Vision Long Island Announces 2009 Smart Growth Summit

Friday, November 20th
Melville Marriott
8am-3pm

Vision Long Island is pleased to announce the 2009 Smart Growth Summit, to be held on Friday, November 20th from 8:00-3:00 at the Melville Marriott.

Each year, the Summit brings together a broad range of action-oriented decision-making Long Island leaders from community, civic, and governmental sectors. The Summit includes a morning plenary session, a luncheon, and over a dozen workshops throughout the day. We invite you to participate in the Summit by attending, sponsoring, and submitting your early ideas on themes
as we plan the workshop sessions.

If you are interested in participating at any level or if you have any questions, feel free to contact our office at any time at 631-261-0242 or by visiting our website at visionlongisland.org.

A registration form is available online here.

We look forward to seeing you on November 20th!

Register Today!

[ ] Visionary - $15,000 [ ] Leader - $10,000 [ ] Gold Sponsor - $5,000

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AvalonBay Communities

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. is in the business of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing high-quality apartment communities in the high barrier-to-entry markets of the United States. They contiunally push for higher density projects in areas that can sustain them, such as existing downtowns across Long Island.

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.

NY Times Hails Megaprojects

The megaproject: an extremely large-scale investment project. Megaprojects typically cost more than $1 billion and attract public attention because of substantial impacts on communities, environment, and budgets.

Last Friday, the New York Times Real Estate section focused an article on Long Island's most significant megaprojects, titled, "Momentum for Mega-Projects." Marcelle Fischler writes, that there are "a handful of mega-projects on drawing boards across the Island that some see as potentially reinventing suburbia and helping to jump-start the region’s economic engine — and that others see as potentially detrimental to the environment." The article focuses on the Lighthouse project and the recent public hearing and rally that drew about 1,000 people. It also mentions the Yaphank County Center and Heartland Town Square.

The article mentions Vision, quoting Eric Alexander, saying Long Island “is under-centered” and recommended “two to four large-scale new towns and five to seven medium-scale neighborhood centers could and should be a part of our planning future.”

Despite the environmental concerns, community input into these projects is what moves them along and what will inevitably get them approved. Read the full article here.

Sustainability Institute Finds: Local Stores Fail to Provide Long Islanders with Non-Toxic Options For Repelling Mosquitoes

A report was released this week by the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College on those pesky little insects: mosquitoes. The report focuses on the toxicity of mosquito repellents, and found some disturbing results. Many repellents on the shelves in a typical retail store contain the powerful chemical DEET, for which there have been many reports of adverse reactions, particularly among children. Non-toxic alternative products which contain the natural ingredient Lemon Eucalyptus are recommended by the federal Center for Disease Control (CDC), and are very hard to find. Several products contain this ingredient, such as Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus, and Kiss My Face “Swy Flotter.”

“We are in the midst of an intensive mosquito season, and the West Nile virus was recently confirmed in a Long Island mosquito,” said Neal Lewis, Executive Director of the Sustainability Institute, at a press conference held this Wednesday. “Unfortunately, our survey finds that the option of natural and effective alternatives to chemical repellents are very hard to find in Long Island stores. We are calling upon Long Island stores to do a better job of making the family-safe alternatives recommended by the CDC more widely available on their store shelves."

For the purpose of providing the public with information on safer ways to protect families from mosquitoes without exposing themselves to chemicals, the Sustainability Institute conducted a survey of 57 stores on Long Island that were either listed on the manufacturer’s website as selling one of the Lemon Eucalyptus products, or for other reasons were considered likely to carry one of the products. Of the 57 stores surveyed, only a meager 19 stores sell the Lemon Eucalyptus products. This finding is particularly bad in light of the fact that additionally, dozens of other stores sell DEET products but do not provide their customers with option of the non-toxic alternatives.

