things, including something crucial: Clear national performance targets. Adjacent to the Surface Transportation Bill, Congressman Carnahan and others have released the  Take a Day Trip to Governors Island; or visit on July 10 for Happy Hour!
Your visit might include music and dancing, arts and crafts, Civil War uniforms and cannons, kayaking or taking a ride on an historic ship, mini golf, or simply relaxing in a hammock at the newly-opened 8-acre Picnic Point, with views straight to the Statue of Liberty. On the Island's May 30th opening day, the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic attracted the likes of Madonna, Kate Hudson, Marc Jacobs and polo-playing Prince Harry. The Island offers children's art classes and summer camp programs, and more art exhibits and historic buildings are open to the public than ever before. And perhaps what's most exciting - the full 2.2-mile promenade is now open for bikers, walkers, runners, and strollers. Admire spectacular views of the city skyline, smell the salty air, and spend a day with loved ones or on your own in what's quickly becoming one of the region's favorite places. On Friday, July 10, have a beer with a crowd of young designers, planners, and real estate professionals to watch the sun set over the Manhattan skyline at Governors Island's newest hot spot, Water Taxi Beach. Be among the first to explore this all-new beach, café and performance space. At the Island's first-ever happy hour from 6 to 8 pm, the Alliance will honor Tom Fox, founder and CEO of Harbor Experiences, the Water Taxi's parent company. Mr. Fox has played a pivotal role in the creation of the Water Taxi fleet and its several beaches, as well as Brooklyn Bridge Park and Hudson River Park. The event is co-sponsored by Emerging New York Architects and Governors Island Alliance. All funds raised for the event will go towards free public programs on the Island and the Governors Island Alliance's advocacy work. Open House: Harvesting Solar Power for a Brighter Future on July 14
There will be an Informational Open House event for the project on July 14th at the Mt. Sinai Heritage Center from 3pm-8pm so the public can learn more about the project. Save the date and stayed tuned for more information. NYMTC 2010-2035 RTP Public Review Period Opens, Announces Public Meeting for Long Island on July 15th
NYMTC is a regional council of governments that functions as the metropolitan planning organization for New York City, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley. NYMTC’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) creates a joint, long-term vision for the New York metropolitan region’s transportation system. Revised every four years, the RTP is the result of a cooperative public involvement and intergovernmental planning process. NYMTC member approval of the RTP is required for Federal transportation funding. West Hempstead Community Support Association's Free Music in the Park this summer
Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Please: no alcohol and leave pets at home. For further information and in case of inclement weather call (516) 733-0879 Sustainability Institute Presents a Cocktail Reception on July 23
Tickets are $75, with special rates available for not-for-profits. To register by the July 16th deadline, email Leigh at lmusarra@si.molloy.edu, call (516) 678-5000 x7562, or simply register online. East End GreenFest August 1st-2nd
There are ten live bands on a solar powered stage, local wineries, performers, entertaining and informative speakers, kid’s activities and hands-on demonstrations. Bring a chair, learn, and enjoy the music, eat healthy foods, and shop for all-natural and sustainable products. See exhibits on alternative energy, organic and natural products, natural health and beauty, green building, green living, healthy food and beverages, green kids, green transportation, earth friendly fashion, waste reduction, and non-profit associations. The cost is $3 for adults and children 12 and under are free. If you are interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the GreenFest, there are a limited number of spots left. For more information on the festival visit eastendgreenfest.com, call 631-734-5894, or email info@eastendgreenfest.com. ERASE Racism Presents "Invisibility: A Case Study of Latinos on Long Island" on August 12
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Governors Island is the buzz of New York, and the perfect day trip for any Long Islander. Only four weeks into the 2009 summer season, 40,000 visitors have taken the 5-minute ferry five from lower Manhattan to enjoy the beautiful open spaces in the center of New York Harbor. Last year at this time, not even half that many people had been to the 172-acre Island. Talk is in the air about New York's new, favorite park, which has been undergoing an exciting revitalization over the past few years.
Approximately 37 megawatts of solar energy is proposed to be hosted by Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), purchased by Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and supplied and developed by BP Solar (BP). This utility-scale solar energy project will provide enough power to sustain more than 4,700 households and avoid carbon dioxide emissions of 34,000 tons per year. The project will be implemented through a power purchase agreement (PPA) between LIPA and BP for a term of 20 years with contracted solar energy deliveries to begin no later than May 1, 2011. BP Solar also plans to work closely with BNL to determine how it could provide solar to assist with the laboratory's energy needs, moving BNL closer towards achieving its renewable energy and energy independence objectives. In addition, as part of the project, it is envisioned that BP and BNL will work collaboratively on research to help solve technological challenges and advance the state of today's solar voltaic technology.
July 1, 2009 marks the start of a 30-day public review period on NYMTC’S draft 2010-2035 Regional Transportation Plan and related Environmental Justice Assessment of the Planning Process. A public meeting for the Long Island region will take place on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 from 3-5pm and 6-8pm at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst. The 3-5pm session will have a 
The West Hempstead Community Support Association, formerly the West Hempstead Civic Association, presents Free Music in the Park this summer. Performances will take place at Hall's Pond Park at Nassau Boulevard and Hempstead Avenue in West Hempstead. There are three chances to check out the free fun:
On Thursday, July 23rd from 5:30-7:30pm, join the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College for a Cocktail Reception. President of Molloy College Drew Bogner and the Sustainability Institute's Neal Lewis will host the reception, taking place at the Anselma reception room at Molloy's Rockville Centre campus. Molloy College has proudly launched The Sustainability Institute, Long Island's first-ever venture combining sustainability education and policy ananlysis within an academic institution. This is The Sustainability Institute's first event, so come out and support! 
The East End GreenFest will take place on August 1st and 2nd, an outdoor festival that celebrates the latest green solutions to help people live in a better, healthier world. The festival will take place that Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm at the Strawberry Fields Fairground in Mattituck. 
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Long Island Comedy Festival
For more information, including contact info, visit the official website. Northport Arts Coalition Presents Open Mic Night this Friday
Northport Arts Coalition is a not-for-profit organization whose common vision is to create a vibrant hub for the arts and humanities. Their mission is to inspire and support artists, and to help them make connections with other artists and with the larger community. Farmers Markets Running All Summer If you're looking for a way to stimulate your local economy while getting fresh food and enjoying your local downtown area, check out a farmers market near you! Here are a few that are centered in downtowns:
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The Long Island Comedy Festival, now in its fourth year, is a touring group of stand-up comedians that are "standing up for stand-up." Each of the Long Island Comedy Festival shows is a hilarious evening of live stand-up comedy featuring comedians direct from the New York comedy scene and beyond. In fact, several of the comics call Long Island home. The performances are scheduled at historic theaters across Long Island. According to their website, "The Comedy Festival is proud to support these local Not-for-Profit venues as well as the important downtowns in which they are located." This weekend, there are four opportunities to check out the show. Here they are with the line-ups:
This Friday night, July 10, Northport Arts Coalition is hosting Happenings on Main Street--a weekly summer program in the Northport Village Park that offers free music from 7-8:30pm. This week is Open Mic Night, so come out to support or come start your career now! Happenings on Main Street is in its eleventh year and has presented over 50 musical groups and artists in over 100 performance dates. Northport Food Pantry donations will be accepted at the events. More information is available |
A friend of Vision sent us some pictures of dolphins that found their way into Northport Harbor last weekend. Enjoy!
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SMART GROWTH NEWS Newsletter Editor: Michelle Dutchen, Director of Communications 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: |
