presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance April 11th, 2022
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Quote(s) of the Week
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Long Island Complete Streets Summit Tackles Funding for Road Safety Improvements
Vision Long Island, the Long Island Complete Streets Coalition and the Long Island Main Street Alliance came together virtually and in person at The Sustainability Institute at Molloy College on March 25th 2022 for the 10th Annual Complete Streets Summit. Addressing the over one hundred attendees, Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street, outlined the important work of the Complete Streets Coalition. From working on Complete Streets policy and advocacy, to obtaining necessary funding, the Coalition is a public voice for pedestrians, bicyclists and bus transit passengers. Mr. Alexander thanked Vision Long Island’s Board of Directors and the sponsors of the Summit - AARP, GPI, VHB, H2M, and WSP for their tireless commitment to communities. Discussing the current landscape, Mr. Alexander stated, “We know there are unprecedented federal dollars for transportation, along with State dollars, which includes an extra billion dollars in a five-year transportation plan. This is not the time to be shy. We need to have roads designed for safety, and that is what has to be demanded.”
The program’s opening remarks came from Honorable Richard Nicolello, Nassau County Presiding Officer and Honorable Kevin McCaffrey, Suffolk County Presiding Officer.
“Nassau County is working diligently to secure our fair share of the funding from the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. It is important that we take advantage of this opportunity, not just to pave the streets curb to curb, but to incorporate many of the things you are here about today in order to make these streets user friendly for all users, whether they are pedestrians, bicyclists… and include all of the different transformative projects such as crosswalks, medians, countdown time, bike lanes... Now is the time to address these issues and make changes, the money will not last forever.”
“We can’t say enough about the importance of safe streets, whether it be for pedestrians or bicyclists. Post COVID, people expect us to incorporate safe street designs into all of our roadways, downtowns, and in any economic development we do. We look forward to working with all our communities, all the stakeholders, to make sure the things that we do are going to make it safer for each and every one of us on our streets. Now is the time everyone needs to look at what they want to get and be prepared to apply for this money.” The program next moved into community updates, with Coalition members from around Long Island discussing the current status of Complete Streets.
“Our goals are to promote walking and biking, promote walking and biking safety education and to support safe walking and biking infrastructure. A key component of what we do is get people to understand the benefits of active transportation so they will get out and bike and walk more. We talk about the benefits which include health, environmental, social, and economic benefits.” Ms. Mascali highlighted the Brookhaven Bike Co-op, a nonprofit community bike organization which collects and refurbishes unwanted donated bicycles, providing them to people who need transportation or have limited accessibility to healthy activity.
“Suffolk Bicycle Riders Association is a group of riders who try to introduce people to cycling. On the charitable side, we have bicycle helmet giveaways and we try to get into communities to help people out where there are problems with bicycling. There is also an advocacy side of the organization. We have been very instrumental in helping to get the three-foot rule passed in Suffolk. We work to make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians.”
Susan Kessler - “We are trying to create safe environments for our communities to be physically active and that’s the role of our grants. We have now received three Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grants from the New York State Department of Health. This is the second iteration of the grants. The first five years were specifically focused on schools, this is focused on community. The grants are for the Town of Hempstead, the Town of Islip and the Town of Babylon. What we are suppose to be doing is implementing comprehensive community based participatory approach to increasing physical activity and nutrition to all ages.”
“In 2017, Governor Cuomo announced the Empire State Trail, a 750 mile, 200-million-dollar trail running from Battery Park, to the Canadian border, and from Albany to Buffalo. It excluded Long Island… New York State asked The Trust for Public Land to investigate a trail across Long Island. In 2018, TPO evaluated and mapped out a high level, east/west 175-mile route across Long Island. We defined a multi-use greenway. It links to existing north/south trails. We couldn’t undertake the entire 175-mile trail, so in 2019 we focused on an in-depth study of a 25-mile trail from Eisenhower Park to Bethpage State Park to Brentwood State Park… We have some very exciting news, a few weeks ago The Trust for Public Land received a $2.5 million federal grant that will provide the funds necessary to match $1.1 million that we received from NYS. With these funding sources we will be able to begin construction of the Long Island Greenway in 2024.”
“The Village of Amityville just received 10 million dollars through DRI grant program. Walkability and traffic calming is one of the major things we want to do with that money. We signed a contract with Pedal Share and that’s going to be a great thing because the Village of Lindenhurst has it and the Village of Babylon has it. People will be able to use their bicycles to get around the three Villages within the Town of Babylon.”
