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

[ ] Sponsor - $2,000 [ ] Seat(s) at $125 each

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Dowling College

Dowling College is an independent comprehensive educational institution in the liberal arts tradition whose mission is to provide students with a well-rounded education based upon innovative teaching, informed and engaging research, and a commitment to democratic citizenship with a community service component. We foster an open and supportive learning environment that is based upon collaboration between a committed and supportive expert faculty and a student body diverse in its interests, beliefs, culture, ethnicity, and geographic origin. We recognize learning as a lifetime endeavor, particularly as it relates to globalization. The college upholds its educational mission through teaching, learning and research in the arts, sciences and professions such as education, business and aviation, and by providing members of the community and Dowling alumni with opportunities for continuing education.

Founded in 1955 as part of Adelphi College's outreach to Suffolk County, the College purchased the former W.K. Vanderbilt estate in Oakdale in 1962. In 1968 the College severed its ties with Adelphi and was renamed after its chief benefactor, Robert Dowling, a noted city planner and aviator.

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.

Paterson Announces $2 Million in Stimulus Funding for Shared-Use Path

This week, Governor David Paterson announced the securitzation of $2 million in funding under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for a transportation project to construct a shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians in Nassau County. The seven-mile path in Mitchell Park will provide a non-motorized transportation facility that connects multiple recreational areas in the heart of Nassau County, including Eisenhower Park, the Nassau Coliseum, Nassau Community College, and Hofstra University. The project is expected to start this year and be completed next summer.

Governor Paterson said, “With the certification of these two projects, we have now allocated $137 million for transportation improvements on Long Island, nearly all of the economic-recovery funding reserved for the area. Furthermore, we have now certified 90 percent of the $1.1 billion in economic-recovery funds available for highway and bridge projects statewide. Thanks to President Obama and the New York State congressional delegation, these infrastructure investments will continue to create or save important construction jobs here on Long Island and in communities all over New York.”

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said, “The economic-recovery program has been a critical supplement to our traditional transportation funding sources, allowing us to pave and reconstruct more miles of roadway and repair more bridges than we otherwise could have. Governor Paterson has moved quickly to allocate recovery resources so that important transportation projects can put people to work in communities across New York State.”

LIPA Applies for Stimulus Funds for Energy Projects

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) announced that it has applied for over $17 million in additional federal stimulus funds with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for three separate renewable energy projects. Each of the three initiatives are intended to gain a better understanding on how LIPA can maximize the energy generated from solar and wind power. If approved, the DOE could fund up to 50% of the projects’ total costs.

The first two applications call for projects that will allow LIPA to study how to produce greater power from its solar arrays, achieve better integration from the arrays onto the LIPA grid through the interconnection, and more predictably forecast the amount of energy that can be generated from the sun. The two studies will further advance LIPA’s 50 megawatt (MW) solar generation project, the largest solar initiative in the state, which was announced last year. The solar generating facilities would provide enough power to sustain more than 6,500 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20,000 tons. This project will also further stimulate the solar marketplace throughout the state, fostering the creation of more clean energy jobs. The 50MW of solar energy builds on the success of LIPA’s Solar Pioneer program, which boasts more than 1,900 participants and has resulted in more than $47 million in LIPA rebates.

LIPA has filed a third application to study the future development of wind power. Its main focus will be on maximizing energy from wind turbines, focusing on their infrastructure (i.e. wind blades and gear boxes).

The actual project descriptions follow:

Modeling and Validation of a 37 MW PV Array- Requested $4,500,000 to pursue a joint venture between LIPA, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and British Petroleum Solar (BP Solar) with the overall objective of making use of the 37 MW photovoltaic (PV) array to be constructed at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) to further develop the understanding of the effects of various levels of penetration of solar electricity on the reliability and stability of electric power distribution systems.

Advanced Modeling and Verification for High Penetration PV- Requested $1,019,000 for this proposal that seeks to enhance PV performance and grid modeling to fully integrate with existing software used for distribution circuit design and analysis. This technology will allow utilities to better understand the full behavior and technical impacts of high-penetration PV and lead to new distribution design tools that will allow utilities to better plan and manage their distribution systems under high penetration PV scenarios. LIPA will be working directly with Clean Power Research (CPR) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to test and validate the tools and underlying analytical models.

