Transportation Choices: TOD Zoning, Mayor Jean Celender, Village of Great Neck Plaza
Mayor Jean Celender of the Village of Great Neck Plaza was honored in the Transportation Choices category for the Village’s new Transit-Oriented Development Zoning for the “B” Business District. This new zoning code aims to revitalize the Great Neck downtown area through new affordable housing, parking, and infill development. The plan encourages mixed-use development, while building upon a walkable, transit-centered community, in order to reduce sprawl and spark revival. Mayor Celender accepted the award along with the Village Trustees.
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Creating Great Places: The Paramount, Huntington
The Paramount was honored for Creating Great Places. The brand new theater, located in the heart of Huntington Village, opened in September 2011, and already attracts major national acts such as Elvis Costello, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, The Pixies, Goo Goo Dolls, and many more, bringing upwards of 5,000 visitors to the Village each week. The venue is conveniently located near the LIRR Station in Huntington along with a free shuttle which takes you right to the theater. The Paramount has played an important economic role for local businesses and has provided the town with a cultural and artistic space which will give new life to the downtown area. Accepting the award were the 4 theater owners, Dom Catoggio, Jim Condron, Brian Doyle and Stephen Ubertini, along with Neal Hoffman of Hoffman Grayson Architects.
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Revitalizing Communities: Farmingdale Hotel & Mixed-Use, Bartone Properties & BWC Realty Partners
The Farmingdale Hotel and Mixed Use development by Bartone Properties and BWC Realty Partners was awarded in the Revitalizing Communities category for the Bartone Plaza project, which incorporates various uses on derelict properties adjacent to the Farmingdale Long Island Rail Road station. The hotel will not include a bar or restaurant in order to encourage guests to explore downtown, and the mixed-use component will include 115 apartments, retail space, and underground parking to promote community growth. Anthony Bartone accepted the award along with Village of Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand, who noted that this is the first of several developments that are slated to come to the Village under the new zoning code, and the cornerstone to bringing youth back to the community.
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Certainty & Predictability: Elmont Mixed-Use Zoning District, Town of Hempstead
The Elmont Corridor Plan in the Town of Hempstead was recognized in the Certainty and Predictability category for the Hempstead Turnpike-Elmont Mixed-Use Zoning District. The zoning code has been a collaborative effort between residents, business owners, and the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County. The plan recognizes the need for downtown revitalization and will lead the way for progress in the Elmont community while ensuring more sustainable land use decisions town-wide. Notably, the Neighborhood Center section of the plan will enable mixed-use development with residences built above stores. The plan also includes design guidelines along with an architectural review board. The Neighborhood Center sub-district will focus around “Community Corners,” the area near the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Elmont Road. This area allows for ample mixed-use development, and the goal is to create a pedestrian-friendly, downtown area for Elmont. In addition to existing business uses, Community Corners will allow for larger and smaller shops, offices, restaurants, and additional housing choices for a range of household types, family sizes and incomes. Building height limits will be increased from two to four stories and up to 60 feet tall, allowing for additional density. A new grocery store is also planned for the area. Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray accepted the award with Councilman Ed Ambrosino. Murray noted that Hempstead Turnpike needs to be friendly and hospitable to residents, and this rezoning will go a long way to making that a reality.
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Providing a Range of Housing Choices: Metro 303, Hempstead, Mill Creek Residential Trust
Mill Creek Residential Trust was awarded in the Housing Choices category for their work on the Metro 303 development, a 166-unit luxury apartment in the Village of Hempstead. The new housing provides an opportunity to attract young professionals to the area, and stays true to Mill Creek’s vision of creating apartment homes that enhance and compliment local communities. Metro 303 offers an immediate benefit to the community within the broader efforts to revitalize the Hempstead downtown. Accepting the award was Mill Creek Residential Trust’s Maria Rigopoulos.
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Compact Design: Water Mill Station, Koral Bros.
Water Mill Station by Koral Bros, Inc. was honored in the Compact Design category for their efforts to transform vacant land in downtown Water Mill into upscale office condominiums. The project is located on a long, narrow strip of land which is an infill site within easy walking distance to the historic Water Mill business district and next to the train tracks. It represents the ideal balance between preserving natural East End beauty and boosting up a small downtown business district. Bill Koral of Koral Bros. and Alex Latham of ADL III Architecture accepted the award.
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Clean Energy: EmPower Solar
EmPower Solar was recognized in the Clean Energy category for the company’s work building solar on homes, businesses, municipal properties, industrial sites, parking lots, and more. CEO and green entrepreneur David Schieren has a true vision for a clean energy future on Long Island. The company promotes the idea that solar energy improves the public health by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. EmPower solar is paving the way to a realistic future of clean, renewable energy on Long Island. David Schieren along with the whole EmPower team accepted the award.
