AlbaNESE ORGANIZATION

The Albanese Organization is a privately held, full-service real estate firm dedicated to creating commercial and residential buildings of distinction, quality and architectural merit that optimize value, are environmentally responsible, and enhance the communities in which they are located.

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.
 
Your tax-deductible donation goes directly to Vision and lets you help strengthen efforts to put Smart Growth principles into action.

Governor Paterson Signs Greenhouse gas Reduction Legislation

Governor David Paterson recently signed Executive Order No. 24, setting a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York State by 80 percent below the levels emitted in 1990 by the year 2050. The Executive Order also creates a Climate Action Council with a directive to prepare a draft Climate Action Plan by September 30, 2010. The Climate Action Plan will assess how all economic sectors can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, as well as identify the extent to which such actions support New York’s goals for a clean energy economy.

Future climate change will impose significant economic burdens on New York. Heat-related mortality in the New York City metropolitan region could increase by 47 to 95 percent when compared to 1990 levels. New York’s public drinking water supplies may also be compromised by changes in temperature and precipitation. In addition, a warmer climate will adversely affect the State’s crucial dairy production and crops, including grain, apples and potatoes, resulting in a potential increase in the cost of food.

Though it is anticipated that reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will be paramount, the Climate Action Plan will also include adaptation measures that will safeguard people, the environment, and our infrastructure from expected climatic changes.

The Climate Action Council will consist of the Commissioners of the Departments of Agriculture and Markets, Environmental Conservation, Housing and Community Renewal and Transportation; the President and CEO of Empire State Development; the Chair of the Public Service Commission; the Presidents of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Dormitory Authority, the New York Power Authority and the Long Island Power Authority; the Secretary of State; the Director of the Budget; the Director of State Operations; and the Counsel to the Governor. The Director of State Operations will serve as the Chair of the Council.

The Executive Order requires that the Council hold regional public comment hearings on the draft Plan and allow at least 60 days for the submission of written public comments. The Council will then prepare a final Plan which will be reviewed and adjusted annually as necessary by the Council.

LIPA Creates $10 Million Program to Help Seniors Pay Electric Bills

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has announced a new $10 million program, the "Income-Eligible Senior Energy Assistance Program," to provide financial assistance to qualifying seniors in paying their energy bills. Qualifying participants can receive a one-time $200 credit to their LIPA electric bills. Bill credits will be made to qualifying seniors on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the availability of program funds. Qualifications include: age 62 or older, existing LIPA electric account holder, and income eligible guidelines, available here.

LIPA's President and CEO Kevin Law made the announcement at a press conference on Wednesday. "As I continue to reform LIPA, cut-costs and re-examine our expenditures to help stabilize rates, I am pleased to offer some assistance to limited-income seniors, to help ease their burden," he offered. "Since taking over as the head of LIPA, the number one concern I have received in the form of a letter, phone call or email is from senior citizens on fixed income asking for some rate relief and thus, I am happy we can help our seniors out with this program."

Seniors meeting these requirements may apply in person at any LIPA Customer Service Center or by mail. Program information, including the location of LIPA's Customer Service Centers and applications, can be found on LIPA's website, or call (800) 490-0025.

Nassau Hub Plan unearthed... 3 years late?

With the Lighthouse project at the forefront of Long Island development news in recent weeks, mentions of the related Nassau Hub have floated around at hearings and in the media. An article in Tri-State Transportation Campaign's blog this week highlights plans for the Hub. The Nassau Hub is a densely populated area of central Nassau County, encompassing Mineola, Garden City, Hempstead, Carle Place, and the section of Uniondale where the Lighthouse is proposed to be built. It is roughly sandwiched between Old Country Road to the north and Hempstead Turnpike to the south. The LIRR bisects the study area. Traffic congestion in the area is quite bad, and has increased in recent years due to the area's high concentration of activity.

