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Wiedersum Associates
Weidersum Associates have been long-standing supporters of Vision's efforts and Smart Growth principles throughout the region and we thank them for their continuing support. Become a Supporter of Smart Growth Vision Long Island prides itself on having a broad range of supporters. Become one today. A donation as small as $50 buys outreach materials to help a community build support for their vision. $500 sponsors an entire newsletter. $5,000 makes you a lead sponsor of our Smart Growth Summit, buying 10 tickets and a key branding opportunity for your organization.
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Wiedersum Associates Architects' philosophical approach is based on the principle of “Total Design Services through a Single Source of Responsibility”. This concept provides an umbrella under which all architectural, engineering, and specialty design-related services are managed and coordinated by one source…the architect.
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The 7th Annual Smart Growth Summit is Coming
Thursday, November 13th, 2008
The 2008 Smart Growth Summit will focus on the policies, challenges and Smart Growth projects that need to be implemented. It brings together the broadest Long Island leaders from community, civic, professional and governmental sectors to educate and formulate strategies to move these policies and projects forward. We need you to be a part of these solutions.
Worksessions Include:*
Technical sessions Include:*
*subject to change More Details Coming soon!
Sponsorship Packages are Available! • Visionary package includes: Logo in materials and advertisements, special recognition at event and on website, banner display, table for 10 at breakfast and lunch plenary sessions
Registration is now open! A downloadable registration form is available here.
__Visionary - $15,000 __Leader - $10,000 __Gold Sponsor - $5,000 __Sponsor - $2,000 Registration forms may be mailed to our office at 24 Woodbine Ave., Suite One, Northport, NY 11768 or faxed to 631-754-4452. Leadership Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Sponsors
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Please join us for the 2008 Smart Growth Summit. This event represents the culmination of six successful Summits and promises to be the greatest yet. Its format includes improved networking opportunities and a variety of informative workshops on the best practices in Smart Growth and land use planning.
The Summit addresses a range of topics including transportation, clean energy & green building, sewers & infrastructure, codes & regulations, commercial corridor redevelopment, community planning & public process, regional planning, housing & gentrification, downtown revitalization, and projects of regional significance. The Summit also updates the regional Blueprint for Smart Growth, which was developed from our previous summits. The Blueprint continues to be a platform towards advancing a Smart Growth agenda for Long Island and your participation in the event helps to shape it.
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Ravitch Commission public hearing considers financing options
Aside from potential fare hikes and general repair work, a lot is at stake for Long Islanders. Properly funded MTA capital projects include East Side Access, a completed Third Track, increased reverse commuter service, and improved Long Island bus lines. The next hearing will take place on Monday 9/22 at the Nassau County Executive Building in Mineola from 6-9pm. Third Track is still on track, despite controversy
The third track project has been surrounded by controversy and opposition for years, mostly caused by the immediate concerns of local residents regarding noise pollution and the potential closing of homes and businesses to make room for the track. The construction would necessitate closing 85-90 properties and 2-7 houses. What is often left out of the public discussion is the bigger picture of what the third track means for Long Island. By making the train ride to the Island convenient and fast, our economy will have enormous growth potential. This is a long-term investment: the construction costs of this project are well worth the benefits that will come in the future. The project is expected to continue after some more immediate LIRR concerns are addressed, including station and mechanical improvements. The third track project is currently undergoing an environmental impact review. For more on this project, see this article in the New York Times. Critical Smart Growth Bill in Governor's Hands
Sponsored by Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, the bill is a compelling first step to codify progressive Smart Growth concepts into state law. The bill will consider the environmental and economic ramifications of uncontrolled sprawl, which threatens individual quality of life. It will benefit taxpayers, protect the natural environment, enhance community character, and revitalize economic prosperity in the State. The bill lays the groundwork for a regional approach to sustaining healthy, vibrant communities throughout New York State. Stay tuned for Paterson's response. |
On Monday afternoon, the State Commission on MTA Financing held the first in a series of hearings to garner public input to the MTA's future Capital Plan. Appointed by Governor Paterson and led by former MTA Chairman Richard Ravitch, the "Ravitch Commission" is charged with developing creative financing strategies for the MTA in the next ten years. With the MTA's recently announced $6 billion deficit, the Commission certainly has its work cut out of it. If the MTA cannot get more aid, many important projects in the core capital plan will be cut, including subway, bus, and rail repairs. This might also mean a fare hike for Metrocards and LIRR tickets. With the large increase in transit ridership that has come as a result of high fuel prices, it is essential that our region's transit system is efficient and safe.