"There are numerous people being exposed to DEET unnecessarily because they aren't aware that these other effective, natural products are available," said the Sustainability Institute's Beth Fiteni, who coordinated the store survey. "Local stores should do a much better job of providing Long Islanders with the option of safer non-toxic ways to be protected from mosquitoes."

The report also covers alternative treatments to repel mosquitoes from your yard, including garlic products.

A copy of the report is available here.

Romaine Calls for "An MTA For All"

Last week, Long Island Business News ran an op-ed piece by Suffolk County Legislator Ed Romaine called "An MTA For All." Romaine Argues that the new MTA Capital Plan should consider the service inequities of Long Island, particularly on the East End, in comparison to New York City. Not only do Suffolk residents pay $347 per person for services and receive only a handful of LIRR trains a day, but traveling intra-island is nearly impossible by transit. A draft MTA Capital Plan was recently released.

Here is the article:

The MTA is in the process of creating a new capital plan for 2010-2014. The plan is intended “to meet the needs of the mass transit system in the MTA region.” I support the MTA on this endeavor. Addressing the needs of the entire region would be a significant departure from the current city-centric system. As a legislator representing the East End, my district is effectively void of MTA services while contributing $347 per person to fund its operation. Additional transportation options would be a welcomed sight.

The MTA provides just two LIRR trains a day east of Ronkonkoma on the main line. The new MTA Capital Plan should improve LIRR service by electrifying the main line to Riverhead and providing additional service to Greenport. East End residents should have the same luxury of train transportation as our up-island neighbors.

The LIRR was designed with one objective in mind: transporting passengers to and from New York City. Unfortunately, the reality of today’s economy is such that most Long Islanders no longer travel to the city for employment. With that in mind, the MTA must address the north/south transportation needs of Long Island as well. It is virtually impossible to travel from Patchogue to Port Jefferson utilizing the MTA system. Substantial north/south alternatives must be considered in any future capital plans.

Since the adoption of the MTA payroll tax, I have called for an MTA takeover of Suffolk Transit. Nassau County contributes just 11 percent to Long Island Bus’s $90 million budget. In Suffolk, the county funds nearly half the budget of Suffolk Transit. This inequity is glaring. Suffolk’s deficient bus service is not even in the same league as Long Island Bus. However, because of funding restraints, we cannot provide the top-notch service our residents deserve. The MTA should take over the operation of Suffolk Transit and expand service to meet the needs of our communities.

Shelter Island receives no services from the MTA. The only pseudo-public methods of transportation are two privately owned ferry companies, which are the only means of accessing the island. Essentially part of State Route 114, ferry service is vital to the East End transportation network. The MTA should provide subsidies to the two ferry companies that serve as a bridge to the mainland. Shelter Islanders warrant some benefit from the $900,000 they contribute annually to the MTA.

If the MTA Capital Plan intends to achieve its goal of meeting the needs of MTA region, the MTA board cannot forget the East End of Suffolk County. A fair and equitable MTA system must provide real and substantial service to the entire region, not just those areas located in the shadow of Manhattan.

Reburbia Contest Winners Announced

The winners of the Reburbia design competition have been announced. Dwell Magazine and Inhabitat.com collaborated to host the first large scale design competition dedicated to re-envisioning the suburbs. From over 400 entries from over a dozen countries, twenty finalists were chosen, and from there judges selected a first, second, and third place winner. There was also a Reader's Choice Award.

The winner of the Reader's Choice Award, with 2,348 online votes, is the "Urban Sprawl Repair Kit: Repairing the Urban Fabric." Designed by Galina Tahchieva, the design identifies five building prototypes characteristic of suburbia, and proposes corresponding formulas for recreating them to promote environmental responsibility and community building. It uses infill development strategies "to contribute to a more diverse, cohesive urban fabric within a walkable and identifiable public realm." Strategies include renewable technologies and energy-efficient practices.