In 2003, Nassau County began a Major Investment Study (MIS) of the Nassau Hub. According to the County, "The MIS proposed new transportation options and land use strategies that can best meet future transportation and development need in this area by improving access and mobility, promoting economic development, and enhancing the quality of life." The study, completed and released in early 2006, exposed many of the region's problems, such as the lack of a north-south transit connector, traffic congestion, the disconnect between transit and important activity centers, and the unsustainable auto-centric land use pattern. It also estimated that if no action is taken, daily traffic will increase by 36% over the next 10 years--enough to "bring Nassau County's economic engine to a halt." The study proposed new transit options, including light rail and bus rapid transit.

Now, after three years, the plans may be moving forward. Last month, Nassau County released a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the Alternatives Analysis and Environmental Impact Statement (AA/EIS) for the transit component of the Hub. The deadline passed for the RFP this week, so stay tuned to see how the process progresses. According to TSTC, "the firm selected to undertake this next step will select the best alternative for the area; then it continue with a full Environmental Impact Study...This progress is a welcome development for a project that has been proposed for over a decade."

Read the 2006 MIS study here.

New Sidewalks Coming to Gordon Heights

At last week's Brookhaven Town Board meeting, Councilwoman Connie Kepert put forth a resolution to authorize a budget modification from completed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects for the installation of sidewalks and curbs along Wilson Avenue in Gordon Heights. Since the money is coming from the block grant, there will be no fiscal impact to the taxpayers of Brookhaven. The sidewalks will be installed on Wilson Avenue between Carr Lane and Route 25, and are anticipated to be completed before the end of the year.

“I’m a strong supporter of sidewalks which increase the safety for pedestrians,” stated Councilwoman Kepert. "Many of the community’s youth, who attend the St. Michael’s community center located on Wilson Avenue, will now have a safer walk to the community center...I’m excited about these projects because they bring traffic safety and walkability to the Gordon Heights Community."

Through the Gordon Heights Visioning, which began in 2006 and is managed in part by Vision Long Island, the community identified a need for sidewalks on Wilson Avenue and safer streets. To that end, Councilwoman Kepert, along with US Rep. Tim Bishop, has continued to work to bring sidewalks to the community to meet this need. The Councilwoman was also able to secure federal funding for sidewalks along Granny Road in Gordon Heights which are expected to be installed before the end of this year.

Huntington Boosts Affordable Housing

The Town of Huntington recently announced details on three programs designed to assist in affordable housing throughout the Town. The $1.5 million investment will help low- and moderate-income people find housing in Huntington in accordance with the recommendations of the Affordable Housing Trust Advisory Board. The funds come from money that developers paid into a trust fund in return for obtaining zoning changes for increased density on their projects. The fund currently has about $2.8 million.

The programs include:

1) The "American Dream" program, which will help first-time buyers realize the American dream of home ownership by providing 50 percent of their down payment, up to a maximum of $15,000. The town has earmarked $600,000 from the housing trust fund for this program, which is open to people making no more than 120 percent of the median income in the town. On a sliding scale, that works out to $85,600 for an individual or $122,200 for a family of four. The maximum purchase price of the house is $396,150.

2) The "Take Back the Blocks" program, which will make available to first-time buyers houses the town has purchased from absentee landlords and rehabilitated to include a primary residence and a legal accessory apartment. The projected income from the apartment will help buyers qualify for a mortgage and meet carrying costs. The Town has allocated $429,000 in housing trust fund money to help purchase properties on Columbia and Tower Streets, which will be converted to a total of 16 living units. Other funding for this program is coming from Suffolk County and from the State's Restore NY Communities program. This program is open to people making 80 percent of the median income, or $57,000 for an individual and $81,450 for a family of four on the sliding scale.

3) A $400,000 revolving loan fund to help homeowners make the necessary improvements that will bring accessory apartments up to code and legalize them. The interest rate on the loans will be 3 percent. The eligibility income for homeowners will be no more than 120 percent of median income – the same as for the American Dream program – and the tenants can earn no more than 80 percent of median income – the same standard as for Take Back the Blocks.

Supervisor Frank Petrone said, "Helping people, especially people just entering the workforce, find housing they can afford will help ensure the Town's future by addressing one of the major factors cited as contributing to Long Island's brain drain. I can think of no more important role government can play."