At the hearing, several themes arose. First of all, there needs to be a more consistent and reliable revenue stream to protect the MTA from economic uncertainties. This can include road pricing (a reincarnation of congestion pricing) and some kind of broad-based tax. Another important point is that the City and State have been derelict in their financing to the MTA. The hearing also formed a consensus that it is reasonable and even desirable to have a regulated fare increase. However, it is worth considering that riders pay for 55% of the MTA's overall budget, which is far more than any other American city. Other points included that funding responsibility should fall on those who benefit from its services, and that the MTA must be more efficient and financially transparent.
The Long Island Rail Road's plan to build a third track along its main branch between Floral Park and Hicksville is delayed due to budgetary constraints. However, the LIRR maintains that they are committed to the project and insists that the proposal is still on the table. The track would serve as a passing lane for new express trains during rush hour, primarily serving the reverse commuter population. The plan is linked to East Side Access, a $6.3 billion endeavor which will connect the LIRR to Grand Central Station, further reducing many commuters' travel time.
Governor Paterson must support the Smart Growth Principles Bill, S. 8612/A.07335A, which was delivered to him earlier this week. The bill defines Smart Growth principles for the New York State government and directs State agencies and public authorities to adopt these principles in future policies and programs, including future State infrastructure and development. |
Accessory Apartments Face Setback in North Hempstead
Unfortunately, many of the actions taken to remedy the problem are classic examples of poor public process and lack of community input. Take the recent accessory apartment law drama in the Town of North Hempstead. Accessory apartments—defined as rentals attached to a house with no separate outdoor entrance, with the owner living on the premises, and rooms no larger than 900 square feet—are designed to be affordable housing options that are only rentable to close blood relatives of the homeowner. After a poorly publicized town meeting, an amendment to the law passed unanimously that would allow up to three non-relatives to rent accessory apartments. Supervisor Jon Kaiman explained that this was a way to make affordable housing less scarce "without building more housing stock." This system is a creative, safe, and legal way to handle the housing crisis while simultaneously giving communities more density and giving homeowners more income. Justifiably, residents were angry about how the measure was passed. But the revolt that followed reached far beyond protesting how local government functions. Residents jested that this would make North Hempstead 'too urban' and increase taxes. One resident told Newsday that he doesn't want to see local homes "owned by a slumlord." One of the biggest arguments was that this measure would overburden local schools. According to an article in Long Island Business News, North Hempstead's school populations have actually decreased steadily over the past few years, and new affordable housing complexes rarely bring in the numbers of children that will make schools overcrowded. After a large outcry at a town meeting on Tuesday night, Kaiman said "The members of the Town board, including myself, are going to vote to rescind that amendment. There should have been a better process." To read more on these issues, see articles in the New York Times, Long Island Business News, and Newsday. Outdoor dining comes to Northport
The measure was nearly unanimously supported by residents and business owners, with just one concern voiced about alcohol consumption near kids. Outdoor dining is a great way to add charm and character to Northport, a community that is already extraordinarily friendly and walkable. Northport trustee Henry Tobin said in the Village Beacon Record, "Northport has a real sense of community. The more we have of a public life, the stronger that will get. This will give the residents a chance to see each other and be seen, to talk and be talked about. This is one more thing people can enjoy about Northport." This is a great move toward reclaiming the outdoors for public use. |
Many well-publicized studies like the Long Island Index have shown that Long Island is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis. With few rental options, young people are leaving the Island to find affordable places to live. As baby boomers retire and no one is around to fill vacant jobs, Long Islanders are becoming aware of the magnitude of this trend. 