Wind Energy Consortia between Institutions of Higher Learning & Industry- Requested $11,887,584 through a group comprised of LIPA, Stony Brook University, Alliant Techsystems (ATK), Clipper Wind Power, Consolidated Edison (Con Ed), and IBM will study wind turbine development, performance testing, and operations. The study will focus on addressing technology challenges interposed between the current commercial state-of-the-art in wind turbines and the objective of achieving 20% wind energy in the United States by 2030.

Study Shows: Density Reduces Driving; CO2

Every now and then, Vision staffers come across national studies that highlight the principles of Smart Growth. A recent example is "Driving and the Built Environment: The Effects of Compact Development on Motorized Travel, Energy Use, and CO2 Emissions," authored by the National Research Council's Transportation Research Board. The report shows that increasing population and employment densities in metropolitan areas could reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), energy use, and carbon dioxide emissions. Combining mixed-use, dense locations with public transit improvements could result in a driving reduction of up to 25%.

Here are the key findings:

- Developing more compactly, that is, at higher residential and employment densities, is likely to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
- The literature suggests that doubling residential density across a metropolitan area might lower household VMT by about 5 to 12 percent, and perhaps by as much as 25 percent, if coupled with higher employment concentrations, significant public transit improvements, mixed uses, and other supportive demand management measures.
- More compact, mixed-use development can produce reductions in energy consumption and CO2 emissions both directly and indirectly.
- Illustrative scenarios developed by the committee suggest that significant increases in more compact, mixed-use development will result in modest short-term reductions in energy consumption and CO2 emissions, but these reductions will grow over time.
- Promoting more compact, mixed-use development on a large scale will require overcoming numerous obstacles. These obstacles include the traditional reluctance of many local governments to zone for such development and the lack of either regional governments with effective powers to regulate land use in most metropolitan areas or a strong state role in land use planning.

They also made some recommendations:

- Policies that support more compact, mixed-use development and reinforce its ability to reduce VMT, energy use, and CO2 emissions should be encouraged.
- More carefully designed studies of the effects of land use patterns and the form and location of more compact, mixed-use development on VMT, energy use, and CO2 emissions should be conducted so that compact development can be implemented more effectively.

See the full report for more details.

Yaphank Development Oversight Task FOrce Proposed to Suffolk COunty Legislature

The floor of the Suffolk County Legislature took on a contentious tone on Wednesday, September 9th, when it met to discuss Resolution 1771, a proposal introduced by Kate Browning. If passed, the resolution would establish a Yaphank Development Oversight Task Force charged with investigating the economic and environmental feasibility of Legacy Village, a major development being pushed for by County Executive Steve Levy.

Suffolk County Planning Director Thomas A. Isles presented on the progress of the proposed development. Mr. Isles was questioned by various members of the Economic Development, Higher Education and Energy Committee as well as Legislators Kate Browning and Ed Romaine on the project's progress and approval process. The questions often turned to disbelief, since Legacy Vllage is in active negotiations with prospective clients, even though the land has yet to be officially declared surplus, the pivotal requirement to begin selling the land to developers.

Legislators Browning, Romaine, and Kennedy asked the most biting questions, with Mr. Kennedy demanding to know how the project had moved to the point where a letter of intent had been signed on behalf of Suffolk County, even though the future use of the land was still up in the air. Legislator Romaine also exuded disbelief, showing indignation that Mr. Levy had initiated the development while keeping the County Legislation in the dark on almost all of the details. He cited not only the letter of intent, but also the a previously undisclosed labor agreement already in place, revealed to the Legislature during the presentation. Browning also took the opportunity to express her outrage over a press release from Mr. Levy’s office stating that she had been in the loop and on board every step of the way, which she vehemently denied, stating that the last time she had been informed of any development on the site was a September 2006 meeting.

Once the Legislators had finished questioning Mr. Isles, the floor was turned over to concerned citizens and civic leaders to express their views on the proposed development. Michael White of the Long Island Builder’s Institute argued to have new developments “in the pipe” for when the recession begins to recover, urging the Legislature to vote down the plan in order to keep delays to a minimum. Some members of the Building Trades council also opposed the measure, citing returning veterans and a 35% labor unemployment as reasons, but also called for more transparency, acknowledging that the project had been moved forward in a closed door, ad-hoc sort of manner.