For more information on these programs, call Huntington's Community Development Agency at (631) 351-2881.

Two editorials came up this week that we thought deserved attention:

Legacy Village
by Peter Kohler, Cablevision editorial

Yaphank hasn't had this much attention since Irving Berlin wrote a musical singing its praises--in 1918.

To Suffolk Executive Steve Levy, Yaphank is the perfect place for a $400 million community dubbed Legacy Village to be developed on 250 acres of county land.

Of course, the Yaphank community is already known for its historic hamlet, its new power plant, a fireworks factory and a new county jail, not to mention a number of other county facilities.

Levy's proposed Legacy Village would make Yaphank a destination, adding 1,000 units of housing, most of it affordable, a solar power plant, and industrial sites for high-tech business.

The big attractions would be a new sports arena and a stadium, reachable through the LIE and the LIRR. Levy believes that construction of the sports complex can be subsidized with profits developers can make through other parts of the development.

Of course Brookhaven must approve zoning changes. But Brookhaven civic groups and elected officials are criticizing the plan. Environmentalists say it would harm the Carman's River. County legislators complain that they've been ignored, though they must approve any sale of county land.

While we hope county legislators give Levy's ambitious plan a fair hearing, they should insist upon competitive bidding for any land sale. They also need to question who will benefit, who will pay, and whether sports facilities in this location meet a public need.

Tough a good case can be made for Legacy Village as an economic development project, Levy has yet to make it. Top-down planning can't succeed absent community support.

Levy's dream project is his dream alone

Press conferences typically are places where you get one side of a story. The person conducting the briefing explains his or her take on something, answers a few questions and then moves on. It's the job of the reporter to seek an opposing take on the issue.
That's how it often goes, particularly when whatever is exposed at the press conference is likely to generate controversy. The other side is almost never recognized.

That was not the case Tuesday, however, when Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy unveiled plans for the Legacy Village development plan for Yaphank, his dream project already years in the making.

At times during the press conference, the county executive made reference to opponents of the project, often acknowledging the more than 40 residents in opposition sitting in the auditorium.

"You'll have your time to voice your concerns," he said.

It was a rare sight to see a high-ranking government official recognize critics of a major project at an event designed to sell the plan to the press and public. Even at a moment when the project was supposed to be projected as the greatest development plan in Yaphank history, the critics couldn't be ignored.

It just goes to show you how many people dislike the proposal, which has been unaffectionately dubbed "Levytown."

The project has myriad flaws: It's a potential tax burden on the Longwood School District, its proximity to the Carmans River is far from ideal, and it creates new housing deemed affordable at a time when truly affordable foreclosed homes are becoming blights in our neighborhoods. And that's only to name a few of the many complaints opponents have with Mr. Levy's dream project.

But it seems the residents are not alone in their disapproval. Also noteworthy is the fact that no other elected officials stood at Mr. Levy's side when he made his announcement Tuesday.

And why would they when it seems as though the only fan of the plan is Mr. Levy himself?

Heartland Comment Period Extended

Get your comments in now on the DGEIS for the Heartland Town Square proposal for the Pilgrim State property, as the public comment period will now end on August 27th. Heartland Town Square is proposed to be "a unique mixed-use development of approximately 9,130 residential units, 105,000 square feet of civic space, 1,030,000 square feet of retail space and 4,150,000 square feet of office space to be built over a 15-year period." The site is in Brentwood where the Long Island Expressway meets the Sagtikos State Parkway.

A public hearing for the project was held in May.

Comments can be mailed to Islip Town Hall at 655 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751. 

Read the DGEIS here and Vision's testimony here.

Lighthouse Comment Period Ends August 17th

After this week's hearing, there is still time to submit comments on the Lighthouse proposal.

The Town has offered several ways for the public to comment on the project. You can comment via email at lighthousecomment@tohmail.org or in a letter to Lighthouse Project Public Comment, One Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550. For more information visit www.lighthouseli.com or the official blog of the Lighthouse Development Group, The Light Post.