The description says, "A drive-through restaurant pad becomes part of a main street, but largely concealed from it, with perimeter liner buildings added along the edges of its parking lot. A strip center is converted into a recycling center with a green roof and 2 side-wings with solar panels framing a courtyard that reaches to the sidewalk. A gas station remains in place while growing a two-story corner store-office extension at a busy intersection to help screen it. A suburban ranch house is permitted to utilize its deep front yard to add a wing with additional bedrooms, a home office, or a rental outbuilding that creates a courtyard with the existing home and defines a livelier street frontage at the sidewalk. Even the ubiquitous McMansion can be converted into senior housing when a five-bedroom/ three-car garage home yields a 10 room-9 bathroom facility for seniors and a caretaker."

The first place winner was "Frog’s Dream: McMansions Turned into Biofilter Water Treatment Plants," second place was "Entrepreneurbia: Rezoning Suburbia for Self-Sustaining Life," and third place went to "Big Box Agriculture: A Productive Suburb."

To view more details on all the winners, visit re-burbia.com.

The New American Dream: Renting

Home ownership has for decades been synonymous with the American Dream. Every generation, from presidents to pop culture, has reinforced this cultural norm. However, it seems as though the recession is affecting that dream, and perhaps even changing it. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, "It's time to accept that home ownership is not a realistic goal for many people and to curtail the enormous government programs fueling this ambition."

According to a Pew survey from February 2009, 9 out of 10 homeowners viewed their home as a "comfort" in their lives. The other 10% are riddled with anxiety over the risk of foreclosure. Over one million homes were lost to foreclosure in 2008. Last month was a record: one in every 355 houses in the country received default or auction notices or were seized by creditors. Housing values have fallen by over one third since the second quarter of 2006. Some experts predict that housing prices will remain level for the next five years.

According to the WSJ article: "Many economists...are beginning to make the case that public policies should encourage renting, or at least put it on a level playing field with home ownership. A June 2009 survey commissioned by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, found a deep-seated pessimism about home ownership, suggesting that even if renting doesn't yet have cachet, it's the only choice left for those who have been burned by the housing market. One third of respondents don't believe that they will ever be able to own a home. And 42% of those who once purchased a home, but don't own one now, believe that they'll never own one again."

In some countries, renting is more common than ownership, and in others homes are seen as more of a long-term, extended family investment. In the US, data started being gathered in the 1900 census: Until 1940, less than half of Americans owned a home. Since then, these rates have risen steadily. Today the rate is above 66%, and for whites it is over 75%. Time will tell how the market changes due to the recession, and whether the American Dream of home ownership will shift further toward rentals.

Read the article for more, including info on the historical trends of home ownership.

H2M Boosts Schools With Energy Efficiency Projects

H2M, a 75-year old group of planners, engineers, architects, scientists, and surveyors, is in the process of completing several energy efficiency projects that will help Long Island School Districts.

First, H2M partnered with Johnson Controls, Inc. to implement the largest school district solar panel installation project to date on Long Island for the Smithtown School District. The Smithtown School District Energy Efficiency Project will result in $6.3 million in energy savings over the next 18 years. H2M's plan will integrate sustainable options in buildings and help the school district become more efficient. Some improvements that have been implemented thus far include: installation of high efficiency motors, improvement in building envelope and weatherization, installation of high efficiency boilers, installation of 110kW of photovoltaic solar panels, and automated controls for computers, lights, vending machines, and boilers. The solar panels will produce an estimated annual energy production of 1,650,000 kWhr, and will receive a LIPA rebate.

"H2M is proud to be a part of these projects helping to implement the Smithtown School District's vision," said Robert M. Scheiner, Senior Vice President at H2M. "This project demonstrates to the greater Long Island Community that the technology and science exists today to cut energy costs which will contribute to Long Island's energy independence. Hopefully this will inspire other school districts and municipalities to implement similar programs."

H2M is currently assisting the Mount Sinai School District with a new Energy Efficient plan which includes power generating wind turbines mounted on a gymnasium wall. Construction is slated to be completed by the fall.