Local civic leaders were also present and unanimously showed support for Ms. Browning’s resolution. Their concerns ranged from the environmentally sensitive Carman River to the traffic burden placed on the hamlet by the addition of one thousand new units to the effects on the local school districts absorbing all the children while others receive the tax ratables. There was also much anger directed at the County Executive’s office regarding what more than a few people considered shady, back-room deals with limited to no input from the public.

At the end of the session, the resolution was tabled with Legislators Stern, Hornsley, Kennedy and Alden all voting in favor of tabling.

Vision's testimony for Yaphank can be found here.

Historic John Scudder House in Northport Unceremoniously Demolished to Build TD Bank

For the past six years, the Village of Northport and local residents have fought against the demolition of the historic John Scudder House, which most recently served as the Cow Harbor Inn. The building, at the corner of Fort Salonga Road (Rt. 25A) and Waterside Avenue in Northport, is slated to become a TD Bank (formerly Commerce Bank). On August 25th, the building was finally razed and a piece of Long Island history went along with it.

On September 1st, the Northport Village Board meeting heard testimony from Deputy Mayor Henry Tobin (who also provided the pictures in this article). He said, "I think the Village dropped the ball and failed itself and the outcome could have been far better than what we have."

The Village issued demolition permits for the site, but the bank is still waiting for site plan approvals and a building permit before construction can begin. However, Tobin added, "Northport did not obtain concessions from the bank on building design or site layout similar to those the bank gave to other municipalities. The design changes it did make were said to be made in consideration of Northport's character but it became apparent that those changes were already being used elsewhere, such as in Queens. Certainly there was no willingness to respect the site's history or role as a village gateway."

The building was 220 years old--built in 1790 on the foundation of a home that was built in the late 1600s. The land was likely a Native American outpost. Tobin said, "From this spot unfolds many stories, stories made from Native American life and fortune. Stories made from African-American slavery that started with the first known slave in Huntington...Stories made from contentious European colonizations, then the first settlement in Northport, the first downtown, the first general store, the first post office, a community meeting place...The greater story, one that joins all of these, began thousands of years ago and runs through today. It is a revelation about what we are and the way we have been."

Deputy Mayor Tobin was at the scene, expressing his sadness over the demolition. He observed a moving Native American religious ceremony in the midst of the bulldozers.

Moving forward, the Village rightfully plans to enact more rigorous guidelines to prevent such an instance from happening again. Some residents have called for local historic preservation legislation. More importantly, TD Bank still has time to alter its site design plans to be more in character with the neighborhood and recognize the historic nature of the site. The company could provide financial assistance for the historic preservation of other nearby properties.

Though the demolition is very saddening, the matter is not yet finished. We hope to see more cooperation from the bank moving forward.

Op-ed: More Curtains Up

Peter Kohler, Vice President of Editorial Services at Cablevision recently opined on the state of downtown theaters on the Island. These great community anchors seem to be constantly at risk of shuttering, as seen with the recent closure of Huntington's IMAC and the uncertain future of the Islip Theater. However, those that survive are wonderful venues that help downtowns thrive.

More Curtains Up

They brought the curtains down on the IMAC Theater here in Huntington, announcing the closing of this venue for the performing arts and depriving this lively downtown of one of its main attractions.

But as curtains were closing on IMAC, Town Supervisor Frank Petrone established a task force to restore live performances to downtown Huntington, demonstrating the important role the lively arts play in many Long Island communities, while also preserving cherished landmarks.

Proof of that can be found at Patchogue's Theater for the Performing Arts, an old movie house that's become the feature attraction in Patchogue's plans to refashion itself as an arts center.

Nearby, Bay Shore has succeeded in restoring an old movie theater for performances. Riverhead has similar plans for its Suffolk Theater. And in Islip recently, a group formed to save the Islip Theater.

In Westbury, efforts to restore an old movie theater for stage shows took a big leap forward, when Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi announced $1.45 million in federal grants to restore the Post Avenue landmark.

Can Long Island support all these stages? The closing of Huntington's IMAC Theater raises doubt. But the good news is thanks to appreciative audiences, more curtains are going up than going down.

Here in Northport, audiences have flocked to an old movie theater spectacularly restored as the John W. Engeman Theater, bringing equity actors and Broadway shows to Main Street.

