presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance

January 14th, 2021

Quote(s) of the Week

	“The challenges of addressing clean water, clean air and sustainability are vast, but with a clear vision for New York we can achieve a safer, healthier tomorrow. The Governor hit all the right topics including clean water, clean air, fighting climate change, creating a green economy, and addressing our solid waste crises.  These programs are abundantly supported by the public and will propel New York forward into the 21st century.” - Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment/Co-Chair, LI Lobby Coalition
	“Governor Kathy Hochul’s historic address sets a positive tone for working people as we go forward.  New York is a place where businesses and workers can and must both be successful.  She understands that when New York State passes policy to make this state more business friendly that it can’t and won’t be at the expense of workers." - John R. Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
	“We were happy to see an additional $100 million in direct aid to small businesses that have been harmed by Coronavirus regulations and shutdowns.  We are happy to see the Governor express support for local businesses although some policies are still in effect that make our road to recovery longer.”  - Frank Camarano, President, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce
	"Very happy to see $500 million invested Off-Shore Wind.   We would like the LI and NY region to become a training hub that would lead the nation.  We would also welcome assistance bringing manufacturers out here to get the production started to create jobs and green our energy infrastructure” - Patrick Boyle, Executive Director of Ignite Long Island
	"We applaud Governor Hochul for this historic State of the State Address, which points toward the resiliency and strength of New Yorkers as we navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and its social and economic implications into a position of renewed hope for the future. Governor Hochul’s commitment to funding the impactful Nourish NY program is admirable and we were inspired by her focus on igniting people in the general workforce who have served as the backbone of our state. She identified meaningful investments in health care and childcare, affordable housing and agriculture as well as incentivizing success to strengthen workforce development, offering tuition assistance and looking at root causes of homelessness all impact the vulnerable populations Island Harvest supports ” - Randi Shubin Dresner, CEO, Island Harvest Food Bank
	“We were heartened by the Governor’s commitment to funding for children’s mental health, addiction prevention, treatment and recovery, gun violence prevention, housing and other health/human services. Long Island’s families desperately need more help and we are anxious to see the details in the 2022-2023 proposed budget.” - Dr. Jeff Reynolds, CEO, Family & Children’s Association

Governor Hochul Delivers First State of the State Address

New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s first State of the State address pledged 1-billion-dollars to rescue the State's small businesses. 

Long Island Lobby Coalition members from the environment, small business, human service, labor and manufacturing sectors watched the address and reviewed the accompanying policy book and had a range of optimistic reactions.

The Governor’s plan calls for establishing a COVID Capital Investment Tax Credit for small firms that made changes to their operation last year to protect employees and customers from the coronavirus. Additional small businesses help includes State investment in technology startups, the establishment of an Excelsior Contracting Opportunities Initiative, permanently allowing the sale of to-go alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption, added funding for downtown revitalization projects, support for new apartment buildings near Long Island Rail Road stations, and more contracting opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses.

You can read the Lobby Coalition's full statement on the State of the State address and what it means for our region below:

LONG ISLAND LOBBY COALITION OPTIMISTIC AFTER GOVERNOR HOCHUL’S 1st “State of the State” ADDRESS

Looking forward to program details that benefit LI in the upcoming budget

Long Island Lobby Coalition members listened to Governor Hochul’s first State of the State address and have reviewed her preliminary policy agenda and were hopeful in a number of areas.

Highlights that are meaningful to Long Island communities, workforce, downtown small businesses, our environment and advance LI Lobby Coalition priorities include:

Coronavirus Response

• The statewide distribution of 37 million Coronavirus tests with a first batch distributed in Nassau and one underway in Suffolk.  These tests need to make it directly to community organizations and individuals as soon as possible with a need for many more but we are hopeful that the delivery is underway. 
• The overall message of keeping children in school and our local businesses open was also welcomed as shutdowns have been very hurtful to working families.

Small Business & Economic Development

• The overall $1 billion plan and $100 million in direct aid, loans and start up funds to small businesses is welcomed.  Small businesses have been harmed by Coronavirus shutdowns and restrictions and direct grants are needed on top of the past funding in this area.  There are many NYS regulations that need to be loosened to help get a true economic recovery for the small business community.
• The ability for restaurants and bars to sell “to go” cocktails was one bright spot during the pandemic and helps residents support their local businesses. 
• The emphasis on Transit Oriented Development projects is important for the growth of our local downtowns with over 10,000 units going through the planning process in communities across Long Island.   We are hopeful that the state encouragement in this area continues to support the right of local communities to plan these projects and maintaining the power of “home rule” of our Town’s and Villages.
• A 6th Round of the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative brings dollars directly to our Main Streets.  For this next round to increase local support the process in planning the specific projects can be managed exclusively by municipalities and community stakeholders.
• The effort to fast track the NYS MWBE certification process will help increase the numbers of businesses in the program. 

