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In a year when the phrase “climate change” is heard multiple times a day, a Smart Growth Cabinet was created by the Governor, and more local governments are passing progressive legislation, VISION presents a more dynamic collection of Smart Growth Award honorees than ever before. The resurgence of activism, awareness, and a growing desire for change could not help but create a delightfully difficult arena in which to choose honorees. So without further fanfare, here are this year’s honorees:
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Clean Energy: Richard Kessel, former chairman of the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). An advocate for alternative energy sources like solar and wind power, Mr. Kessel spent his term committing LIPA to an energy efficient Long Island and is a champion of renewable energy and environmental issues
Transportation Choices: The City of Glen Cove and Urbitran’s Glen Cove Ferry Terminal, for its creative revitalization of a former federal superfund site into an energy efficient commuter service. In addition to adhering to LEED standards in construction, the ferry terminal would accommodate fast ferries that run on clean diesel and compressed natural gas technology and would supply commuter service to Manhattan, LaGuardia and other potential commuter and recreational destinations while restoring Glen Cove’s waterfront.
Compact Design: Avalon Glen Cove North, the multi-family residential luxury rental community in the heart of downtown Glen Cove. This highly successful project uses density to take advantage of compact building design and fosters a walkable, attractive neighborhood. Located on 1.31 acres, the building holds 111 units ranging from studios to one- and two- bedroom units, bringing a diverse housing stock to downtown Glen Cove.
Revitalizing Communities: Diana Coleman, of Nassau County’s Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC) in Hempstead, a highly respected activist who is committed to promoting equal access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health care and economic development issues. Co-founder of United People for Social, Economic and Racial Justice (UPSERJ), she has worked tirelessly to provide low-income and minority individuals in Nassau County the opportunity for education, training, employment, health care and decent housing and “help people help themselves."
Walkability: Polimeni Associates, for the Winston in downtown Mineola. The 9-story multi-family residential building exemplifies successful transit-oriented development, as it is in easy walking distance to the Mineola LIRR station, several bus lines, businesses, and amenities of downtown. The Winston brings additional foot traffic to Mineola’s streets and greatly enhances the visual aesthetics of the corridors of Willis Ave and Old Country Road by replacing an aging office building.
Certainty: Gene Murphy, Town of Islip Planning Department for Chelsea Place in Bay Shore, which involves a range of housing choices including condominiums and rentals, and has an affordability requirement. It exemplifies the model for downtown re-development. In order to redevelop a marginalized block of failing commercial sites, the Town of Islip approved the zoning changes necessary for transit-oriented development, mix of uses, and higher density housing. Located across from the LIRR station, the project also includes two commercial units on the first floor, creating a destination and sense of place in a highly utilized part of the downtown.
Mixed Use: Vintage Square in Riverhead. The energy efficient transit-oriented development project revitalizes downtown Riverhead’s Railroad Avenue corridor with retail space, office space, parking for the NYS Supreme Courts, and a residential component that provides next-generation housing. Utilizing green construction techniques and material, the plan includes tiered parking for the transportation hub and shuttle service to other destinations, such as the ferry at Orient Point and Main Street. It also features a 10-screen cinema complex, a public plaza for cultural and community events, and a dynamic civic space.
Environmental Preservation: Save the Forge River, a non-profit and community supported organization created to restore the livelihood the Forge River. Through grassroots organizing and legislative initiatives, they have raised public awareness and concerns for the hazardous environmental effects of poor infrastructure and waste-water management.
Community Leadership: West Hempstead Civic Association, led by President Rosalie Norton. The Civic Association has educated and galvanized the community to support higher density, multi-family housing to remove the blighted Courtesy Hotel. Reversing what could’ve been a NIMBY campaign, the West Hempstead Civic Association embraced the progressive ideas of Smart Growth, zoning changes and context sensitive solutions. Founded in 1995 to start a revitalization campaign in the community, the civic association has made improvements with safety initiatives and keeps the community informed.