Long Island can only applaud. On with the show.

The Vision staff knows that Mr. Kohler is patronizing these theaters, as we recently spotted him at Northport's John W. Engeman Theater for a performance of Crazy For You. He practices what he preaches by supporting community theater!

Here is the full editorial.

Former Legislator John J. Foley (1919-2009)

It is with deep sadness that we recognize the passing of Former Legislator John J. Foley. He died peacefully late Monday night at the age of 90. John was a dear friend and former colleague of so many Long Islanders, serving the people of Suffolk County as a Brookhaven Town Councilman and, from 1976 to 1993, as the longest-serving County Legislator in Suffolk County history.

His political career was long and unrivaled. As a long-time dedicated, outspoken Democrat, he fought for local healthcare access, stopped the sale and closure of the county infirmary, and served for years on the BOCES Board of Education. He championed a county nursing home, which was built in Yaphank in the 1990s and now bears the name John J. Foley Skilled Nursing Facility.

He was the highest caliber of public servant - a selfless leader who strove to help others, especially the less fortunate. With his death, we have lost a great friend and advocate.

John J. Foley is the father of New York State Senator Brian X. Foley, who did not attend Thursday's Senate session in Albany in order to grieve with his family.

Mass will be held on Saturday, September 12th at 10am at Our Lady of Snow, Blue Point Avenue in Blue Point, NY.

Lighthouse Zoning Hearing on September 22nd

The Hempstead Town Board voted this week to officially schedule a zoning hearing for the Lighthouse project. The hearing will be on Tuesday, September, 22nd at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse at Hofstra University. The meeting will be broken down into three sessions: 9:30am-1:30pm, 2-5pm, and 6-9pm and will focus on the project's zoning. The zoning chapter of the DGEIS is available on the Lighthouse website in section 3.5. Supporters should show up to emphasize the importance of this project of regional significance!

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray said, “This hearing will afford civic leaders, business people, local residents, government officials, labor representatives, regulatory agencies and all interested parties an opportunity to weigh in on the Lighthouse Project. The views, opinions and input of the public is invaluable as the town board collects evidence and considers this redevelopment plan.”

The Town of Hempstead has also once again set up an email and mailing address for people to utilize to submit comments related to zoning. Email LighthouseComment@tohmail.org or send letters to Town of Hempstead, Lighthouse Project Public Comment, One Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550.

E-Waste Bill Promotes Recycling; Hurts Small Businesses

Citizens Campaign for the Environment calls you to action! The Electronic Waste Reuse and Recycling Act (Governor’s Program Bill #44, A. 9049/S. 6047) would ensure that all New Yorkers have access to e-waste recycling, rather than relying on date-specific take-back programs. It would ban the disposal of e-waste at landfills and other disposal facilities, going into effect for the commercial sector in 2010 and for individuals in 2015. E-waste (i.e. old computers, TVs, cellphones, etc.) is a problematic and costly waste stream, so this recycling law would promote environmental stewardship. If the bill passes, New York would join 18 other states with e-waste recycling programs.

Though this bill is a progressive step toward reducing waste, a chapter amendment to the bill requires some attention. Citizens Campaign for the Environment released an opposition statement on the amendment:

"Millions of pounds of electronic equipment are discarded every year due to obsolescence; while consumers continue to upgrade their equipment, there is no incentive for manufacturers to properly dispose of the waste they created. Unwanted electronic products contain heavy metals and toxins, as well as many useful materials, including metals, that can be recycled and/or reused. Many companies and states...have adopted ‘extended producer responsibility’ or EPR policies that require electronic manufactures or producers to incorporate costs of proper disposal into standard business practices. EPR protects public health, the environment, enhances business-consumer relations, reduces local government tax burden while providing an inherent incentive for producers to design and manufacture electronic goods that are less toxic and more readily recyclable. Maintaining manufacturer responsibility is an essential component of the proposed legislation in New York, as it keeps the financial burden of recycling and properly disposing of electronic waste out of the public tax burden and away from small businesses. CCE supports establishing a program for producer responsibility for the production, recycling, and reuse of electronic waste in the state as outlined in the Electronic Equipment Reuse and Recycling Act Program Bill 2009 #44R/ A. 9049 Sweeney/ S.6047/Thompson.