Affordable Housing & Human Needs

• A plan to support 100,000 affordable homes statewide is welcomed and we are hopeful that Long Island development projects will get their fair share of funding to meet a critical need that has gotten worse during the pandemic.   While there is support in many communities for Accessory Dwelling Units NYS should not mandate the creation of them but instead offer a incentive program to municipalities that create the zoning classification. 
• A commitment to children’s mental health, addiction prevention, nutrition assistance and related health and human services if coming at a time where families and many Long Islanders in need are relying on these programs.
• The plan to support 100,000 families with Child Care assistance is welcomed as it is a daily need working parents have faced through the shutdowns. 

Environment and Energy

• The $500 million committed to Off Shore Wind can bring manufacturing jobs to Long Island and the region while greening our energy grid. 
• The support for the long delayed Environmental Bond Act with an increased budget line to $4 billion will meet a range of environmental needs protecting our water, air and natural resources.
• Reducing Toxics in Packaging will help remove substances that cause harm to our environment and help promote recyclable alternatives.

Transportation

• A statewide transportation plan is welcomed and in addition to roadway improvements pedestrian and bicycle safety, traffic calming projects and restoration of bus services need to be prioritized as they are critical to Long Islanders.

Infrastructure Projects

• Mostly NYC infrastructure projects were highlighted in the speech and the briefing book but the billions in federal aid moving through NYS will provide an opportunity for Long Island wastewater projects and many other initiatives to receive needed funding guided by local communities. 

“The overall tone of the address expressed empathy which was heartening.  The Governor has traveled throughout the State for many years and has a full understanding of what folks have been experiencing through the Coronavirus shutdowns, the economic impacts of inflation and the social needs that have been increasing through the pandemic.  Building up trust, partnering and bringing resources directly to communities through our local governments will be critical to achieve her ambitious agenda.”   Eric Alexander, Director, Vision LI/Co-Chair, LI Lobby Coalition

“The challenges of addressing clean water, clean air and sustainability are vast, but with a clear vision for New York we can achieve a safer, healthier tomorrow. The Governor hit all the right topics including clean water, clean air, fighting climate change, creating a green economy, and addressing our solid waste crises.  These programs are abundantly supported by the public and will propel New York forward into the 21st century.”  said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment/Co-Chair, LI Lobby Coalition

John R. Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO said, “Governor Kathy Hochul’s historic address sets a positive tone for working people as we go forward.  New York is a place where businesses and workers can and must both be successful.  She understands that when New York State passes policy to make this state more business friendly that it can’t and won’t be at the expense of workers.

The Governor’s focus on improving access to childcare, rebuilding our infrastructure, increasing the number of mental health professionals in schools, building out broadband, and investing in our healthcare heroes are all significant priorities for everyday working people. We’re excited to learn more and work with our affiliates and the New York State AFL-CIO to deliver on these initiatives in a way that matters for all workers and communities.”

Frank Camarano, President, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce said “We were happy to see an additional $100 million in direct aid to small businesses that have been harmed by Coronavirus regulations and shutdowns.  We are happy to see the Governor express support for local businesses although some policies are still in effect that make our road to recovery longer.” 

Patrick Boyle, Executive Director of Ignite Long Island said “Very happy to see $500 million invested Off-Shore Wind.   We would like the LI and NY region to become a training hub that would lead the nation.  We would also welcome assistance bringing manufacturers out here to get the production started to create jobs and green our energy infrastructure”

Randi Shubin Dresner, CEO, Island Harvest Food Bank said “We applaud Governor Hochul for this historic State of the State Address, which points toward the resiliency and strength of New Yorkers as we navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and its social and economic implications into a position of renewed hope for the future. Governor Hochul’s commitment to funding the impactful Nourish NY program is admirable and we were inspired by her focus on igniting people in the general workforce who have served as the backbone of our state. She identified meaningful investments in health care and childcare, affordable housing and agriculture as well as incentivizing success to strengthen workforce development, offering tuition assistance and looking at root causes of homelessness all impact the vulnerable populations Island Harvest supports ”

“We were heartened by the Governor’s commitment to funding for children’s mental health, addiction prevention, treatment and recovery, gun violence prevention, housing and other health/human services. Long Island’s families desperately need more help and we are anxious to see the details in the 2022-2023 proposed budget.” Dr. Jeff Reynolds, CEO, Family & Children’s Association

Assuming the Coronavirus infection rate subsides and the Capital is open the Coalition will travel to Albany on Tuesday March 8th to meet with the LI Senate and Assembly delegations the Governor’s office on the coalition’s legislative and budget priorities for 2022. Dozens of small business and community leaders will be urging state representatives to secure funding for important transportation, sewage and infrastructure projects, housing, human services, champion environmental programs and support legislation to benefit small business and encourage economic development through the Coronavirus recovery.

