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Why I skipped the Tanger II opening...
First, let me confess that I have not been to a mall in twenty years, so I am way outside of the mainstream. I did take an opportunity to drive through Tanger II before the opening and marveled at the rather attractive architecture and some of the public space elements, such as the movie theatre and outdoor plaza. All of these additions, at least, make the experience more than just a shopping center and for that, the developer should be commended. I was impressed also to hear they even had Cheap Trick performing (though I am more of a Black Sabbath fan). I remember the last time I was at the mall, in 1988, pop queen Tiffany and LI superstar Mariah Carey were performing in malls, so there is a precedence for musical acts. I am sure some Long Islanders will be happy that supermodel Carol Alt was there and that, likely, other celebrities and stars will make there way to this location in the future. This is America and we firmly believe that folks have the right to congregate, shop, and frequent wherever they want. Having said that, before we rush to judgment at how wonderful this project is, we should ask a few questions: Is Tanger II what Long Island needs? Does Long Island have sufficient retail space? How would Long Island fare if each of these stores were disbursed throughout existing downtowns? Did the Deer Park community desire this project? Why did the developer get a tax break? What type of jobs are being offered? What public benefits were given in exchange for the zoning change? What is the economic impact to surrounding businesses of this use? What is the transportation impact of this development and does it choke out more worthy future projects? Tanger II might have some elements that are an improvement of an outdoor mall, but does this project work as a center and is the public served by this use? Contractors, understandably, want to build, as we know they need the work. Town officials fast tracked this project in order to capture tax dollars and economic activity away from the adjacent Heartland project, which is situated in a different Town. That being said, what was puzzling was the use of the Town's IDA to provide tax breaks for the project. The Town of Babylon has a number of worthy initiatives in downtown Copaigue and Wyandanch and embracing a project like this seems out of character. What is disconcerting about these single-use massive outlet centers and regional malls is that they likely have radius clauses in their contracts that would prohibit those very same stores (albeit in smaller versions) from opening in downtowns within close proximity. This would stop Old Navy and Neiman Marcus from opening in neighboring downtowns in Babylon, Lindenhurst, and Amityville. Why would this project work differently than in Riverhead, where the economic activity at Tanger I promised to complement the downtown and did anything but. Einstein's definition of insanity, "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results," applies here. In the end, Tanger II could well be another example of the failed land-use process on Long Island. Asking these questions may seem like blasphemy for folks who are itching to get to the new Neiman Marcus this weekend or who want even easier access to an Old Navy. In addition, I am sure some of our friends in the development community will ask why did we not bring these issues up at the hearing and why we stand on the side of the "irrational" civic community. What's done is done, but just as in your personal life, you examine past behavior and analyze the various successes and failures. We should all take a hard look at how and why this project got built and whether or not another one should be part of Long Island's future. This project, at worst, could be an unmitigated traffic nightmare or, at best, simply be a slow drain on surrounding downtowns and other existing centers. Time will tell. The good news in all of this is that you can avoid the traffic at Tanger II and vote with your feet by shopping in one of the many downtowns across Long Island; top it off with dinner at a great restaurant and maybe even a movie. I am willing to bet that the small businesses in your town would very much appreciate your patronage. Eric Alexander |
Albanese & Albanese
Their attorneys have handled Smart Growth projects across Long Island. We thank them for their 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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Albanese & Albanese LLP, was founded in 1949 by Vincent M. Albanese, is one of the region’s preeminent full-service firms, providing its clients with specialized and diverse legal services. The firm encourages its attorneys to contribute pro-bono services and to participate in professional development and bar association, civic and philanthropic activities where they have held significant leadership positions. Our attorneys have also lectured to local and professional groups on various topics.
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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 range of 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. 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. Schedule Announced 7:45-8:15 REGISTRATION 8:15-9:45 MORNING PLENARY: “STATE OF THE TOWNS & VILLAGES” 9:55-11:05 WORKSHOPS I Affordable Housing in a Changing Market Global Warming & Clean Energy on Long Island Sewers & Infrastructure Downtown Revitalization Developments of Regional Significance - Suffolk 11:10-12:20 WORKSHOPS II Transportation - Transit Oriented Development Taming the Big Box Developments of Regional Significance – Nassau Long Island 2035/LI Sustainability Plan 12:30-1:45 LUNCHEON Hon. Tom Suozzi, County Executive, Nassau Panel: Smart Growth in New York State 1:50-3:00 TECHNICAL SESSIONS Light Imprint Urbanism, Sustainability
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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.
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Shopping for Traffic
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The Tanger Outlets at the Arches outlet center in Deer Park opened on October 23rd to happy hordes of shoppers and rather disgruntled drivers. According to Jennifer Maloney and Chau Lam's article in Newsday, the 800,000 square-foot shopping center bungled traffic for miles and hours. Even with two entrances into the mall, 4,600 parking spaces on site, shuttle service from the Deer Park train station, and Suffolk County police officers helping to direct traffic, the streets were still clogged with cars.