However, while the Senate introduced the E-Waste Recycling bill, they also introduced an amendment, S. 6089, that weakens manufacturer responsibility and requires "any entity," including small businesses, non-profits, and local governments with full-time employees, to pay a fee for recycling their electronic waste. The proposed chapter amendment guts the integrity of the electronic-waste recycling program by shifting responsibility to the state, non-profits, small businesses, and taxpayers - those who are not designing and manufacturing these products. Eighteen states have producer responsibility programs, and New York State cannot continue to absolve manufacturer responsibility for their products. The people and businesses of New York must not subsidize waste and irresponsibility. If manufacturers are going to sell or ship to the people and businesses of New York, they must take responsibility for the waste they generate.Stewardship of New York’s land, air, and waters should not be jeopardized for greedy and irresponsible multi-national corporations who have no vested interest in the environment, public health, and sustainability of New York."

Please contact your State Senators, along with Senators Brian Foley, Craig Johnson, and Carl Marcellino. Tell them you want a producer-funded statewide e-waste recycling program. Tell them that local businesses and local governments should NOT pay for multi-national corporate waste. New York needs extended producer responsibility, and we need NYS Senators to stand up and take action for New Yorkers. When you call your Senator, tell them your name and where you live, tell them you want the NYS Senate to pass S. 6047- The Electronic Equipment Reuse and Recycling Act, tell them you oppose the amendment, S. 6089, and tell them why recycling electronic waste is important to you, your family, and your community.

Please forward any response you receive to Citizens Campaign.

International Investor Forum on Climate Change on September 16

On Wednesday, September 16 from 9am-5pm, come to the International Investor Forum on Climate Change: Public Policies and Investment Strategies for a Low-Carbon Economy. It will take place at the Grand Hyatt in Manhattan. The International Investor Forum on Climate Change comes at a critical time, as the world prepares for the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December.

Through the forum, institutional investors, government and labor representatives, and others will explore the investment implications of climate change, and the policies and financing needed to mitigate climate risk. Leading authorities on investing and economics from around the globe will discuss investment strategies and perspectives on how national and global climate change policies can advance low-carbon investment.

Panel topics include: Financing the Transition to a Low Carbon Economy and Building a Global Deal on Climate Change Public Policy and the Role for Private Investors (keynote speech by Lord Stern, former chief economist for the World Bank), Implications of the Copenhagen Round of Climate Change Negotiations, Corporate Responsibility in Advancing the Agenda to Mitigate Climate Change, International Investor Agreement: Why Investors are Calling on Governments to Act, Investor Strategies: Risks and Opportunities, and Integrating Climate Change into Investment Decision Making Strategies.

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli will be a featured speaker throughout the day.

For more information, or to attend the Forum, please contact Kylee McGee at mcgee@ceres.org or 617-247-0700 ext. 150.

PARK(ing) Day 2009 is Coming September 18

PARK(ing) Day is turning into quite a popular tradition on city streets. Every year for one day, artists, activists, and citizens take over a metered parking space and turn it into a miniature public park. It provides a small touch of relief from auto-clogged city streets. More than anything, it makes a statement on the idea that we favor cars over public space. Anyone can participate, though it is "strictly a non-commercial project, intended to promote creativity, civic engagement, critical thinking, unscripted social interactions, generosity and play."

PARK(ing) Day originated in San Francisco in 2005, in response to a saddening statistic that up to 70% of the city's downtown outdoor space is dedicated to the vehicle, while only a fraction is allocated to the public realm. Since the first parking space was taken over, PARK(ing) Day has grown into a worldwide phenomenon.

This year's PARK(ing) Day is on Friday, September 18th, with locations in Manhattan. Be sure to stop by! There is still time to organize a space, so let's get some Long Island presence! If you are interested, visit the national website or the NYC website.

Group for the East End Events in September

The Group for the East End is always hosting exciting events related to the environmental well-being of eastern Long Island. Check out what's happening this month:

Beach Clean-Up in East Marion, Saturday, September 19th, 9:00-11:30am: Participate in International Coastal Clean-Up month by attending a local beach clean-up in East Marion, Southold. Come down, enjoy the Long Island Sound and take part in the important task of cleaning up the beach and collecting data that will help research organizations further their cause of protecting our waters. Please bring gloves, Group for the East End will supply the bags. Meet at the end of Rocky Point Road in East Marion and carpool if you can! Rain or shine! For more information, please contact Jenn Hartnagel at 631-765-6450 ext. 211 or jhartnagel@eastendenvironment.org.