Vision Long Island's comments can be found here, along with Tri-State Transportation Campaign's and RPA's.

National Grid Offers Cash Rebates for Energy Efficiency in Homes

National Grid's energy efficiency initiative is offering cash rebates for customers who are interested in replacing their old natural gas heating system or converting from oil to gas with new high efficiency heating equipment. The rebate is available to those living in Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Natural gas can help you save money, improve comfort, and ensure a cleaner environment.

Cash rebates, effective as of 6/1/09, include:

Furnace AFUE ≥ 90% or greater $200
Furnace AFUE ≥ 92% or greater w/ ECM $400
Furnace AFUE ≥ 94% or greater w/ ECM $600
Steam Boiler AFUE ≥ 82% or greater $500
Water Boiler AFUE ≥ 85% or greater $500
Water Boiler AFUE ≥ 90% or greater $1,000
Indirect Water Heater $300
Programmable Thermostats* $25
Boiler Reset Control $100
*Installed by a contractor at the time of furnace or boiler replacement.

(AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
ECM – Electronically Commutated Motor
EF – Efficiency Factor)

To learn more about other residential and commercial programs, visit this website. An application form with more information on process and eligibility is available here.

Upcoming Events for GreenStreetLI

GreenStreetLI has great and green ways to enjoy the rest of your summer. Some highlights of upcoming events include:

- 8/14/09: Annual Alive After 5 Festival (Patchogue) - Original Art, Crafts, Jewelry & quality merchandise
- 8/15/09: Polish Town Street Fair and Polka Festival (Riverhead) - Polish food, arts and crafts, polka bands, dancing and plenty of vendors.
- 8/22-8/23/09: Long Beach Historical Society Arts and Crafts Festival (Long Beach) - Music, arts and crafts, food, vendors and more.
- 8/29/09: Annual Seafood Festival and Craft Fair at the Maritime Museum (Sayville) -Tons of exhibitors of fine arts and crafts, pirate show and a treasure hunt. Tons of seafood available.
- 8/29-8/30/09: Riverhead Railroad Festival (Riverhead): Informative exhibits and displays of the history of the railroads on Long Island. Provides musical entertainment, food and this event does allow vendors.
- 8/29-8/30/09: Annual Seafood and Crafts Fair (West Sayville)

Revitalizing NY Summit on October 7

Empire State Future, a group that works to realize the principles of Smart Growth throughout New York State, is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Revitalizing NY Summit, taking place on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 from 9am-5pm in Schenectady, NY. This summit is sponsored jointly by Empire State Future and the New York State Department of State, and emphasizes building a new economy and revitalizing New York State through sustainable economic and community development. This Summit is designed for all participants to both learn about and contribute innovations and ideas for actualizing sustainable development in New York State, and to strengthen the connections among those working on this common quest. It is designed for government officials, practitioners of economic and community development, planners, and New Yorkers interested in building a stronger and more sustainable Empire State.

The event will take place at Proctors Theatre, 432 State Street--a very short walk from the Schenectady Amtrak station. Train discounts are available for those who take the Amtrak to Schenectady. Also, special group rates at particular hotels and early bird registration fees are available.

Register now for $40. After September 10th, the fee will go up to $60. Visit Empire State Future's website to view the summit description and registration form. If you have any questions, contact Katie@rpa.org or (917) 546-4312.

Celebration of Suburban Diversity: October 22

Save the date! On October 22nd, the Celebration of Suburban Diversity 2009 Committee and the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University present the Celebration of Suburban Diversity, an inspiring evening in conjunction with Hofstra's major international conference: The Diverse Suburb: History, Politics, and Prospect."

The event will take place from 6-10pm at the Sandra and David S. Mack Student Center, North Campus at Hofstra.

Bob Saget in Westbury on Saturday night

Bob Saget is hoping for a "full house" this Saturday night at the Capital One Bank Theatre at Westbury. The former (and current) sitcom dad from "Full House" and the new "Surviving Suburbia" is taking his (surprisingly obscene) stand-up comedy routine on the road, and Long Island's stop is a must-see. Newsday inexplicably says, "Bob Saget is like a comedy ninja. You never know where he's going to strike or with what kind of material."