On September 2nd, the Northport Village Residents' Association Board authorized outdoor dining between September 3rd and October 15th. Tables can be set up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so long as they allow adequate space (36 inches or more) for other pedestrians to use the sidewalks as well. Other provisions include keeping the sidewalks clean and closing down by 10pm on weeknights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. This provisional time frame will serve as a trial basis that, if successful, could permanently change town codes. |
Protect the Lloyd Aquifer
Even though the bill was passed unanimously by the NYS Senate and Assembly back in June 2008, there are NYC lobbyists pushing hard for the Governor to veto it. Some NYC leaders want to use Long Island’s aquifer as a storage facility for their own drinking water by injecting 300-400 gallons of water per day into the Lloyd, where it can be stored, and then pumped out when needed. However, the impacts of these outsides sources could have disastrous effects such as unseen chemical reactions when the Lloyd's pristine water meets dissolved nutrients and bacteria in the treated surface water and potential pressure in the salt and freshwater interface that could cause stored fresh water to seep out into the estuary. So please, call the Governor at 518-474-8390 or write to him at David A. Paterson, State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224 and tell him to protect Long Island’s sole source aquifer, our only source of drinking water, by signing bill S.1558/A.2986. For questions, please contact the Long Island Pine Barrens Society at 631-369-3300. Commerce Bank Boycott
The conflict began three years ago, when the owner of a 1.5 wooded acre parcel on Portion Road sold it to Commerce Bank, despite community and Town of Brookhaven plans to preserve the bucolic area for a 9/11 memorial. Community members pleaded with the bank to relocate from the site, but the Town Planning Board approved the construction plans in March, and soon after the bulldozers broke ground. Bank spokeswoman Rebecca Acevedo maintains that the bank worked “closely with the township and the community” in the planning process and will continue to do so in supporting a new plan for the memorial. Freedner and others in the community are duly skeptical of this claim, especially after the bank rejected any alternate bank sites and the Town Planning Board approved the plan, despite community opposition. “It’s a very sore issue in the neighborhood. The government and these corporation combined can really hurt a community.” Vision's Board of Directors has yet to take a formal position on this matter, yet we firmly believes in the rights of community organizations to fight for good planning, better building design, and proper community outreach. To boycott the bank, call 1-888-751-9000 and tell Commerce Bank about your plans to boycott. More information can be found on the Civic Association's website. |
Long Island needs your help to protect its aquifers and our drinking water! At this very moment, Governor Paterson is reviewing a bill to prohibit the storage or pumping of water from off of Long Island into our Lloyd aquifer (the deepest and cleanest source of drinking water on Long Island). Long Island is an EPA designated sole source aquifer, which means that nearly 3 million residents are dependent upon the purity of this water. This bill would ensure that outside sources of water wouldn’t contaminate our aquifer and potentially upset its delicate balance.
While Lake Ronkonkoma residents resign themselves to the fact that Commerce Bank will open its branch next year at their proposed 9/11 memorial site, they have also chosen not to end the resistance. According to 
New Exhibit in Riverhead’s downtown of “artists using words” Begins September 20th
Art Sites is located at 651 West Main Street (Route 25) in Riverhead, NY and open from Thursday to Sunday, from 12-5pm. For group tour information and more, please call 631-591-2401 or visit their website. Town of Huntington to Release Comprehensive Plan Update; Public Hearing To Take Place September 23rd
As part of their public outreach efforts, the Town will post the plan on their website, put copies of the plan in libraries throughout Huntington and in Huntington Town Hall at 100 Main Street. In addition, the Town Board is planning a public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan on Tuesday, September 23rd at 7pm at the Town Hall. For an excerpt from the draft plan, visit LIBN's BizBlog. However, the best way to see the complete plan is to attend the public hearing and visit your local libraries. If an organization has questions on the draft Plan and would like to discuss it with Town planners prior to the public hearing, they are invited to contact Anthony J. Aloisio, Huntington’s Director of Planning and Environment at 631-351-3196. The article also states that small groups are welcome to arrange appointments to visit planning professionals in Town Hall. Please take advantage of this transparent public process. Pine Barrens Research Forum Coming October 2nd-3rd
For more information visit their website and download a copy of the registration form here. Upcoming Public Workshops for NYMTC’s 2035 Regional Transportation Plan Come To LI October 6th and 7th
For more information, contact Jan Khan at 212-383-7251 or by email at jkhan@dot.state.ny.us. |
From September 20 to November 16th, the Art Sites gallery will feature the work of several artists who were inspired by language. Based in downtown Riverhead, the gallery features a range of local artists, including Jim Bloom, Ross Brodar, Candyce Brokaw, Kathleen Amelia Baldwin, Darlene Charneco, Annette Cords, Donna Maria de Creeft, Garance Julie A. Mc Connell, Scott McInteire, David Nally, Sue O’Donnell, Marianne Weil, and Ellen Wiener. Beginning with a reception on Saturday, September 20th from 5-7pm, the exhibit focuses on the words, languages and symbols that inspire these artists and their work, which literally speak to the human condition. The artists use a variety of tools and techniques, such as metal, wood and paint to explore the physical nature of verbal expression and the power of words. 