Sense of Place: Village of Baxter Estates. Incorporated in 1931, the Village has retained its historic charm by preserving its turn-of-the-century, and older, buildings on Main Street. Many business and home owners have maintained their community’s character by preserving original facades and enacting a Landmark Preservation Law to ensure their protection. By monitoring and controlling growth, they have preserved their bucolic open space, distinctive residential area, and small business district.
Last year, over 500 people came out to honor projects from across the Island in fields such as mixed-use development, green building, and regional leadership. See more on last year's event |
April 30th Smart Growth Implementation WOrksession
Overall, the DOT took the second step forward to recovery and asked for help. Now they just have to attend the meetings, stand up, and say, “Hi. I’m the DOT and I was a department of highways.” Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) co-sponsors legislation to create a National Infrastructure Development Corporation
Federal legislation introduced by Representatives Israel, De Lauro and Weiner calls for the federal government to step up its efforts in rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure. HR 3846-The National Infrastructure Development Act (NIDA) establishes the National Infrastructure Corporation that would work with state and local governments to finance projects. In addition to federal initiatives, a bill is in the New York State Assembly for a “State Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act” that would provide priority in public funding for projects which use, maintain, or improve existing infrastructure and preserve natural resources. It would establish state criteria and authorizes each state infrastructure agency to create a Smart Growth advisory committee. Developers Seeing Greater Call for Density In Residential Development
The Livingston Development plan for the Villa at Glen Cove embraces this new call for density and has both affordable and luxury units, but still faces challenges within the City of Glen Cove. In a sign of hope, the Polimeni Group recently received approval for their 258-unit apartment complex one block from the Mineola train station. There are also proposals for luxury condos in Freeport and North Hills, with price tags ranging from $800,000 to over six million dollars. The developer of the ultra-luxury condos in Manhasset, Scott Rechler, said that there was "clearly a market" for it, despite the downturn in the economy. The article notes that people are not only looking at density of residential units, but are also considering what is walkable around them. Smart Growth principles such as access to public transportation and walkable, lively Main Streets are becoming more appealing to Long Islanders. Read the full article here. Multi-HOusing News Talks to Community Housing Innovations' Alexander Roberts "The biggest challenge I face is dealing with the complexity and bureaucracy of housing development in the suburban New York Metropolitan Area," he said, continuing, "the biggest challenge for CHI is re-orienting growth toward housing development as we deal with exclusionary zoning and ability of few neighbors to thwart housing developments." Roberts noted that the "lack of laws that would enforce fair zoning policies...[and] narrow self-interests are protected to the detriment of the greater good," which hurt affordable housing. He also said that the new funding that Governor Paterson has pledged would "be very useful to financially allow housing development to proceed. However, it will not be as effective as fair zoning, which no governor has yet to tackle. When asked about builders' benefits when creating affordable housing, Roberts said, "it is a much safer investment than market-rate housing in today’s uncertain market. Affordable housing funders generally allow a profit of 15 percent of total development costs...The qualifying rules for tenants or homebuyers are esoteric to the market-rate developer. So anyone starting out should engage the services of an experienced consultant or nonprofit that understands the financing of affordable housing, and one that employs heavy use of grants and low-interest loans. I also recommend using the best and most efficient building materials and equipment. There is no "cheap" affordable housing. Better to pay now than pay later after the project is placed in service." In closing, he said, "affordable housing is a very safe investment because there is virtually no market risk. However, as with any real estate project, carefully investigate the background and experience of the developer, manager or owner." |
In a follow up to March’s worksession with New York State’s Department of Transportation, Wednesday’s Smart Growth Implementation worksession was much tamer, despite some residual anger. A larger group of elected officials, civic and not for profit organizations, community activists, local businesses, environmentalists, and an indomitable group from the DOT gathered again to discuss the impediments to Smart Growth on Long Island and strategies to overcome them. In addition to the usual leaders, Paul Beyer, Director of the New York State Smart Growth Cabinet; Peter Fleischer, Executive Director of the newly created Empire State Future; and Michael Harrison of Governor Paterson’s office, brought their experience and statewide initiatives to the table. What could have been a disheartening repeat of March’s meeting turned into a hopeful strategy session that was buoyed by action from the Governor’s office and dynamic leadership radiating throughout New York State in support of Smart Growth. “The wind is out of our faces but not our backs,” said Peter Fleischer.