“PSEG Long Island started some outdoor commerce programs during the pandemic because we saw the small businesses were struggling. Working with chambers and business improvement districts, we made grants available to those organizations to create outdoor shopping and dining in their downtowns. We have been able to give out about $200,000 over the past two years through those programs. We will soon be announcing a program extension, adding a $500,000 budget line for grants for small businesses and districts.”
“New York Bicycling Coalition has now joined with Families for Safe Streets to work to promote the Crash Victims Bill of Rights. The Crash Victims Bill of Rights is a series of eight laws presently before Albany which would basically change the culture of driving and cycling in New York. This is so important because the number of traffic deaths have been through the roof. The numbers are up 17% since 2020. It is a health epidemic at this point. It is really time to try to take a step to change the culture here on Long Island.”
“AARP Long Island loves the collaboration we have with Vision LI. We work so hard on age friendly, livable communities, and walkable streets in particular. Too many communities on Long Island were only designed for automobile travel. We need to pay close attention to the consideration for the needs of pedestrians. What we do is partner with Vision and work on walkability audits.” The program also featured guest speakers discussing the need and status of Complete Streets.
Discussing the State’s five-year transportation plan, Deputy Secretary Lopez stated. “The plan will be $32.8 billion. It is the largest capital plan in the State’s history. We are in the process right now of working with the legislature and the division of budget to finalize the projects that are going to be in the capital plan. We are finalizing the various programs in the plan, including Pave NY, the CHIPS program, Pave Our Potholes, Bridge NY and other priority projects that will bring the Complete Streets model throughout the state. It will be very important for not only my office, but the State DOT, to work very closely with local government at the county level, the city level, and the town and village level to make sure that when we are doing projects they incorporate as much as the Complete Streets vision as possible. It will take a lot of coordination between the state and all localities. There will be formula funding in the 32.8 billion dollars for municipalities, as well as grant opportunities.”
Mr. Wefering’s discussion centered around the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and its potential impact on Complete Streets. “The law provides $973 billion within the first five years from 2022 through 2026. Out of that, $550 billion are for new investments, including $284 billion for transportation. We are mainly interested in transportation, where the biggest chunk will be used for roads and bridges, which is related to Complete Streets.” Mr. Wefering identified programs and items associated with Complete Streets, including TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program); the Safe Streets and Roads for All program; RAISE Discretionary grants; Safe Routes to School program; and the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment program.
Mr. Keyes offered updates of Suffolk County’s efforts with regard to Complete Streets. Updates included the Hike & Bike Master Plan, noting the completion and opening of the Ocean Parkway Greenway, the addition of Pedal Share on Ocean Parkway and steps taken to add the Great South Bay Greenway up across to the main land. Discussing the Hike & Bike Master Plan, Mr. Keyes stated, “We set out to map existing bike facilities throughout Suffolk County and then create a plan to fill all the gaps with as many connections that made sense. This is a living plan, a living document, that we are going to continue to update. When all is said and done, 84% of Suffolk’s population will be within a half mile radius of a hike and bike facility.” In discussing NICE Bus, Mr. Keyes stated, “Suffolk County is in the midst of a comprehensive bus network redesign. The idea is looking at our current level of investments to figure out how we allocate those resources to maximize the benefit to the greatest number of users across the County. We have a draft plan on our connectli.org website. We estimate that under the new system, the average Suffolk resident will be able to reach 48% more jobs within sixty minutes than today under the current system. There will reallocation, but no cuts.”
Mr. Sallie gave an overview of what Nassau County has been working on with respect to Complete Streets. “We are continuing with a bunch of projects and have a bunch of new projects coming up. I urge you all to monitor the Nassau County Capital Plan, it is the guiding document for all things transportation capital in the County.” Ongoing projects include: Manorhaven Boulevard and Manorhaven Road improvements; Bellmore Avenue Streetscape improvements; Baldwin Grand Avenue Complete Streets project; Park/Beech Street Complete Streets & Drainage improvement project; Austin Boulevard Road improvement, Island Park; Long Beach Road Complete Streets, Island Park; NICE Bus Battery-Electric Buses; Nassau County Shared Mobility Management Plan; and Roadway Safety Prioritization System. With regards to funding, Mr. Sallie stated, “Nassau County Department of Public Works is engaged with NYMTC and the Nassau-Suffolk Transportation Coordinating Committee on the development of the 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Plan that flows through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. We are estimating, based on the publicly available information, at about a 30 to 40 percent increase in the formula transportation funds as the result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.” Two panel discussions were also held during the program. Panel #1
Discussing how DPWs can best be ready for the Infrastructure Act, Mr. Lemberger stated, “Planning is really the first step on any project. You go from planning, to design, to engineering, to implementation. But it all starts with planning. Create a plan that doesn’t just sit on a shelf, create a plan that has teeth to it, that is useable, that has utility and has multiple different aspects to it. An action plan is a great way to do this.” Steps to be taken include: Establish a vision; define goals; address safety, accessibility and equity; create a best practice tool kit; involve the public; interagency coordination; and identify possible funding sources.