You can read Newsday’s complete article on the address here and Long Island Business News article here.

New Officials Take the Reins in Nassau County

Hundreds crowded into the lobby of the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City on Monday, January 3rd, to view the Oath of Office of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, County Comptroller Elaine Phillips and County Clerk Maureen O’Connell.

After his wife, Segal Magori, administered his oath of office, County Executive Blakeman launched his remarks with the following message, “Starting today, Nassau County is normal again. We have seen the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we can no longer be afraid. Yes, we still have challenges, but they are manageable.”

The new County Executive outlined steps his administration will take in its response to COVID-19:

•         “First, we will continue to encourage and support free vaccinations, free testing and common-sense approaches to minimizing health risks and danger while recognizing the economic, social and mental health consequences must be considered when managing this pandemic.”
•         “Government has an important role in giving people options to create a healthier environment but government should not act in a heavy-handed way by curtailing important constitutional rights, such as the right of a patient and their physicians to make important healthcare decisions.”

According to Mr. Blakeman, Nassau County is not in crisis, noting hospital admissions rising, but at a manageable and predictable rate and a low and stable death rate, compared to where the county was nine months ago. Citing reason and common sense. Mr. Blakeman proclaimed, “I will not enforce the state mandate in this county for the masks and I will lobby Albany to keep our kids in school and not force them to wear masks.”

Mr. Blakeman also stated economic development and job creation will be important staples of his administration. Discussing the prior administrations tax reassessment system, Mr. Blakeman stated, “There is no reason why millionaires should pay zero taxes, and then homes that are identical in the same community pay vastly different tax rates. It’s broken and we will fix it.”

Other priorities include keeping county taxes down, thereby making the county affordable for both its younger and older population, removing state government off resident’s backs, and going to Albany to demand the repeal of the state’s bail reform bill.

You can view the Nassau County 2022 Inauguration at the Cradle of Aviation Museum here.

Suffolk County Legislature Ceremonial Oaths 2022

On Monday, January 3rd, Republicans took control of the Suffolk County Legislature, reshuffling legislative leadership and staffing as officials expressed hope for bipartisanship. Legislator Kevin McCaffrey became Suffolk's first Republican presiding officer in 16 years after 10 Republicans, one Conservative and seven Democrats were sworn into office.

"I look forward to working together to ensure that we continue to provide financial stability in this county," Legislator McCaffrey stated.

Other changes included Legislator Steve Flotteron elected deputy presiding officer and Legislator Nicholas Caracappa, the legislature’s only Conservative Party member, was named majority leader of the GOP caucus.

Republicans awarded all legislative committee chair and vice chair positions to GOP or Conservative members, however, when Democrats controlled the legislature, Republicans led some legislative committees.

You can read Newsday’s article here.

North Hempstead Officials Sworn In at 2022 Inauguration Ceremony

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena was sworn in for her first term as Supervisor during an inaugural ceremony at Clinton G. Martin Park on January 2nd, along with Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava and Council Members Robert Troiano, Jr., and Dennis Walsh.

Supervisor DeSena was administered the oath of office at the ceremony by Nassau County Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello, and sworn in for her first two-year term.

“I am excited to begin working and move North Hempstead forward and address the many challenges this town is faced with,” Supervisor DeSena stated. “As of today, party politics will no longer have a place in town hall. I promise to streamline the top-heavy town management, cut wasteful spending, and bring efficiency to a government known for dragging its feet on even simple matters.”

According to Ms. DeSena, hallmarks of her administration will include safe guarding residents’ quality of life, proactively fostering economic growth, and operating in an open, honest and transparent manner.

To see highlights from the ceremony, visit www.myNHTV.com or watch North Hempstead TV (NHTV) on Channel 18/63 on Cablevision or Channel 46 on Verizon FiOS.

Town of Hempstead Officials Sworn In at 2022 Inaugural

On January 4th, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Council Members Anthony D’Esposito and Dennis Dunne, and Town Clerk Kate Murray were inducted to their positions during an outdoor ceremony at Senior Councilwoman Dorothy L. Goosby Plaza, in front of Hempstead Town Hall. Scores of elected officials, including state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and Attorney General Letitia James, were present.

"These are great colleagues of mine on the town board and we work together and I think we work together for the betterment of all the residents," Supervisor Clavin stated. “Today’s celebratory program help set a tone of strength and resiliency as we embark on the year 2022. As we begin a new term, I look forward to working together with my colleagues on the Town Board to continue taking on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, invest in our roadways and facilities, paving the way for our future and providing relief to taxpayers at a time when they need it the most.”