The theater is located at 960 Brush Hollow Road; showtime is 8pm. Tickets are $49.50. For tickets or more infomation, visit livenation.com or call (516) 334-0800.

Bicycle Rodeo in Brookhaven

This Saturday from 10am until 2pm, the Town of Brookhaven will host a bicycle rodeo, together with The Brookhaven Traffic Safety Division and the Suffolk County Police Department 6th Precinct Bicycle Team. The goal of a bicycle rodeo is to provide riders of all ages a chance to exhibit, practice, and improve their bicycle skills in an enjoyable, noncompetitive environment. The rodeo is a great opportunity for bicyclists to receive instruction on how to handle themselves safely on a bike and be evaluated by the instructors. A free children’s helmet and a fitting is also offered to those who bring their bikes.

The rodeo can be found at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville. Go check it out!

Guide to Recreational Bike Routes

Bicycles are a great alternative to cars, especially in the warm summer months when you want to be outside! Though Vision encourages planning communities for bike use, our preexisting suburban fabric can make it difficult to run errands or go to work on two wheels. This week, we're bringing you a list of bike trails throughout Long Island, which will help you with the recreational side of biking.

This list primarily comes from WBAB's Guide to Long Island Bike Trails, as well as trails.com.

Bike trails in Nassau

Bethpage Multiuse Path. This paved route runs the length of Bethpage Parkway, starting at Bethpage State Park, cuts through Massapequa Preserve to Merrick Road. Good for beginners. Pick up the marked route anywhere off the parkway or at the picnic area parking lot. 
Total Mileage: 9.5

Bethpage Mountain Bike Trail. This off- road, marked loop trail, through pine forest, has a variety of terrain for the mountain biker and two challenging hills. Park at the picnic area lot in Bethpage State Park and look for white triangles on trees for starting point south of gatehouse. 
Total Mileage: 4

Eisenhower Park. The southwest section of the park includes a complex web of pedestrian and bike paths. These well-paved and well-maintained paths provide an interesting half day or so of bicycling. The paths explore every corner of the park.
Total Mileage: 5

Jones Beach. (Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway). From Cedar Creek Park, south of Merrick Road east of the Wantagh Parkway, a multipurpose path parallels the parkway to Jones Beach State Park, near the amphitheater. 
Total Mileage: 4.5

Long Beach/Five Towns. This ride encircles the inlet-strewn bays between the Five Towns area bordering New York City, Atlantic Beach, and Island Park, Oceanside, and East Rockway in southern Nassau County. There is great variation in lifestyles to observe among these communities and several interesting stops along the way.
Total Mileage: 20

Valley Stream State Park. Valley Stream Park is one of the oldest of Long Island's state parks. It is smaller than most of the parks of the system but contains 2 miles or so of paths through heavily treed terrain. As a bonus, it ties directly into Hendrickson Park to the south, which extends the path for 2 additional miles around Valley Stream Pond.
Total Mileage: 4

Westbury-Bayville Loop. A hilly, unmarked street route. Take Post Avenue, Westbury village, north to Wheatley Road, cross Route 25A to Wolver Hollow Road then east on Chicken Valley Road to Planting Fields Arboretum. Proceed to Oak Neck Beach in Bayville via Shore Road. Return via Bayville Avenue, Piping Rock, Wheatley and Post roads. 
Total Mileage: 30


Bike trails in Suffolk

Cathedral Pines County Park. This mostly flat, wooded, single-track, off-road route has several optional hill climbs. Trail accommodates all levels, although the hill climbs are designated for more experienced riders. A Suffolk County Green Key card is required and there is a parking fee on weekends during the summer. 
Total Mileage: 6, 7.5 with optional hill climbs