At the morning session, participants discussed their success stories and areas of opportunity for downtown revitalization. Best practices that were shared included reaching out to civics first, emphasizing well designed density, and the importance of fostering a synergy between the public and private sectors. Challenges to achieving success included the lack of infrastructure, economic effects of shopping malls, the lengthy regulatory process and, when compared to states like New Jersey and Maryland, a disinterested and detached attitude from state government agencies.
During a working lunch session, Paul Beyer and Peter Fleischer offered opportunities for Smart Growth to combat these challenges in New York State. A combination of burgeoning programs and initiatives from the Department of Environment Conservation, the Smart Growth Cabinet, and other agencies and programs throughout the state provided a nutritional lunch of resources, incentives, and aid for community leaders. Paul Beyer outlined a TOD incentives package, created by the MTA and the State Smart Growth Cabinet to promote transit-oriented development within the MTA’s service area. The DEC is linking infrastructure to land use by incorporating Smart Growth principles into the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Load Funds. With Empire State Future, Smart Growth will have advocates in Albany and develop a state-wide strategy to improve collaboration between regions and municipalities.
And this time around, the DOT wore padding for the afternoon’s strategy session for reform. They identified some steps toward improvement, such as forging a partnership with this “Coalition of Reform” and expanding their role to include land use. The DOT would also strengthen their public outreach efforts, with the aid of the Coalition, to identify key stakeholders and successfully involve communities in a public process. In an effort to improve communications, a Regional Public Development Coordinator would facilitate projects and identify best practices with the communities. 
On Monday, April 28th, 
New York Times Real Estate writer Valerie Cotsalas recently published an article in the Times about the shifting housing market and the growing demand for denser condo development, as opposed to more traditional McMansion sprawl in suburbia. The article points specifically to Chelsea Place, the new 'affordable' condo project in downtown Bay Shore that is across the street from the Village's LIRR station. 
Multi-Housing News' Anuradha Kher recently interviewed Community Housing Innovations Executive Director Alexander Roberts about developing and investing in affordable housing. Roberts started CHI in 1991 following a career as a television news correspondent and has grown the organization to a $15 million budget. He has helped to acquire 500 houses and apartments in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Ulster Counties.|
Brookhaven Opens Town's First Dog Park
According to the press release, four in ten Brookhaven Town residents own at least one dog, though many of those community members live in places where there is not enough space to properly exercise their dogs. Supervisor Brian Foley, also on hand at Saturday's event, said that the dog park was the largest in the state. Along with the creation of the park, the Town Clerk's office has solidified the permit process for access to the park. For more information about the park or the permit, visit Brookhaven Town's website. Suffolk Community Council Announces New Project: Accessible Long Island
The Council says, "Long Island is currently home to 293,308 people over the age of 5 with a disability. Long Island residents are going to need increased accessibility and ease of mobility to remain active members of the communities," continuing, "accessible environments ...need to be addressed during the planning and design stages of community development and redevelopment. Accessible Long Island, much like Smart Growth and green building, seeks to create sustainable communities." Universal Design change, they note, is just that. A curb cut, wider doors and hallways, automatic doors, ramps, and similar modifications are useful to both wheelchairs and strollers and needs to be worked into a project in the early design stages. According to their press release, Accessible Long Island's advisory committee is made up of builders, planners, community organizers, architects, realtors, educators, elected officials, veterans, and advocates, working to shape policy, recommend best practices, and raise public awareness about the benefits of Universal Design. "Universal Design principles focus on equal use, making environments accessible to everyone who uses them to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. The benefits of universal design principles are safety, ease of use, and usability across the lifespan." For more information about Accessible Long Island, contact the Suffolk Community Council at (631) 434-9277. Additional information on Universal Design is available from the Center for Universal Design, Adaptive Environments, and the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access. |
On Saturday, April 26th, the Town of Brookhaven officially opened its first dog park. The Middle Island Dog Park has separate areas for puppies, small, medium, and large dogs. Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Connie Kepert, who was an advocate of the park's creation, was on hand for the event and said, "dog parks serve to enhance people’s quality of life, just as ball fields and other active parks do.”