The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce held their 24th annual legislative breakfast, with over 700 small business leaders, on October 17th at the Crest Hollow Country Club. In attendance were NYS Senator Dean Skelos and NYPA Chairman Richard Kessel, along with the many small business honorees from nearly 40 communities in Nassau County.
"Historically, Long Island has done best in moments of adversity," Rechler said. "We face a housing crisis and high living costs. At this time, we need a clear plan to compete, attract and continue to grow existing business on Long Island. We need to be proactive as a community to weather this economic crisis and become stronger together."
As the Principal of the Lighthouse Development Group, Rechler faces a dual challenge to ensure that the Lighthouse project serves as a catalyst for regional economic growth and as the guinea pig to encourage other visionary projects. Given that many people now are pulling out of the market rather than investing, the Lighthouse will play a key role in Long Island's economic future.|
Op-ED Urges Huntington Residents To Support Bond Act on November 4th
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Residents of the Town of Huntington will soon have the chance to vote on an "Open Space" bond renewal. The following is an editorial from Lisa Ott of "Huntington Citizens for Clean Water, Open Space and Parks." Give her article a read, check out the |
Suffolk Community Council Launches Food and Clothing Drive
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. |
Partners in Unity is organizing a clothing and food drive to prepare for the cold weather. Clothing items needed include gloves, men's hats, scarves, coats, and other winter items, and food items needed include canned beans and vegetables, rice, pasta, and other nonperishable supplies. Donations can be dropped off in Hauppauge at the Council's Office from 9-5 at 180 Oser Avenue, Suite 850. Call (631) 434-0277 with any questions. 
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 
Dowling College Presents Intergenerational Conference on November 7th
Held at the Fortunoff Hall Ballroom at Dowling's Rudolph Campus in Oakdale from 8am-4pm, the conference includes a range of workshops and presenters, including Ron Stein, Vision's President. The event is sponsored by The Center for Intergeneration Policy and Practice at Dowling College in partnership with Intergenerational Strategies and the Long Island Intergenerational Network. Intergenerational Programs and Policy: From Vision to Practice has been designed by The Center for Intergenerational Policy & Practice at Dowling College, Intergenerational Strategies, and The Long Island Intergenerational Network, to bring together Long Island's community organizations and business community to create new intergenerational programs and promote public policies that meet the needs of all generations. For more information and to register online go to Dowling's website. LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives and UUC at Shelter Rock Present Populist Forum Featuring David Sirota on November 12th
The event is co-sponsored by Great Neck SANE/Peace Action, Code Pink LI, LI Veterans for Peace, Pax Christi LI, and the Social Justice Committee of UUCSR. There is a suggested donation of $5. For more information, contact the LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives at 516-741-4360 or longislandpeace.org and UUCSR Shelter Rock Forum at 516-627-6560, ext 122. Directions: From LIE, exit 35 north (from east) or 36 (from west). North 1-1/2 miles on Shelter Rock Rd. Entrance on left by white fence. From Northern Blvd. Go South 1/2 mile on Shelter Rock Rd. Entrance on right. |
On Friday, November 7, 2008, Dowling College will host an Intergenerational Conference that will focus on the policies and programs that bring elders and youth together. As more young adults and senior citizens leave Long Island in search of more affordable housing, or are forced into age restricted living environments, the gap between the generations widens, even as they share similar challenges. It is imperative for the region to develop creative ways to facilitate dialogue and collaboration between the generations to overcome these regional challenges such as affordable housing, public transportation, employment, and many others. The conference's workshops will offer solutions to encourage different generations to communicate with one another, care for each other and support public policies that unite across years.
On Wednesday, November 12th the Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock will present a forum on "Uprising: An Unauthorized Tour of the Populist Revolt Scaring Wall Street and Washington," featuring writer David Sirota. Sirota is a political journalist, activist, columnist, and a two-time New York Times bestselling author who is widely known for his "tenacious focus on working class economic issues that are often ignored by America's political elites." Come to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, located 48 Shelter Rock Road in Manhasset at 7:30PM for a dynamic discussion of current events on Wall Street and in Washington and their economic implications for the working class.|
1880's Halloween at Bethpage Village Restoration
Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for kids 4-14 and seniors 60 and over. For more information, call 516-572-8400. Sayville Halloween Boat Burning
The Boat Burning festivities kick off at 6pm on Saturday, October 25th. Admission is $5 for those over the age of 12 and free for those under. The Long Island Maritime Museum is located at 86 West Ave., West Sayville. More information is available by calling 631-854-4947. |
The Old Bethpage Village Restoration is celebrating Halloween early, with a recreation of the holiday as it was celebrated over 120 years ago. The event runs from 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday and features ghost stories, magic lantern shows, jack-o-lantern carving, and entertaining personalities like a local grave digger at the cemetary.
Keeing in the Halloween spirit, The Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville will be hosting their annual boat burning celebration. The event features the burning of what they call an "unseaworthy wooden vessel, loosely based on the Viking tradition of a nautical burial." In addition to setting large objects on fire, the event also features musical entertainment, food vendors, refreshments, and a boat raffle. Feel free to wear a costume, too!
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill |
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: |