Administering the Oath of Office to Councilwoman Goosby, first elected in 1999, Attorney General James stated, "She is someone who has broken glass ceilings and someone who has made it possible for me to stand here as attorney general. I am humbled.”

You can view Newsday’s coverage here.

Town of Oyster Bay Officials Sworn In at 2022 Inauguration Ceremony

The Town of Oyster Bay hosted its 2022 Induction Ceremony, held at Plainedge High School on January 4th, with the swearing-in of Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Councilman Lou Imbroto, Councilman Tom Hand and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca.

Speaking at the event was newly elected Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who stated, “Let me say this about Joe Saladino, he is the hardest working person in government I’ve ever met. His work ethic is beyond normal. He has so much energy, he is out there all the time.”

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli confirmed, “Joe Saladino loves people and that’s why he is so incredibly successful at the job he does as the Oyster Bay Town Supervisor.”

During his remarks after being sworn in, Supervisor Saladino stated, “The new day in the Town of Oyster Bay is far from sunset… Our vision for the future includes great improvements and a continuation of investment in road repaving, more downtown revitalization, the ongoing protection and restoration of TOBAY Beach, the remediation of the Grumman Navy Plume and overall preservation of our roadways, expansion of our local parks and environmental facilities. We are so excited about our future and continuing the great service to our residents.”

You can view the entire Induction Ceremony here.

Governor Hochul Announces 17 Projects Eligible for $85 Million NY Clean Transportation Prizes

NYS Governor Kathy Hochul has announced 17 projects are eligible to compete through the $85 million New York Clean Transportation Prizes program. Funding for these projects was announced as part of the 2022 State of the State to advance replicable showcase projects for clean transportation.

The Phase One projects selected have been awarded more than $3 million total in grants and services to advance solutions that reduce air pollution, enhance electrification, and grow mobility options in underserved communities across the State. This program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), supports New York State’s nation-leading goal of an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

Of the seventeen projects awarded under Phase One, six projects were selected in both the Clean Neighborhoods Challenge and Electric Mobility Challenge, and five were selected in the Electric Truck & Bus Challenge. Each project proposal will receive an award package of up to $200,000, including a $100,000 planning grant for further proposal development, up to $50,000 in funding for community partners, and up to $50,000 in in-kind support from technical experts.

Five localities under the Clean Neighborhoods Challenge were identified, including one on Long Island - Arena Transit Hubs for an Equitable, Inclusive, Low-carbon Future led by XL Fleet. Up to three $10 million grand prizes will be awarded to address air pollution reduction at scale in underserved communities.

Four localities under the Electric Mobility Challenge were identified, including one on Long Island - Promoting Sustainable Transportation: Electric Micro-Shuttle Services in Long Island led by Circuit Transit. Up to three $7 million grand prizes will be awarded for projects demonstrating electric mobility options that solve underserved community needs.

Three localities under the Electric Truck & Bus Challenge were identified, where up to three $8 million grand prizes will be awarded to projects demonstrating electrified solutions or replacement of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles.

You can learn more about the three competition areas and all the Phase One awardees here and you can read Governor Hochul's complete Press Release here.

MTA Receives Record $6 Billion Lump Sum of Federal Aid

New York Senator Charles Schumer announced on January 12th that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) would be receiving a $6 billion lump sum grant, the largest ever awarded in Federal Transit Administration’s history. The exact amount - $6,192,134,734.

The funds come from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, enacted last year. This record-setting grant completes the $14 billion in relief allocated to the MTA through three COVID relief bills passed by Congress in 2020 and 2021, Craine’s New York Business reports.

Subway ridership remains low, currently at about 40% from pre-pandemic levels.

Senator Schumer, Craine’s reports, said the money would go toward operating expenses. “They used to dribble it out in little pieces. Now they know they have a deep pool of money,” he said. When federal budget talks begin in February, he said, he plans to negotiate for more funding to make a dent in the MTA’s deficit, which is expected to be $1.4 billion in 2025.

MTA Acting Chair and CEO Janno Lieber stated, “We are grateful to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, the New York delegation and Governor Hochul for their consistent support of mass transit. Our subways, buses and railroads are the secret sauce that keeps the region moving, helping to rebuild New York’s dynamic economy while battling climate change. This funding helps the MTA continue to provide top-tier service and in the near term avoid fare increases.”

You can read Craine’s New York Business article here.

Affordable Housing Faces Challenges in 2022

Creating affordably built and priced housing has faced many challenges throughout the years. Adding to these challenges is the damaging and distinct effects of the COVID 19 pandemic. From shut-downs and worker shortages, the advancement of housing choices, including affordability, has become even more difficult to realize. Supply chain issues have led to prohibitive cost of building materials, especially lumber. Heading into 2022, these challenges look to continue to stymie housing development.