The Suffolk Community Council recently announced the formation of a new project, Accessible Long Island. Founded on principles of Smart Growth and green building, the program aims to include stricter accessibility standards on all new construction for seniors and people with disabilities through Universal Design principles.|
One way to help is to simply use less electricity. CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) use one-third the energy of standard incandescents and last up to 10 times longer, especially when they are turned off when not being used. Unplugging appliances such as TVs, VCRs, DVD and CD players, and cell phone chargers when they are not in use saves a wasted energy that comes from idle electronic devices.
Additionally, consider how much energy you use on air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter. Keeping the blinds closed and opening windows in the summer and keeping blinds open and windows closed in the winter can lead to using less air conditioning or heat. Programmable thermostats also can control airflow to minimize energy use when no one is home. For more information, visit EnergyStar's site. |
The Group for the East End has highlighted just how much energy the average US family uses and what a few small changes can do to help. Their studies have shown that an average US family spends about $1,900 per year on utilities and that nearly 30% of that is wasted.
All major appliances, including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, water heaters, and dishwashers should be EnergyStar compliant, in order to maximize savings to you and to help the environment. According to the report, EnergyStar certified products and appliances save nearly $450 per year per household and can qualify you for rebates and other tax credits.
Kunstler Speaks Out on Suburbia, Peak Oil... Again
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Suburban doomsday and peak oil advocate James Howard Kunstler recently published a new book, "World Made By Hand," and sat down for an interview with 
Early in April, the Congress for the New Urbanism held their annual conference. This year's event, held in Austin, Texas, focused solutions to growing concerns on climate change, household gasoline dependency, and the falling real estate market. By the end of the three and a half day event, most of the nearly 1,500 attendees had clarified the role that mixed-use, walkable development could play in addressing those issues. Smart Growth and New Urbanism are keys to the country's future.
The CNU also issued their Housing Affordability 2008 report during the conference. With the housing bubble burst and the rising foreclosure and mortgage crisis, the report is quite pertinent today.
Canvas Magazine Holds Earth Day Events Through June
The exhibit, curated for Canvas by Cherie Via of Ripe Art Gallery in Greenlawn, New York, is one of many efforts throughout the year by Canvas Magazine to bring attention to the sustainable issues facing Long Island. An Artists Reception for the Exhibit will be held Saturday, April 26, 5-8pm, when visitors can meet many of artists and learn first-hand what their inspiration was for their work and enjoy refreshments served compliments of Whole Foods. For more information about the canvas Gallery and event, call: 631-351-6480 Green Building, Design, and Development Panel at Southampton Expo to Take Place May 2nd-4th
LEED AP Sustainable Design Leader and member of the Congress for the New Urbanism, Charles Bergen, of WDG Architecture PLLC Washington, DC, will moderate a panel focusing on green building on Sunday, the 4th from 12pm-2:30pm. The Residential Green Building, Design, and Development panel will also feature Chris Earley PE with Greening Urban, Rick Stott with Flynn and Stott, and Ari Meisel with LEED Pro LLC, and will cover the basic principals of green building and sustainable site design, the costs and benefits of green building and green real estate development, as well as the current green building rating systems. Each panel participant will present their recent work in green building, development, and design before opening up the floor to questions. The Elks Lodge is located at 605 County Rd. 39 in Southampton. Lighthouse Luncheon Scheduled for May 14th
Advance reservations are required and are $65 for non-members and $60 for Nassau Council of Chambers members. The program runs from 11:30am-2:00pm. For more information, call 516-000-7724 x101 or register online on the Garden City Chamber's website. Hicksville Chamber Locomotive Restoration Unveiling May 17th For Anniversary
The free ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 17th, from 10:00am until noon at the Kennedy Memorial Park, at the intersection of Broadway and East John St. where it meets West John St. Refreshments will be served in the park. After the ceremony, there are tickets available to meet railroad personalities, visit the Gregory Museum to view the Early American Railroad Exhibit, and to win a raffle of four John Bull train sets. Tickets are $25 and also include lunch, snacks, the historical journal, and informational handouts. The symposium will take place at the Hicksville Middle School on Jerusalem and Fourth St., next to the public library. For more information, call the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce at 516-961-7170. Public To Have CHance to Weigh In On Lighthouse Proposal