“One of our key indicators outside education and income stability is health. Part of the conversation that is missing and is important is that our community has rich assets culturally and socially, but has some challenges. One is our middle schoolers have a high obesity rate. Folks come into the classrooms and say walking is a great way to exercise, but if we have a bunch of incomplete streets that are not safe, how are our children able to engage in that... In our community there is an importance of partnership. It is important to understand time, resources and collaboration.” Panel #2
Mr. Winter stated, “We talked a lot today about Complete Streets components in the public right-of-way, but I want to touch upon things we can consider on the site planning side to make that connection and integrate what is happening on the street with what’s going to be happening on the site and really prove that full connection between all infrastructure in the area. Every project needs to be tailored to the project you are working on.” Mr. Winter noted Complete Streets Site Planning considerations include the nature of the development, who will be there, physical constraints and economic factors.
Discussing private contributions to Complete Streets, Ms. Vandrei stated, “Providing the facilities for walking and biking and Complete Streets is not enough to make people want to walk… Walk appeal is very important. Depending on what the environment is actually like, depends on how far you are going to walk (Original Green). If it keeps you interested, you will keep walking.” Ms. Vandrei noted if you want people to walk, don’t put the parking lot at the sidewalk, do pull the building to the sidewalk, or create a quality public space in front of the building, sidewalk dining, merchandise display, provide interest and transparency at eye level, don’t ignore the neighborhood and don’t forget the details. Design for people. “Engaging people is what Complete Streets is all about.” You can view the entire 2022 Complete Streets Summit here.
PSEG Long Island Announces Next Round of Economic Development Grant Funding
PSEG Long Island has announced half a million dollars in additional funding for its most popular economic development grants for businesses. The announcement coincided with National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day (March 29). The $500,000 will be distributed to eligible businesses through PSEG Long Island’s Main Street Revitalization Grants, as well as through Outdoor Commerce and Beautification Grants to local chambers of commerce and business improvement districts for bolstering outdoor shopping and dining. The Main Street Revitalization Grant is available directly to businesses that complete projects to help improve the economic stability and growth of a municipality. The grant has provided financial incentives to three dozen businesses since the program launched in 2018. “PSEG Long Island’s Main Street Revitalization Grant has provided a total of $864,000 to local businesses in the past four years. With this additional half a million dollars, we can help more local entrepreneurs succeed,” said John Keating, manager of Economic Development for PSEG Long Island. “Small businesses are the backbone of Long Island’s economy. They create jobs and increase commerce. If they thrive, we all thrive; and we are proud to support them. We encourage the public to shop small in celebration of mom and pop business owners.” PSEG Long Island’s Chamber of Commerce Beautification Grant program will nearly double the maximum reimbursement it offers, to $3,500. The program has been highly successful, with $30,000 awarded last year to help increase the visual appeal of local business districts. PSEG Long Island’s Outdoor Commerce Grant offers up to $5,000 to help local chambers and business improvement districts buy outdoor heaters, tables and chairs and other pre-approved items. More than $200,000 was distributed through these grants during 2020 and 2021 to help local businesses weather the pandemic. They are available again this year. The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce used a beautification grant last fall to purchase 5,000 daffodil bulbs that were planted throughout the village. The yellow flowers are now popping up all over the downtown area, welcoming shoppers with a glimpse of spring. The chamber also received two PSEG Long Island’s Outdoor Commerce Grants in the past two years to purchase outdoor heaters, tables and chairs. “Thank you very much for your foresight and continued support of our community,” said Mary Joy Pipe, Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce president and owner of The East End Shirt Co, Inc. “As a local business owner, chamber member and beneficiary of PSEG Long Island’s grants, I give many thanks. Being able to purchase lighting, merchandise displays, tables and umbrellas for outdoor dining all speak to PSEG Long Island’s commitment to promote small businesses in Port Jeff.” "It’s great to see an expression of support for local businesses which are the backbone of Long Island communities,” said Eric Alexander, founder of the LI Main Street Alliance. “The pandemic restrictions have set these small shops back and