A resurgence in the price of lumber is driving up construction costs on Long Island and throwing a wrench into builders’ budgets for upcoming projects. The spike and instability of lumber prices have made it very problematic for contractors to estimate the price of projects.

Mitchell Pally, CEO of the Long Island Builders Institute in Hauppauge, recently discussed the high and unstable prices of construction materials.  “That may not be significant if the house is worth $4 million or $5 million,” Mr. Pally explained, “but it’s very significant if you’re trying to build affordable housing on Long Island in the $300,000-to-$400,000 range.”

"There’s always a push to do more attainable rental housing, but with taxes, land costs and commodity costs, it keeps compounding and makes it more difficult for these units to be attainable for our workforce," noted Anthony Bartone, managing partner at Terwilliger and Bartone Properties and Vision Long Island Board member. “Unpredictable prices have made it harder to complete projects that often have an 18-month timeline and the higher price of softwood lumber will affect costs beyond framing, including finished woodwork, such as molding and cabinets.”

Looking towards the future, economist that track commodity prices predict that the next few years will probably see an overall drop in costs, but that the market will continue to remain volatile with short term jumps and collapses.

You can read the entire Newsday article here.

The Future of Rail Freight on Long Island Looks Bright

Freight locomotives on Long Island are delivering more tons of cargo than in past decades and the once-shrinking freight industry is experiencing a significant resurgence.

Local carrier New York & Atlantic Railway handles nearly 32,000 carloads annually, about 1,750,000 tons of freight, which in turn cuts approximately 128,000 truck trips from major highways on Long Island per year.  Scrap iron, steel and construction debris are the major items hauled off the Island, while flour, tomato paste and rice, along with crushed stone and construction material, are among the top commodities coming in by rail.

James Bonner, president of New York & Atlantic Railway and Vision Long Island Board member, spoke at Vision Long Island’s recent Smart Growth Summit and remarked, “Our success is measured by how infrequently you hear about us.”  The company’s goal is to move freight in and out of Long Island without intervening with passenger rails.

Obstacles for Long Island freight train growth, however, still persist.

Despite New York & Atlantic’s success, most goods continue to be shipped via truck with rail only handling 4% of all cargo in the state. The rail’s biggest impediment may be finding adequate infrastructure in the dense regions to support continued growth.

“Rail freight is critical to Long Island,” Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance, confirms. “It reduces emissions and traffic by taking long-haul trucks off our roads. It is great to see the resurgent freight industry on the Island and much credit goes to New York Atlantic Railway, which has been running this service and thereby taking trucks off the road since May 1997.”

The need for rail growth has taken hold on Long Island and has advocates. Matthew Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, noted that "In addition to the economic benefit, freight trains get trucks off the road, reducing emissions and the stress on our road network, and have the potential to alleviate supply chain challenges. It's a win-win. It's going to wind up spurring job creation, enhancing our region's economic competitiveness - in a more efficient, more environmentally friendly and a more cost-effective manner for Long Island.”

You can read Newsday’s complete article here, and view the complete Regional Transportation Panel from Vision Long Island’s 2021 Smart Growth Summit here.

New Executive Director at Long Island Federation of Labor

Ryan Stanton, who has served as Long Island Federation of Labor’s political director since 2014, has been unanimously named executive director of the organization, succeeding Roger Clayman, who led the local organization for 17 years and announced his intention to step down last year.

The 250,000-member Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, represents a wide range of union workers from teachers to technicians, public employees to painters, bus drivers to bricklayers, retail, auto, janitorial, utility, health care and construction workers.

Mr. Stanton stated that the role of unions goes beyond collective bargaining and the workplace. Some of his goals in the new post include focusing on projects such as expanding sewer infrastructure in Suffolk County and ensuring those projects benefit working communities and create jobs.

According to Newsday, Mr. Stanton, now 33 years old, grew up in Islip Terrace, graduated from Binghamton University in 2010, and later graduated from Cornell University's Union Leadership Institute in 2019. "As I was developing professionally, I realized the most effective way to deliver for working people was to be a part of the union movement," he said. Mr. Stanton currently lives in Sayville with his wife and their infant son.

Imran Ansari will move into Mr. Stanton’s former position as political director.

“Congratulations to our good friend Ryan Stanton for his promotion to Executive Director of the LI Federation of Labor,” Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance states. “While some of his past work has been in a political role, Ryan is substantive and fights for working people driven by a moral compass. We have enjoyed working with him as a member of the LI Lobby Coalition and he has been a recipient of a Smart Growth Award at a young age.”   

You can read Newsday’s entire article here.