Cold Spring Harbor-Sagamore Hill. A hilly, unmarked street route begins in Cold Spring Harbor. Follow Route 25A into Oyster Bay, where Oyster Bay Cove Road north goes to the Theodore Roosevelt grave and up Cove Neck Road to his home, Sagamore Hill. Retrace the route. 
Total Mileage: 36

Eastport Trail. At routes 51 and 111 in Eastport. A flat, single-track, off-road trail loops through wooded areas. Required: Helmets, eye protection and a free permit, good for three years (from State Department of Environmental Conservation, 631-444-0273). 
Total Mileage: 8.5

Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve. For an easy morning or afternoon ride, set your wheels down on this relatively unknown 3,000-acre preserve. It offers a 4-mile loop-and-other mixture of wide, hard-packed, old abandoned dirt roads and some singletracks. 
Total Mileage: 4

Heckscher Park-Central Islip. This flat bikeway starts in Heckscher State Park, where a 5-mile route goes north along Connetquot River into Central Islip and meets Central Suffolk bike path. 
Total Mileage: 10

Huntington-Lloyd Neck. Hilly and scenic, this street route goes from Cold Spring Harbor north on Woodbury Road to Huntington village. Follow West Neck Road through Lloyd Harbor to Caumsett State Historic Park and Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge. At Caumsett, a 2-mile, off-road route (helmet required) leads to a pond and the Sound. 
Total Mileage: 16

Kings Park Hike And Bike Trail. This hilly trail connects downtown Kings Park with Nissequogue River State Park. It follows the old railroad spur from Old Dock Road, just east of Church Street to St. Johnland Road. The trail runs through the grounds of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center and into the state park. This path is good for beginners and families looking for a short, scenic ride or hike. 
Total Mileage: 1.4

Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Mountain Bike Trail. A portion of this unpaved, off-road national recreation trail is marked for mountain bikes (helmets required). From Bethpage State Park picnic area north to Stillwell Woods in Syosset; challenging hills. 
Total Mileage: 8 with an optional 4-mile loop at Stillwell Woods with some difficult terrain

Nissequogue-Stony Brook-Old Field. A hilly route through historic Stony Brook, begins near the mouth of the Nissequogue River in Smithtown and goes via Moriches Road to Head of the Harbor, where Harbor Road leads into Stony Brook. Route then moves north through .Setauket and the Old Field estate area to the lighthouse. Return runs south via Pond Path to Nissequogue River Road, back to Smithtown. 
Total Mileage: 28

North Fork. This is a round-trip on flat terrain through wine country. From Mattituck, take Route 48 east past Southold Beach, where road joins Route 25 at Greenport. Continue along marked bikeway to Orient Beach State Park. Return via bikeway to Greenport, then follow truck Route 25 to Route 25 west. 
Total Mileage: 40

Rocky Point Mountain Bike Trail. This marked trail runs through the Natural Resources Management Area in the pine barrens. Bikers pass typical barrens vegetation. Required: helmets, eye protection and a free permit, good for three years (from DEC, 631-444-0273). 
Total Mileage: 13

Shelter Island. A ferry ride away from the North or South forks. This is a moderately easy north-south street route following Route 114 across the island to the south ferry dock. In North Haven, a marked on-street route along Route 114 leads to East Hampton. 
Total Mileage: 25

South Fork. A sampling of all that the East End offers. From Riverhead, go east on Route 24 through Hubbard County Park, with salt.water marshes and freshwater ponds. Pedal along Montauk Highway, crossing Shinnecock Canal into Southampton. Follow Route 38 along Peconic Bay into Sag Harbor. Swing southeast via Route 114 into East Hampton, then skirt ocean through Hither Hills Park to Montauk Lighthouse. Mostly flat; some hills. 
Total Mileage: 60

Central Suffolk Bikeway. This marked street route begins at Bethpage State Park and runs along Quaker Meeting House Road, Beth.page Road and Main Street to the Farmingdale LIRR station. It then follows the railroad line into Riverhead. LIRR bike boarding passes are available for a $5 one-time fee. 
Total Mileage: 80

Summer Concert Special: Get outside this summer!

