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Long Islanders Revel in Huge Benefits from Stimulus Package
In addition, Vision Long Island, along with local civic, environmental, and business groups and elected officials are rejoicing in the incredible outpouring of Federal stimulus dollars to the region. After months of lobbying for community-generated stimulus projects for wastewater, transportation, traffic calming, and clean energy projects, we are happy to see that over 80% of the projects have received federal stimulus dollars administered by New York State. Vision Executive Director Eric Alexander said in a statement released today, "Of the 300 projects put forward, I am in shock and disbelief that over 250 are fully funded in this year's budget." "There's even money allocated for the beachfront penguin drug rehabilitation center and the sandcastle erosion prevention initiative, the adopt-a-mall project, and HOV lanes on the Long Island Sound." Shocking Truth Revealed at Tallgrass
After years of controversy, this Smart Growth project received Town approval, but failed to pass the Pine Barrens Commission. Lawsuits ensued and insiders and outsiders alike were puzzled by the inability to reach a consensus on a project that had less impact and more community benefits than the "as of right" development of single family homes. An anonymous resident was quoted as saying "It is uncanny. We have been talking about this project for years and just could not agree on anything." Lacking open space funds from Town, County, and State levels, some folks contend that local environmental organizations have been reaching out to extraterrestrial funding sources to get Tallgrass preserved. A local environmentalist was quoted as saying "without government dollars to preserve the land, you have to think outside the box". Oyster Bay Bans use of words 'Avalon Bay'
A town official who spoke on condition of anonymity said, "They left town, so we do not want to even hear their name muttered. This is a dark part of our history that we shall not dare repeat." Under the new ordinance, any local resident caught saying the words "Avalon Bay," "Avalon Bay Communities," or "Avalon" will be fined $250 for the first offense and $1,000 for the second offense. If there is a third offense, the community will ask the resident to leave town. Duany returns for 5th Anniversary of Kings Park Charrette
Now, five years later, Mr. Duany has agreed to return to the area to sit down with residents and share memories of the good ol' days. One resident remembers the loving shouts of "go home!" and "no, ma'am, you shut up." Looking forward to his visit, Duany says he plans to wear a bulletproof vest and tomato-resistant raingear. At time of publication, a statue was being erected in his honor. Yaphank Gets own Videogame
Whether you build high-rise apartment buildings, wilderness trails, or even a casino, the possibilities are endless. A special edition with additional controls allows for a Nascar Racetrack on the site. "Yaphank County Center: The Game" will be sold by Suffolk County, and will only be available online or in person at County offices, though officials said that they are discussing the possibility of franchising to gaming stores. County Executive Steve Levy is thrilled, as everyone wins. As a bonus, all proceeds go toward replenishing the Suffolk County budget. Stay tuned for detailed ordering information. Waterfront Revitalization Meets Next Gen housing
Builders got the idea for the development after a house was successfully floated from New Jersey to its new home in Glen Cove over 17 hours in early March (read about it here). New residents are relatively happy about this plan as they have visions of a permanent party boat, perhaps incorporating different themed boats (Vision suggests "The Love Boat" or "Waterworld Apocalypse"). As for expansion plans, some North Shore communities still reeling from the Broadwater fight are unsure if they can support these floating vehicles. Tiger Salamander Returns
Local civic and environmental groups hung 'missing salamander' signs throughout the area (see image, above right). When asked about his whereabouts for the last 25 years, Tony remarked, "I was looking for affordable housing." He is currently resting at home with his new wife and 3 children. Third Track Veers Off Track... Literally After consulting with local residents, the LIRR hopes to keep the tracks where they are, perhaps creating a new station at the golf course: "This error may actually work in our favor," said LIRR President Helena Williams at a press conference this week. "These golfers are just the people who want to use the LIRR but never had the opportunity. This new station would benefit the local economy and inspire job growth." |
After weeks of fearing that the New York State leaders would be, at best, indifferent to Long Island's needs, a huge outpouring of funding has come to Long Island. Much hyped and feared cuts in education, health care, and environmental programs never materialized and magically transformed into 15% plus increases in aid. 
After an extremely grueling and controversial six-year process, Avalon Bay Communities recently backed out of its proposed development in Oyster Bay on Pine Hollow Road. This is in addition to a another failed proposal on the former site of Hallock Chevrolet. Now, the Oyster Bay Town Board, along with the support of local civic and environmental groups, has passed an ordinance that will ban the words "Avalon Bay" from local discourse. There was little debate on the matter prior to the unanimous vote. 
In 2004, world-renowned New Urbanist and Smart Growth advocate Andres Duany joined Vision Long Island for a visioning in Kings Park to discuss the future of the Kings Park Psychiatric site. Thousands of enthusiastic residents came to the series of meetings and shared their strong opinions about the proposals and of Mr. Duany and Vision.
Modeled after the popular Sim City game, the much maligned Yaphank County Center will get its very own video game this month. Residents opposed to the development can run the simulation to allow the restoration of the property, while developers can build and build on the site as much as desired. 
Local leaders have argued for far too long over proper zoning for downtown projects, often prolonging the building of desperately-needed affordable homes, especially for young professionals. Now, barges have been erected on Long Island's south shore to house Long Island's Next Generation. The floating homes were erected by local businessmen who saw Long Island's housing needs escalating fast, and wanted to do something about it. So far, the municipal response has been overwhelmingly positive, being hailed as a "win-win solution because it supersedes zoning." There are hopes that the workforce housing can be incorporated into an island-wide waterfront revitalization plan.
With a new infusion of stimulus funds, the Third Track project has kicked off construction, already making great progress. Unfortunately, in an effort to move the project forward quickly, engineers made a fatal design flaw: the tracks go straight into the Garden City Golf Club! Everyone's scratching their heads on this one: how did the construction bypass residential neighborhoods unnoticed? Official word is that construction took place swiftly and at night, with the hopes that a completed track would silence any controversy. Word has it that Huntington Town officials, fresh off a controversial expeditious demolition of a waterfront park facility, were consulted internally on how to "cut the red tape."April Fools! Stay tuned for a full newsletter this Friday. |
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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