Roadway Design: High Priorities Abroad

Sweden is known for being very progressive on social policies. From health care to prison systems, the Swedes seem pretty well-off. Now, a recent article in the Boston Globe has highlighed that roadway design in Sweden is measurably better than here in the States. Common sense there says to narrow lane widths at intersections to slow down traffic, where it should average 18.6 miles per hour. Traffic lights actually increase death rates, they say, because people tend to speed up when they see a yellow light. Use a traffic circle or stop sign instead. Painted lines must be bright enough to see in bad light.

The Globe article begins with a typical reaction when Swedes see American roads: “This is where you live? This is your neighborhood? Your streets are designed to kill people.’’ According to the article, Sweden removed red lights from many of their intersections and replaced them with traffic circles or rotaries. The result was that death rates at these intersections fell by 80 to 90 percent.

A new philosophy called Vision Zero has been adopted in Sweden, which argues that all traffic related deaths are predictable and preventable by roadway design. One way this is done is to put small, inexpensive barriers down the center of two-lane roads. Putting these barriers between traffic going in opposite directions effectively prevented head-on collisions, and the death rate on these roads fell by 70-80 percent.

In another country--Ghana--rumble strips (small bumps spaced closely together) were built on all the roads leading into the capital city of Accra. Fatalities were reduced by 35 percent.

When tragic accidents happen in the US, blame is almost always placed on the driver or the pedestrian. Rarely is the blame on road design.

The article concludes: "Most people think we are doing all that can be done to keep our roads safe. They are wrong. Road traffic injuries kill more than a million people a year worldwide, including 40,000 a year in the United States. We will continue to have drivers who are too young or too old, too distracted, or too bold, but we can change our roads so they help protect both drivers and pedestrians. Reaching Vision Zero may take us a while but how in the world could we ever justify not starting now?"

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.

LIPA Announces "Cash for Clunkers"--for Refrigerators!

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) announced plans this week for a new Refrigerator Replacement, Removal, and Recycling program (LIPA's 4Rs Program) aimed at promoting the elimination of old, inefficient, energy guzzling refrigerators for residential customers.

In most households, the refrigerator is the single highest energy-consuming kitchen appliance. New ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators are 40% more efficient than models sold in 2001. In fact, savings in energy costs may be as much as $100 per year if you replace a model that is currently in use for 13 years or more. That's about $1,500 in savings over the expected life of a new ENERGY STAR refrigerator.

LIPA's version of the popular "cash for clunkers" automobile program reaffirms the utility's commitment to helping customers reduce their electric usage and making Long Island more energy-efficient. Currently, LIPA residential customers can take advantage of a $75 rebate when purchasing a select standard-size ENERGY STAR refrigerator larger than 7.5 cubic feet through September. The rebate program will restart with the launch of LIPA's 4R Program, which will not only continue to provide this incentive, saving the customer money on the cost and operation of the refrigerator, but now will also award LIPA customers with an additional rebate worth approximately $30 to help them remove and properly dispose of and recycle the old appliance in an environmentally responsible manner. It is LIPA's hope that most of the old inefficient refrigerators will be recycled through LIPA's program rather than being placed in the garage or basement of LIPA customer homes, which is the predominant practice.

"Whether it be old cars or old inefficient refrigerators, getting them off the road and out of the house is good for the environment. This is a great example of energy efficiency and recycling working together to reduce costs, save the environment, and help the public. Out with the old, in with the new. LIPA's Cash for Clunkers ensures old refrigerators are properly recycled; not plugged-in the basement or garage waiting for the holiday tray of ziti," stated Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

The 4R program, which will begin later this year as LIPA procures a vendor to dispose of the old refrigerators, is part of LIPA's Efficiency Long Island (ELI) initiative. Efficiency Long Island is a 10-year, $924 million energy efficiency program launched this year, which offers a wide array of incentives, rebates and initiatives to LIPA's residential and commercial customers to assist them in reducing their energy usage and thereby lowering their bills.