NYMTC to hold Public Review Comment Period of Draft 2022-2023 Unified Planning Work Program

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) announced a public review comment period for the draft Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) proposed for the State Fiscal Year (SFY) beginning April 1, 2022.

The Public Review comment period began on January 5, 2022 and ends on February 4, 2022.

The UPWP is a federally-mandated product of NYMTC’s planning process. It defines planning activities in NYMTC’s planning area and identifies federal planning funds to conduct these activities. NYMTC’s members will adopt the draft UPWP at their Annual Meeting that is currently scheduled for February 24, 2022.

The draft SFY 2022-2023 UPWP document is available for download from the NYMTC website here. Comments can be submitted in writing or by email through February 4, 2022 to the following contact:

New York Metropolitan Transportation Council
Seitu Allen
25 Beaver Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10004
Seitu.Allen@dot.ny.gov

NYMTC will hold two online public webinars on Thursday, January 20, 2022 to present the draft UPWP:

The 12:00 p.m. presentation will be available here.
Meeting Number: 1615 46 1312
Meeting Password: NYMTC123

The 6:00 p.m. presentation will be available here.
Meeting Number:  1618 29 6579
Meeting Password: NYMTC123

You can find more information here.

East Northport’s Matinecock Court Development Moves Forward

Forty-three years in the making, the Matinecock Court affordable housing project in East Northport met with approval by the Huntington Town Board on December 14, 2021. This newly transformed limited equity cooperative community, located on 14.5-acres at Pulaski and Elwood roads, will include 70 units of rental housing and 76 condominium units.

Prior opposition to this development had included complaints about traffic, overcrowding of schools, effect on nearby homes, environmental issues, and who potential residents might include, with race and income having factored into the debate. However, at the recent Board meeting, residents largely urged the board to approve the plan.
“This is a major milestone," stated Peter Florey, Matinecock Court’s developer - targeting the summer of 2022 for shovels in the ground for this $75 million project. Next steps include getting the federal court to sign off on the new limited equity cooperative community agreement.

Vision Long Island Board and staff were present at the Town Board meeting, speaking in support of the project. “Compliments to Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci and Councilmembers Gene Cook, Joan Cergol and Mark Cuthbertson for voting in support,” Eric Alexander notes. “Great work from Roger Weaving and the Huntington Township Housing Coalition for pulling out community members in overwhelming support. Folks have supported this project for decades and it’s good to see final approval.”

You can read the Huntington Now article here and the Newsday article here.

Kings Park Sewers Closer to Reality

Big victory in Kings Park before the holidays, with the overwhelming passage on a referendum to create a sewer district in the downtown area. The vote was nearly unanimous, with only one person voting in opposition.

“This step secured $20 million in NYS funding Vision lobbied for and keeps Kings Park on schedule for sewer construction,” explains Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “New restaurants and redevelopment can now be realized, all part of a community-based plan.”

The drive for sewers in the Kings Park downtown has been a goal of the community for more than 10 years, but efforts accelerated in 2015 when the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce and Kings Park Civic Association collaborated on an inclusive community-based visioning process, coordinated by Vision Long Island, that resulted in the redevelopment plan for the area. Based on that effort, in January, 2017, then Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a $20 million grant for the project under the State’s Transformative Investment Program.

Sewers for Kings Park’s downtown are vital for a thriving local economy and a vibrant Kings Park downtown. Sewers will allow property owners in the business district to revive Main Street, increase property values for all homeowners in Kings Park, allow the Kings Wood Community to remove deteriorated cesspools & leaching fields and will improve the health of the Nissequogue River and the Long Island Sound.

“This has been a true bottom-up process, the way all significant changes in communities ought to be,” notes Linda Henninger, President of the Kings Park Civic Association.

“There was a time when the goal of obtaining sewers for Kings Park seemed to be an unattainable dream,” states Tony Tanzi, Kings Park Chamber of Commerce President, “But we are now poised to break ground on a project that everyone agrees will be an historic game changer for our community.”

“Complements to Tony Tanzi at the Kings Park Chamber, Linda Henninger from the Kings Park Civic, NYS Senator Mario Mattera, Town of Smithtown Supervisor and members of the Town Board, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Deputy County Executive Peter Scully, Town of Smithtown Planning and many others,” Mr. Alexander states, noting that Vision Long Island canvassed and made phone calls with local officials and community leaders to spread the word about the sewer referendum. 

If all moves smoothly, work will begin the summer of 2022 and finish by spring 2025.

Town and County Commit to $44 Million Sewer Project for Huntington Station

Vision Long Island and members of the LI Main Street Alliance were out in Huntington Station recently in support of the funding announcement by Suffolk County and the Town of Huntington for long awaited sewer investment in the Station area.

Officials announced a 44-million-dollar commitment to expand sewers in Huntington Station in order to advance community revitalization and economic development.