Check out this list of some other exciting local outdoor summer concerts, bring your friends and family, and have fun:

Copiague:
- Tanner Park, Kerrigan Road (all free)
August 14; 7:30 - Little Anthony & The Imperials, Los Lobos, Bo Bice, Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx, Gary U.S. Bonds

Huntington:
- Heckscher Park, Main Street and Prime Ave:
Everyday except Mondays - Summer Arts Festival

Northport:
- Village Park at the Harbor, Main Street (all free)
August 14, 21, 28, September 4; 7:00 - Happenings on Main Street
August 13, 20, 27; 8:00 - Summerfest Concerts

Riverhead:
- East End Arts & Humanities Council Lawn, 133 East Main Street:
August 14, 21; 7:00 - Riverhead Summer Concert Series (free)

Rocky Point:
- St. Anthony's of Padua Church parking lot, 614 Rt. 25A (all free):
August 25; 8:00 - The Driftwoods (Beach Boys tribute band); Risky Business; Big Shot (Billy Joel tribute)  

Smithtown:
- Hoyt Farm, New Highway in Commack (free):
August 16, 23; 7pm - Family Concert Series

West Hempstead:
Sunday, August 23, 2009 starting at 6:30 PM free Music in the Park
concert featuring the North Shore Pops Concert Band at Hall's Pond Park West Hempstead. Call 733-0879 for further info. In case of rain, concert will be held in the West Hempstead High School Auditorium, 400 Nassau Blvd.

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:

SUFFOLK

HUNTINGTON, Elm Street parking lot, Main Street (Route 25A). Open Sun., 7 a.m. to noon; through late November.

HUNTINGTON STATION, corner of New York Ave. and Church St., across from Yankee Peddler. 7am to noon.

NORTHPORT, Cow Harbor parking lot at the end of Main Street. Open Sat., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; through Nov. 21 (except Sept. 26). Contact: Flemming Hansen, 631-754-3256.

EAST HAMPTON, Nick & Toni's parking lot, 136 N. Main St. Open Fri., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through September. Contact Kate Plumb, 631-725-9133.

PATCHOGUE, 7-Eleven store parking lot, Montauk Highway west of Route 112. Open Fri., 7 a.m. to noon; through late November.

ISLIP, Town Hall parking lot on Montauk Highway, Route 27A. Open Sat., 7 a.m. to noon; through late November.

RIVERHEAD, downtown next to Atlantis Marine World Aquarium, Downtown. Open Thur., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; through late November.

MOUNT SINAI, North Shore Heritage Park, 633 Mt. Sinai-Coroan Rd. Open Fridays, 2 pm to 6 pm. 

PORT JEFFERSON, parking lot next to ferry, Route 25A. Open Thur., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; through Oct. 22.

NASSAU

PORT WASHINGTON, Town Dock, Main Street. Open Sat., 8 a.m. to noon; through Oct. 31. Contact: Grassroots Environmental Education, 516-883-0887.

LOCUST VALLEY, Forest Avenue, across from post office. Open Sat., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; through late November.

GLEN COVE, Village Square. Open Sun., 7 a.m. to noon; through Nov. 22.

EAST MEADOW, Nassau University Medical Center, 2201 Hempstead Tpke. Open Fri., 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; through Thanksgiving.

ROSLYN-NORTH HILLS, Christopher Morley Park, Searingtown Rd. Open Wed., 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through late November

"It's so easy for someone to think of home affordability as rent or mortgage, but they don't take into consideration the amount of money it takes to drive back and forth." -- Center for Neighborhood Technology Research Director Linda Young

SMART GROWTH NEWS

Newsletter Editor: Michelle Dutchen, Director of Communications
Contributors: Eric Alexander, Executive Director; Tara Klein, Planning Coordinator;
Tawaun Weber, Director of Special Projects; Elissa Ward, Director of Sustainability; Juliana Roberts Dubovsky, Planning Consultant

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:
24 Woodbine Ave. Suite One Northport, NY 11768. Phone: (631) 261-0242. Fax: (631) 754-4452.
Email: info@visionlongisland.org