grants and resources from PSEG Long Island and other institutions can aid in the recovery of our downtown business districts." Additional small business support “By upgrading the lighting systems to LED units, Port Jeff Lobster House and Fish Market is saving money while reducing its carbon footprint,” said Michael Voltz, director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables for PSEG Long Island. “PSEG Long Island has created energy efficiency programs that have already saved our customers millions of dollars on their electric bills and lowered their energy usage. These savings will continue for them into the future.” “PSEG Long Island has been a great partner throughout the years, and its Vacant Space Revival discounts made our transition to a new building much smoother by giving us a huge discount on our electricity costs the first year. They also supplied us with new LED panel lights throughout our market and kitchen, which saved us a great deal on energy and buildout costs,” said Luciano. “Our move during the pandemic led us through uncharted waters fraught with risk and uncertainty. We certainly appreciate the help.” To date, PSEG Long Island has awarded $165,000 in Vacant Space Revival discounts directly to new businesses to help them save on their electric bills. Also joining PSEG Long Island in support of the announcement were Gina Coletti and Bob Fonti, co-founders and co-chairs of Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers, Inc. and Frank Camarano, president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. These grant opportunities for businesses and business membership organizations are designed to put mom and pop businesses in a position to succeed in these unprecedented times and into the future. NICE Bus Announces Electric Bus Initiative
Nassau County Legislature announced its Electric NICE Bus Initiative on March 22, 2022 at a press conference at the NICE bus yard on Commercial Avenue in East Garden City. At the press conference, county officials advised of the purchase of six new battery electric powered NICE Buses. “Nassau County has a reputation for being one of the most environmentally responsible counties in the State,” Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello said. “By adding zero-emission buses to our fleet, we will immediately reduce emissions and improve air quality here in Nassau County, while saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in maintenance and fuel.” According to the county’s press release, the six vehicles purchased are New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ 40-foot transit buses, model XE40. They come with 525KWh Lithium-Ion batteries and have a range of approximately 180 to 200 miles on a single charge. The cost is approximately $1.1 million per vehicle. The County’s funding has been supplemented by funding from New York State and the Federal Government for greener transportation. It is estimated that each electric bus will save up to $125,000 in maintenance and up to $400,000 in fuel savings over its 12-year lifespan. These six buses will initially service the Nassau County HUB area with service originating from the Rosa Parks Bus Depot in the Village of Hempstead and serving the greater Hempstead, Nassau Community College, Hofstra University and Roosevelt Field areas. Usage will then expand throughout the county. “Nassau Inter-County Express has selected New Flyer as our new battery-electric bus vendor,” said Jack Khzouz, Chief Executive Officer, NICE. “We plan on deploying these energy-efficient vehicles for the launch of our new bus rapid transit (BRT) system, which will provide Nassau County with zero emissions travel between Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center to the Nassau Hub/NCC locations. They will help NICE improve accessibility and connectivity within Nassau County.” The charging equipment that will be purchased for the buses include ABB HVC Power cabinets and depot charge boxes. The primary charging station site will be the decommissioned water purification plant on the corner of Oak Street and Commercial Avenue in East Garden City. “Kudos to NICE Bus and Nassau County officials for putting some electric buses into their fleet. While these vehicles are costly, there were grants secured for the purchase so there was minimal impact on Nassau County taxpayers or bus riders,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. The buses are expected in Fall of 2022. They will be the first electric public transport buses in use on Long Island. Photo courtesy Nassau County Government. Shown in photo above, left to right in front of demo electric bus: Legislator Steve Rhoads; Legislator John Giuffré; Legislator Tom McKevitt; Jack Khzouz, Chief Executive Officer, NICE; Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello; Legislator Rose Marie Walker; Legislator John Ferretti; Legislator Laura Schaefer and Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip. You can view the press release here. Route 347 Greenway Project Kicks Off |
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Affordable Housing Project in Farmingdale Advances |
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Upcoming Small Business Webinars