Learn more about LIPA's energy efficiency programs on their website.

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:

- 8/22-8/23/09: 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)

Come join Long Island's first Permaculture Design Course! Classes Start This October

Permaculture is a comprehensive design science that is reflective of natural patterns and promotes mutually beneficial sustainable relationships. The study of Permaculture focuses on the most efficient and effective harmonious interrelationship of architecture, people, animals, plants, and the environment. Permaculture principles can be applied to any environment, on any scale: from dense urban settlements to individual homes, from farms to entire geographical regions. This course can transform the way you relate to the world around you and the way you percieve problems and find sustainable solutions to apply in the workplace as well as in your daily life.

This course is for anyone interested in gaining practical skills and perspective for sustainable living and productivity. During this course, you will gain an understanding of Permaculture theory, building your knowledge of all the necessary aspects to become fully conversant with Permaculture design. By the end of the course, your perception of the world around you will have changed and you will be able to confidently create your first Permaculture design plan. You will also receive a Permaculture Design Certification which will allow you to teach and design Permaculture to and for others.

The course will run from 9am to 5pm two Saturdays a month from October through March, and will be located at the Manor Farm in Huntington, NY. For more information on the course details and pricing, please contact Lee Goldman, CEO and Founder of Sustainable Solutions, at (516) 455-5000 or email sustainablegreen@gmail.com. You can also contact Starflower Experience at (516) 938-6152 or email Starflexp@aol.com.

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.

Vision Long Island Seeking Fall Interns

Vision Long Island is seeking unpaid interns for Fall 2009. We had such success with our Summer interns that we've decided to continue our internship program into the school year. If you are interested in suburban/urban planning, community development, local government, or sustainability, consider working for us part time during your next semester.

Our staff likes to say we "wear many hats," and interns will have to do the same. Interns will assist with planning, design, outreach, event planning, writing, research, attending meetings, reporting, photography, and more. Bring your unique skill set to the table! We are looking for energetic and conscientious individuals with an interest in planning from a bottom-up perspective. This is a valuable opportunity to work with great people in a small office environment and learn about the issues impacting Long Island.

Note that hours, start date, and end date are all flexible. Although this is an unpaid position, we will gladly work with you to provide college credit. We will also work with you to make sure you have a great experience that is tailored to your specific interests and skill set.

Individuals and universities interested in learning more are encouraged to contact us at info@visionlongisland.org. You are welcome to include a resume and/or letter. Please put "Fall 2009 Internships" in the subject heading.

Profile on 2009 Summer Interns:

Alexandria Rengifo came to us straight out of her Sophomore year at Harvard, interested in volunteering in an urban planning organization. Her interests and talents included economics, research, and teaching tennis. She helped plan and came with us to Long Island Lobby Day in June, attended and helped provide testimony for several public hearings for projects such as the Lighthouse, Heartland Town Square, and Glen Isle, and helped develop and manage a downtown profiles project. She took great initiative in her various research tasks, and assisted in our newsletter writing. She is finishing her summer in a two week long architecture program in England.

Charmaine Tangonan started a little later in the summer, coming out of her Sophomore year at Stanford. She found us through idealist.org and arranged summer housing on Long Island to continue working for us and became our shining example of living and working on Long Island without so much as a driver's license. She helped develop and manage our downtown profiles project, worked quickly and efficiently to write our newsletter articles, did background research for various reports, and attended several meetings as a Vision representative. She's going back to Stanford this year ready to declare a major in Urban Studies.

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:

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 21, 28, September 4; 7:00 - Happenings on Main Street
August 27; 8:00 - Summerfest Concerts

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 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

We will ever strive for the ideals and sacred things of the city, both alone and with many. We will unceasingly seek to quicken the sense of public duty. We will transmit this city not only not less, but greater, better, and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.” - Athenian Oath

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