Wildlife Migration along the Barrier Island in Hampton Bays, Sunday, September 27th, 8:30-11:00am. Join Group for the East End for a wildlife search along Dune Road west of the Shinnecock Inlet. The trip is timed to coincide with low tide, which should enhance your chances of seeing diverse shorebirds and wading birds. If winds are blowing from the northwest, migrating swallows, hawks, dragonflies, and butterflies will compete for your attention. Please bring binoculars. For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.

Join the LI Somos Conference: The Fierce Urgency of Now on September 18th and 19th

Assemblyman Phil Ramos, the LI Latino Elected Officials Association, and the LI Hispanic Coalition present the 2009 Somos Conference: The Fierce Urgency of Now, to take place at the Islandia Marriott on Friday, September 18 and Saturday the 19. Through a series of workshops, the conference will focus on protecting civic rights.

The Long Island Somos el Futero Conference is an annual legislative gathering focused on addressing the needs and challenges of the growing Hispanic community on Long Island. A principal goal of this conference is to increase the participation of Hispanics in the public policy making process and develop local and state legislative initiatives that address issues of concern for Hispanic Long Islanders. The 2009 Conference will convene some of the most distinguished civic, community, business, and labor leaders from across New York State to discuss issues pertinent to Hispanic social, economic, and political empowerment. NY State Governor David Paterson is the featured keynote speaker.

The conference will showcase legislative sessions focused on health care reform, Census 2010, Latino academic achievement, the development of a black and brown coalition, global warming, and community responses to hate crimes and other civil rights infractions. In addition to the workshops, the conference will feature a senior’s luncheon, welcome reception, a morning and afternoon plenary, dinner gala and Latino expo. Many of New York’s top political leaders are expected to be in attendance. Vision's Eric Alexander is set to speak on a panel about global warming.

To register or for more information, call (866) HF-AYUDA (432-9832).

14th Annual Pine Barrens Research Forum Announced for October 1st & 2nd

The Fourteenth Annual Pine Barrens Research Forum: Laying a Foundation for Policy through Research, will be held on Thursday, October 1st and Friday, October 2nd at Brookhaven National Laboratory's Berkner Hall in Upton, NY. The conference is sponsored by BNL, the Central Pine Barrens Commission, the LI Groundwater Research Institute at Stony Brook, and the Foundation for Ecological Research in the Northeast.

The program features a balance of speakers from the New York metropolitan area and around the nation, covering research, technical, and applied science topics, including ecosystem-based management, the impact of climate change and sea level change on the Pine Barrens, forest health and wildlife populations, effects of elevated ozone levels on LI, and even the population of flying squirrels at the lab. Friday will include a field trip/hike to the Coastal Plain Ponds of the Peconic River Headwaters.

A full schedule and a registration form are available on their website.

Peconic Baykeeper's 2009 Lobster Bash on October 17

The Peconic Baykeeper's 2009 Lobster Bash will take place on Saturday, October 17 from 6-10pm at The Lobster Inn, located at 162 Inlet Road in Southampton. The event will benefit Peconic Baykeeper's clean water programs. The group works to protect and sustain the South Shore and Peconic Bays of Long Island by improving water quality and productivity, emphasizing the intrinsic connection between our bays and our communities.

Tickets are $100 and include local beer and wine, plentiful hors d'oeuvres, the Lobster Inn's famous "SPLAT" dinner, and music by Dennis O'Conner. Please RSVP by October 9th.

For more information, visit their website, call (631) 653-4804, or email info@peconicbaykeeper.org.

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 perceive 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.

Long Island Fund for Women and Girls Presents: Women Achievers Against The Odds on October 15th

On Thursday, October 15th, from 7:30-10:30am, the Long Island Fund for Women and Girls presents their 15th annual Women Achievers Against the Odds Awards Breakfast. At the breakfast, the Fund invites and honors special Long Island women who have achieved against the odds professionally and/or personally, as well as girls who have excelled in educational areas such as the Sciences, Sports, Performing Arts or Technology. In addition, they will highlight and present this year's grant program recipients. The program also introduces this year's Commemorative Tribute to Women Journal. This year's honorees include: Maria Grasso of Flushing Savings Bank, Dr. Gerry House of Institute for Student Achievement, Lorelei McGlynn of Henry Schein, Inc., Suzy Sonenberg of Long Island Community Foundation, and high school students Lisa Rifkind and Lucely Sanchez. 