Let’s welcome the New Normal with more information and networking. Check out these events coming up in April. Tue. 4/12/2022 11:00am-12:30pm (SBA and Pursuit Lending, SBA 504 Certified Development Corp. ) Tue. 4/12/2022 1:00pm-2:00pm (SBA and Hudson Park Library) Wed. 4/13/2022 9:30am-10:30am (SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC) Wed. 4/13/2022 2:00pm-3:00pm (SBA and Northeast Small Business Transportation Resource Center, U.S. Department of Transportation) Thurs. 4/14/2022 9:30am-10:30am (SBA and York College SBDC) Tue. 4/19/2022 11:00am-12:00pm (SBA and Pursuit Lending, a SBA 504 Certified Development Corp.) Tue. 4/19/2022 1:00pm-2:00pm (SBA and Hudson Park Library) Wed. 4/20/2022 10:30am-11:30am (SBA and Flushing Library) Wed. 4/20/2022 3:00pm-4:00pm (SBA and Flushing Library) Thurs. 4/21/2022 9:30am- 10:30am (SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC) Thurs. 4/21/2022 10:30am- 11:30am (SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC) Thurs. 4/21/2022 100pm- 2:00pm (SBA and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce) Thurs. 4/21/2022 2:00pm- 3:30pm (SBA and Pursuit Lending, SBA 504 Certified Development Corp. ) Tue. 4/26/2022 1:00pm-2:00pm (SBA and Hudson Park Library) Wed. 4/27/2022 1:00pm-2:00pm (SBA and Renaissance Economic Development Corp) Wed. 4/27/2022 2:00pm-3:00pm (SBA and Renaissance Economic Development Corp) Thurs. 4/28/2022 11:00am-12:00pm (SBA and Queens Chamber of Commerce) Baldwin Civic Encourages Local Community to Join Cash Mobs
The Baldwin Civic Association is encouraging community members to support local businesses by joining a cash mob at the following eateries: Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to Host Latino Leaders Luncheon
The Chamber’s “Stronger Together” theme will help create opportunities to provide support for businesses facing the world left behind due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Call 516-333-0105 or email admin@lihcc.org to RSVP. East End Arts to Host 26th Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival
East End Arts is hosting the 26th Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival on Sunday, May 29, 2022, from 12 PM to 5 PM in downtown Riverhead and on the green at East End Arts at 133 E. Main Street. |
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Our SponsorCronin & Cronin Lae Firm, PLLC
Cronin & Cronin specializes in Tax Certiorari, protesting the real property tax assessments and condemnation for commercial properties throughout New York State. We have over 75 years of legal experience in New York State. Their success in the field of Tax Certiorari is due to a reputation for honesty, integrity and excellence. Because of that reputation, as well as extensive knowledge and years of experience in property matters, they have established a positive relationship with the various municipalities. Their lawyers have obtained some of the most dramatic reductions in assessment in New York State, resulting in the largest refunds issued by the taxing municipalities. Their firm has established legal precedent on various issues, including the valuation of cooperatives, tenant standing, school district intervention, and expert testimony. Their staff is knowledgeable in all areas related to property tax and regularly consult with clients regarding purchasing a property or possible major construction by projecting future property taxes and values as well as aid in obtaining any exemptions they may be eligible for. Cronin & Cronin manages all steps in a condemnation case to ensure our clients are treated justly as well as aid in any contamination/environmental issues a property may have. |
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Let’s Move LI Initiative - Rosemary Mascali, Co-chair of the U.S. Green Building Council's Long Island Chapter's Sustainable Transportation Committee
Suffolk Bicycle Riders Association - Joe DePalma, Board Member
WS BOCES & Creating Healthy Schools and Communities - Susan Kessler, Program Administrator WS BOCES & Tawaun Whitty, Assistant Director at Vision Long Island
Tawaun Whitty - “The reason why we are here at Complete Streets today is because we can create all the healthy centers we want, make sure the daycare centers are feeding the kids properly, we can make sure food pantries are getting food, schools are doing correct programs, but if people can’t walk to these destinations safety it is really an issue.”
The Trust for Public Land - Danny Gold, Project Manager for the Long Island Greenway 
Village of Amityville - Mayor Dennis Siry
PSEG Long Island - John Keating. Manager, Economic Development
New York Bike Lawyers - Dan Flanzig, Flanzig & Flanzig/NYBC
AARP Long Island - Bernard Macias, Associate State Director 
Nivardo Lopez, Deputy Secretary for Transportation to NYS Governor Kathy Hochul 
Frank Wefering, Director of Sustainability · GPI / Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.
Jonathan Keyes, Executive Director/CEO, Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation
Sean Sallie, AICP, Deputy Commissioner, Nassau County Department of Public Works
Aryeh Lemberger, WSP 
Jacob Dixon, Choice for All 
Ryan Winter, VHB
Catie Vandrei, Hoffman Grayson Architects