According to a Long Island BizBlog article by David Reich-Hale, the Town of Huntington is about to release Comprehensive Plan Update: Horizons 2020. This is a draft version of a document that will guide future development in the Town. This includes Huntington Station, East Northport and Dix Hills. The draft report, completed last fall, focused on seven key planning areas: Environmental Resources and Open Space, Community Character, Community Facilities, Land Use, Economic Development, Transportation, and Housing within the Town.
The Thirteenth Annual Pine Barrens Research Forum will be held on Thursday, October 2nd and Friday, October 3rd at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton. The 2008 Forum theme is "Current Challenges and Future Solutions"
and is sponsored by Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Central Pine Barrens Commission, the Long Island Groundwater Research Institute at Stony Brook, and the Foundation for Ecological Research in the Northeast (FERN). As with last year's Forum, the Program features a balance of speakers from the New York metropolitan area and around the nation, covering research, technical, and applied science topics. 
The event's national speakers hail from the U.S. Forest Service, the University of Pittsburgh, the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, and NYS DEC's Albany office. Speakers from the New York metropolitan area come from the Suffolk County Health Department, Dowling College, St. John's University, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and East Hampton Town. Welcoming remarks will be provided by Chairman Scully of the Pine Barrens Commission, Dr. Aronson of Brookhaven Lab, and Ms. Dikeakos of the US Department of Energy's Brookhaven Office.
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Entry-level position available with New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) is seeking a full-time Project Manager in their New York City office. NYLCVEF is a nonprofit, nonpartisan environmental organization. The position entails coordinating a strategic outreach effort to environmentally-minded voters in New York City, as well as increasing the visibility of the organization throughout the five boroughs. Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years relevant experience. The candidate must have excellent communication and time management skills, the ability to motivate others, a solid knowledge of New York City governmental structure, and an interest in the city's environmental issues. Salary is commensurate with experience, and benefits include health/dental, 401(k), and transit checks. To apply, send resume and cover letter to jobs@nylcv.org. Community Affairs Project Specialist position available at Newsday A new position is available at Newsday as Community Affairs Project Specialist. A new sponsorship-based project will connect Long Island residents who are interested in creating green lifestyles with companies that provide green products and services. The position requires a real go-getter with strong writing, proven project management skills, and an ownership attitude. The candidate must have an undergraduate degree in mass communications, public relations, journalism, or other related field, as well as a minimum 3-5 years experience including leading outreach initiatives in a community. For more information or to apply, email GSLIwriter@yahoo.com. |
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The Birdcage Comes to Main Street
Playing at Theatre Three from September 12 to October 25th, tickets for La Cage Aux Folles are only $21-28. Theatre Three occupies Athena Hall, a 125-year-old historic building, and it is conveniently located at 412 Main Street in Port Jefferson near a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes. Check out their calendar for show times at www.theatrethree.com or call 631-928-9100 for more information. Discounts for groups and seniors are available too. Great Neck Autofest & Street Festival
For information about volunteering to help, or registering an Antique Car, please call the Great Neck Plaza Business Improvement District at (516) 829-1301. |
Don your feather boas, glittering gowns, and best wig for a notorious and gender-bending musical now playing on Main Street in Port Jefferson. Winner of the Tony-Award for best musical and the basis for the hit film “The Birdcage,” La Cage Aux Folles is a hilarious comedy for the whole family. 
This Sunday, September 21st, the Village of Great Neck Plaza will be celebrating their Annual Street Festival and Autofest. From 12pm-5:00pm, this annual festival celebrates the community of Great Neck, showcasing the collectibles of residents and their talents. Collectible cars, owned by many Great Neck citizens, will line the street of Middle Neck Road with over 100 classic, antique cars, both domestic and foreign. The streets will be lined with vendors from local shops selling food and products from their stores. Families of all ages can enjoy a day of events including face painters, clowns, magicians, a petting zoo and rides. In addition, a clothesline art show will debut the work of many art enthusiasts showing off their pieces of oil, acrylic, watercolor, prints, sculptures and photographs. 
All too often on Long Island, we are threatened with flash floods or impending doom from tropical storms and the like. It would seem that Long Island’s sewers and drains (and many basements) could really use some TLC. Brad Lancaster of Tuscon, Arizona may have a solution. He harvests rainwater by capturing every drop from street runoff and his roof and puts it to good use in his neighborhood. Interviewed on National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” on Wednesday, September 17th, Lancaster has some fascinating words to close on. Listen to the interview, "Tuscon Man Harvests Rain Water" by Ted Robbins, on NPR here. |
SMART GROWTH NEWS Newsletter Editor: Michelle Dutchen, Communications Director 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: |