“Compliments to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, former Town of Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci and past and present members of the Town Board for getting this process underway,” Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance stated. “Back when we were Vision Huntington at public meetings twenty plus years ago, this was prioritized and it has been a long journey to get funding secured. Great to see the Huntington Chamber of Commerce and local community leaders embrace the project, which will help bring needed redevelopment and environmental protection to the area.”

The announcement came from Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and then-Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci during a news conference. The two signed an inter-municipal agreement pledging the funds for the Huntington Station Hub Sewer Infrastructure Project. The municipalities committed to paying 22-million-dollars each from money received under the American Rescue Plan Act, making it the first project of the County’s new Wastewater Infrastructure Fund.

The project will span the New York Avenue/Route 110 corridor from the Huntington Long Island Rail Road station to 14th Street with additional parcels to the west, north of Fourth Street to the train tracks, and to the south and east along Depot Road to East Ninth Street. The project will also improve existing sewer infrastructure in the Melville corridor, eliminating bottlenecks to handle increased flow from Huntington Station.
County Executive Bellone further stated that “For far too long, our region’s outdated infrastructure has slowed growth and development, with the lack of sewers being a primary driver. This is an historic partnership where both the town and the county have come together and will be utilizing American Rescue Plan funds to push this much needed project forward, which will boost the local economy, create jobs, and allow for the continued revitalization of blighted areas.”

The County is expected to hold public hearings on the plan in March 2023, break ground in February 2024, and be completed in December 2026.

You can read more at Newsday here, and at Huntington Now article here.

Revitalizing Upper Port Jefferson

Newsday recently spotlighted the ongoing plan and projects designed to revitalize Upper Port Jefferson.

“Great to see Upper Port Jefferson’s Master Plan and resulting TOD projects get a spotlight,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “Credit to Village Mayor Margot Garant who has planned these revitalization projects for many years.” 

After a yearlong effort to transform a rundown section of the area, Port Jefferson is starting to reshape the skyline around the village's train station. Projects, including an apartment-retail complex two blocks away from the Long Island Rail Road and one set to begin at the intersection of Main Street and North Country Road, are all part of the village’s 2015 plan to revitalize Upper Port Jefferson, which has decayed in recent decades.

"Nothing happens overnight, especially in government and development," said Mayor Margot J. Garant. "As you come to the village from Port Jeff Station, coming north, that’s really going to change the gateway coming into the village."

Some of the more prominent projects include:

Conifer Realty’s plan to open Port Jefferson Crossing, a three-story complex near the train station that would include first-floor shops and about 40 upper-floor apartments, later this year.

One North, a three-story apartment-retail complex, is slated to begin later this year on the former site of the Lobster House seafood restaurant. This is a project by the Port Jefferson-based Gitto Group, which previously built the Hills, a 72-unit apartment complex which opened in 2017 on Texaco Avenue in Upper Port.

“Good to see the investment in multiple projects from Rob Gitto of the Gitto Group, and Vision Long Island Board member. Without private investment, downtowns across Long Island would be ghost towns, so this is worth celebrating. His Upper Port projects have won LI Smart Growth Awards,” Mr. Alexander explains.

You can read Newsday’s complete article here.

Parking Restrictions Come To Streets Near UBS Arena

In an effort to ease the onerous effects caused by crowds of hockey fans and concertgoers obstructing local streets and trespassing on private property, the Town of Hempstead recently enacted parking restrictions around the Belmont Arena.

Scores of residents have complained to Hempstead officials and Nassau police about the overflow parking since the arena opened to the public on November 20th. “You can’t even get in and out of your own driveways," said Bob Barker, 67, of Elmont, president of the Locustwod/Gotham Civic Association.

The Hempstead town board voted unanimously to approve new parking limits. The restrictions affect roads off Hempstead Turnpike, such as Locustwood Boulevard, Heathcote, Huntley Sussex, Warwick and Wellington roads; 106th and 109th Avenues, and Fieldmere and Pine Streets. Signs were added last week that read: "No parking anytime, except with permit." Residents are allowed free parking permits for each registered vehicle and four additional guest passes.

Moreover, the town has filed a home rule law request with the State to expand parking restrictions to other communities, such as in Bellerose Terrace and South Floral Park, where residents have said they too face arena-related parking problems. The incomplete parking garage, not projected to open until spring, is also exacerbating the issue.

Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance states, “During the public hearing process, which was not managed by the Town, these issues were raised, along with many others, as the project was opposed by the vast majority of neighboring communities. Very few public benefits and mitigation of traffic, parking and economic impacts were put in place tied to the approval by NYS. The community of Elmont is right to raise these issues that they predicted would occur and it is good to see the Town take some action.”