As of now, most concerns lie with traffic and transportation issues, especially for those living near the site, as the development would greatly increase the number of people- workers, visitors, and residents- in the area. The developers hope to begin construction of Phase 1 next summer and say that their final report, which will include a transportation study, will be presented to the town this July. For more on the proposal, visit Lighthouse Long Island's website. 12th Annual Riverhead Street Painting Festival
Artists are welcome to purchase a 10' by 10' square to exhibit and sell their work. Council members can do this for $30 and non-members may have the space for $60. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses wishing to support the Council by buying a street painting square. Sponsoring the event helps raise funds for the School of the Arts Scholarship Fund and the Renaissance Kid Summer Camp. Registration for the street painting space is on a first come, first served basis and is open to anyone over the age of 12. The Arts Council will provide chalk and blending materials. To register, contact the EEAC School of the Arts at 631-369-2171, the Council at 631-727-0900, or visit their website. |
Canvas Magazine will be holding its first Eco Art Exhibit in honor of Earth Day at their gallery at 51 Gibson Ave in Huntington, from April 22 through June 14. Numerous Long Island Artists will be showing their unique works that employ the use of materials such as recycled stacking pallets, automotive belts, plastics, metals, and many others. The goal of the exhibit is to showcase art and artists who understand the impact we have on our environment. By using art as a format to express the need for change, it also raises environmental awareness on Long Island. "This is very much in-line with the goals and values of Canvas — a commitment to local art and artists, as well as sustainable living. It also allows us to bring attention to two causes very important to us and Long Island," said Canvas Publisher Tom Pellicane.
The Southampton Elks Lodge will host the 4th annual Hamptons Home and Garden Expo on May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. 
The Garden City Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon program with Scott Rechler on Wednesday, May 14th at the Garden City Hotel. Rechler will make a presentation on the Lighthouse project. The program includes a business showcase, reception, and luncheon.
To celebrate Hicksville's 360th anniversary, the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce is unveiling an 1831 full-scale John Bull Locomotive. Built by the Chamber, the engine is one of three and is the oldest working model in the world.
Dates have been set for the public to voice their opinions on the Lighthouse proposal. Hearings are scheduled on May 22nd and 27th for Charles Wang and Scott Rechler's $2 billion project surrounding the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale. According to 
The East End Art Council has organized the 12th annual Riverhead Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival, to be held on May 25th from noon to 5pm. Admission is free and the whole family is invited to spend the afternoon in downtown Riverhead. In addition to street painting, the festivities also include a musicians' showcase, storytelling, art exhibits and sales, children's activities, and displays from area service organizations.
"Young at Heart" Documentary Playing Now
So, take a bike ride this weekend to your local downtown movie theater (take Grandma along, too) and enjoy this boisterous film about how seniors are very much a part of the livelihood of our communities.
Additionally, May 12-16 is designated as "Bike to Work Week," with the Town of Huntington participating. Bike to your favorite downtown, park, beach, or local hangout and enjoy the weekend! |
A surprise hit at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, “Young At Heart,” directed by Stephen Walker, is a delight for the entire family and all ages. What began as simple volunteering position in Northampton, Massachusetts for Bob Cilman in 1982, has evolved into an international sensation- the Young at Heart Chorus. Under Mr. Cilman’s guidance, these seniors have developed into a first rate singing group of contemporary and class rock and pop, featuring the work of James Brown, Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, Bob Dylan, and Sonic Youth. As Vic Skolnick of the 
May is National Bicycle Month, so why not spend some time this weekend riding your bike? It's great for your health, your wallet, and the environment. It's also a great way to see some of Long Island's more beautiful sites and lets you spend quality time with your family or have some time to yourself.
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.
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