The breakfast will take place at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. Networking is from 7:30-8:30, and the program runs from 8:30-10:30. Tickets are $85 each, and after September 30 are $90. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and to register, click here.

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.

Fair Media Council Presents Connection Day on October 22

The Fair Media Council’s annual Connection Day on Thursday, October 22 from 8am to 4pm at the Long Island Hilton will draw together about 100 reporters, editors, social media experts, and communication professionals to present a variety of educational workshops to the public. The only major conference in the country that brings the public together with the media for a day of open dialogue, networking and professional development, FMC’s Connection Day draws about 600 participants from the metro area. This educational event features 22 workshops, an exhibition hall, networking breaks and a luncheon with a keynote speaker. “Adding to all the excitement this year will be news outlets blogging live from the scene and radio stations conducting interviews with area politicians,” said Fair Media Council Executive Director Jaci Clement.

Sponsorships, exhibit booths and individual tickets are on sale now. Tickets include three workshops, networking breaks, admission to all media exhibits, continental breakfast, luncheon with the keynote speaker, and a 2009-2010 Fair Media Council Media Guide. To make a reservation, become an event sponsor or an exhibitor, please call (516) 224-1860, Ext. 103 or email fran@fairmediacouncil.org. For details and to sign up online, go to their website.

The Fair Media Council is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that advocates for quality local news coverage and educates the public to become media savvy. About 200 New York businesses are members of the 30-year-old organization. To join the businesses and non-profit organizations that comprise the Fair Media Council and advocate for quality local news, log on to www.fairmediacouncil.org.

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.

Lake Ronkonkoma's Fall Festival this Saturday

On Saturday, September 26th, the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization will be having its annual Fall Festival. Located at Brookhaven’s Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park, the event runs from 11am to 6pm. Admission is free, with crafts, fishing, and various children’s activities as part of the entertainment. There is a rain date for the following day, September 27th.

For more information, visit the Civic Association's website.

Sands Point Medieval Festival this Weekend

If you've ever been to a medieval festival, you know they're serious business. This weekend, between 11am and 5pm, is the second and final weekend for the Sands Point Medieval Festival at Port Washington's Sands Point Preserve.

Enjoy watching jousting, archery, a royal procession, and maybe even a storming of the castle. There will be demonstrations of medieval arts and sciences, plus a medieval fashion show.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-14, and kids under 4 are free. Learn more here and watch a video from Newsday.

Long Island GLBT Business & Life Expo this Sunday

Attend the 1st Long Island GLBT Business & Life Expo on Sunday, September 13 at the Long Island Holiday Inn in Ronkonkoma. The Expo is a consumer show that brings together GLBT-friendly businesses with family, friends, and members of the community. Come see businesses that represent financial services, legal services, real estate, health, home improvement, wedding, entertainment, and many other industries.

This highly anticipated event will have something for everyone in our community and is expected to draw more than a 1,000 people for the day long exhibition. There will be over 75 exhibitors, as well as a video lounge where you can view sneak peaks to this year's hottest GLBT feature films and what to expect at this year's Long Island Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Expo classes include 10 Ways to Look and Fell Sexier, 10 Simple Feng Shui Tips, Making Your Backyard the Ultimate Getaway, and In's and Out's of Injectable Aesthetics. There will also be plenty of entertainment by diva-licious amberRose Marie, Long Island native Tina Ann, the Long Island Gay Men's Chorus, the Long Island Pride Chorus, and international sensation Giorgio.

The Expo runs from noon-6pm. Learn more and sign up for your free tickets here.

“That concern and regard for the plight of others is not a partisan feeling. It's not a Republican or a Democratic feeling. It too is part of the American character. Our ability to stand in others shoes. A recognition that we are all in this together. That when fortune turns against one of us, others are there to lend a helping hand. A belief that in this country, hard work and responsibility should be rewarded by some measure of security and fair play. And an acknowledgement that sometimes government has to step in to help deliver on that promise. This has always been the history of our progress" - President Barack Obama

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