You can read Newsday’s full article here.

Long Island Main Street News, Under Production, makes Extended Interviews with Local Leaders Available

Vision Long Island has been in the process of interviewing some of our community partners: local civics, small business/chamber friends, municipal officials and local food pantry and religious leaders. 

As part of these efforts, we have reached over half of the communities we work in and are starting now to connect to some of our friends not rooted in any one community from development, design and infrastructure professionals and environmental leaders as well.   These interviews will be pieced together into a future show titled "Long Island Main Street News," but, in the meantime, you can view an extended version of these interviews here.

Special thanks to our guests for sharing their experiences, to our friends at Pink Tie for providing access to their studio, and to Rob Comforto from Videomasters for the filming and production.

We were happy to have NYS Assemblyman Doug Smith in the studio for an edition of LI Main Street News. 

Assemblyman Smith spoke about the train station area revitalization in Ronkonkoma, helping small businesses through Coronavirus and the assistance his staff provided with NYS unemployment benefits.   He also  provided an Albany update.  

Check it out here.

We had our friend Tom Grech from the Queens Chamber of Commerce recently join us for a LI Main Street News interview.

Mr. Grech shared with us the expansive work of Queens Chamber, the importance of key infrastructure projects and the work they have been doing to help small businesses in their County.   Great to see our neighbors to the West active and aiding the recovery from the Coronavirus regulations.  

Check it out here.

Great to have Suffolk County’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Retha Fernandez join us for an edition of LI Main Street News.  

Ms. Fernandez shared with us her goals to make Suffolk County’s workforce more reflective of the changing demographics of the County.   She also covered the various trainings she provides for various departments to make the existing workplace culture welcoming for all backgrounds.  

Check it out here.

Great to have our good friend NYS Senator Mario Mattera in for an edition of LI Main Street News.   The Senator covered the importance of sewers, solid waste, preserving local zoning and community engagement.

As a representative for Plumbers Union Local 200 he has been a longtime supporter of development and infrastructure.  Good to see him represent local communities in Albany.  

Check it out here.

Great to have Town of Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman out for an edition of LI Main Street News.  

Supervisor Schneiderman covered how he is managing the influx of NYC residents during Coronavirus, the challenges of affordable housing, transportation and human needs as well.  The Supervisor has decades in public service serving multiple roles so his wisdom and perspective is always great to hear.

Check it out here.

Great to have Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Aguiar in the studio for an edition of LI Main Street News. 

She was joined by Riverhead CDA Director Dawn Thomas as well.   They both gave an update on their efforts at downtown revitalization that include new affordable and market rate housing, office space, restaurants, events, and the new Town Square project that connects the riverfront to the downtown.   

Fresh off a re-election it will be good that the Supervisor and Councilmembers will have an opportunity to continue the progress on Main Street.

Check it out here.

Great to have Jamir Couch from Knowles Hall Consulting and the NYS AARP Board in for a LI Main Street News interview.  

Ms. Couch covered a range of topics including her work helping businesses access resources and policy issues related to social inequities through the pandemic.   Wide ranging and illuminating conversation that could have gone longer.  

Check it out here.

Great to have our friends from Monroe's restaurant, Danyella Vitucci and Joe Fahmy, on Post Avenue in downtown Westbury on LI Main Street News.  

This new restaurant shows that new investment on food and beverage establishments complements the housing developments, arts and events that are revitalizing Westbury's business district.   On a personal note I have dined there and the food is fantastic.  

Check it out here.

Great to have our long time friend Jack Martins join us for an edition of LI Main Street News. 

He is currently a partner at Harris Beach and former NYS Senator and Mayor of Mineola.   Mr. Martins shared with us his experience getting downtown and infrastructure projects advanced while building consensus with the public.

Always great to hear his insight and this interview covers a lot of ground.  

Check it out here.

Happy to have Rob Dinoto from Questus Capital in for a LI Main Street News interview. 

Mr. Dinoto shared with us info on downtown mixed use projects in Huntington, Hicksville and Floral Park among others planned.  We also had a dialogue about the importance of community involvement in the development process.  

Check it out here.

SBA Webinars

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will continue to offer informational webinars in 2022 to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. The webinars will incorporate strategies to navigate uncertainty and recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

The following webinars are currently being offered:

How to Start a Business
Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 9:30am (SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC)
Register for this event here.

Selling to the Federal Government and Global Market
Friday, January 21, 2022 at 11:00am (SBA and Greater New York Chamber of Commerce)
Register for this event here.

Business Recovery in the Wake of COVID
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 12:00pm (SBA and Italy-America Chamber of Commerce)
Register for this event here.

Contact Man-Li Lin, Economic Development Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration, at Man-li.lin@sba.gov for more information.

Our Sponsor

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