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Community Participation: Dolores Thompson
Dolores “Dee” Thompson of the Huntington Station Enrichment Center was awarded for Community Participation. For decades, Ms. Thompson has been working towards revitalizing the Huntington Station community while building leadership programs. After witnessing the decline of the Huntington Station community, Ms. Thompson founded the Huntington Station Enrichment Center in 1997 which provides training in computer skills, entrepreneurship, English as a second language, job placement, senior services, and youth programs and activities. Ms. Thompson is responsible for many beneficial community programs over the years and continues to fight tirelessly for Huntington Station’s revitalization. Huntington Station was once a thriving downtown center, but when a 1962 urban renewal project failed to move beyond demolishing buildings, the neighborhood began to decline and soon become a sea of parking lots. Today, the community is known as a crime-laden area in desperate need of revitalization. Ms. Thompson remembers the days when Huntington Station was in better shape and has a vision for revitalization that will bring the community back to where it once was. The primary root of the community’s problems, she has said, is the lack of new stores and housing. New construction would replace previously lost jobs and provide homes for a new generation. Ms. Thompson was introduced by Town of Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone.
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Walkability: New York State Senator Charles Fuschillo and Sandi Vega, NYS Complete Streets Legislation
This year’s walkability award went to New York State Senator Charles Fuschillo and Sandi Vega for their work in passing the Complete Streets law. The bill, which amends the state highway law, requires that all roads receiving state and federal funding recognize all users of the road—including cyclists, pedestrians of all ages and abilities, and public transportation vehicles—in the design and construction process. Senator Fuschillo introduced the Complete Streets legislation in the Senate and served as one of its strongest elected supporters. The legislation moved forward due to the tireless efforts of Ms. Vega, a strong advocate for safer streets and roads who garnered local support and commitment. Sandi Vega’s 14 year old daughter, Brittany, lost her life to a driver while walking to school one morning in 2010. This tragedy led Sandi to take action and fight for safer streets. Ms. Vega’s interest in safe streets is driven by her hope that no one else will have to suffer a similar loss; that the streets and roads across Long Island communities will be safe for all potential road users. Ms. Vega was introduced by Lavena Sipes, who shares the tragedy of having lost her daughter, Courtney Sipes, in a hit and run accident in November 2009 on Main Street in Smithtown. Ms. Sipes’ comments were chilling, and when Ms. Vega finally took to the podium, the audience erupted in applause, a standing ovation and many in tears. Senator Fuschillo was also in attendance to receive the award. Following the award presentations, the Senator was brought up to give a quick promotion for the Commuter Transit Benefits bill that is currently moving through the NYS Legislature. This bill, which passed the Senate with Senator Fuschillo’s sponsorship, will ensure that transit commuters in New York receive an existing tax benefit that the federal government cut this year.
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Regional Leadership: Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy, New York State Regional Economic Development Councils
This year’s Regional Leadership award went to New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy, who was recognized for his work as chair of the NYS Regional Economic Development Councils. The Councils have resulted in $785.5 million worth of new funding for many important downtown revitalization projects, including Wyandanch Rising, the Ronkonkoma Hub, sewers for the Village of Hempstead, infrastructure for Heartland Town Square and many others. Accepting the award on behalf of Mr. Duffy was Scott Martella, Suffolk representative for the Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Martella presented Vision’s Eric Alexander with a letter penned by Duffy, explaining his gratitude for receiving the award. Martella spoke to the audience and really drove the importance of the Councils’ work toward rebuilding Long Island and making it a better place to live and work
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Here are some supporting remarks from the event:U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said, “Vision Long Island promotes a more livable and economically sustainable future through its support of transformational projects like the Ronkonkoma Hub, Republic Station Redevelopment, Thought Box 1 and 2nd track. I applaud Vision Long Island for their hard work, which is an inspiration to all Long Islanders and New Yorkers.” Lt. Governor Robert Duffy said, “The Regional Economic Development Councils will help transform our state’s economy and return New York to greatness. This belief is upheld by the work of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, who deserves recognition for this award. The projects you are honoring were made possible in part by the Long Island Council’s hard work and collaboration. In fact, one of the four major categories in the Long Island Council’s winning strategic plan is entitled “Smart Growth for Communities.” This award is in thanks to the council’s vision, success and continued commitment to Long Island’s economy. The region is lucky to have them as advocates.” NYS Senator Charles Fuschillo said, "I am honored to receive this Smart Growth Award. New York State’s complete streets law will enhance safety initiatives, thereby, saving lives, preventing tragedies, and making our streets safer for all users of the road. I'm pleased to share this honor with Sandi Vega, who was a tireless advocate, and a special thanks to Vision Long Island for their strong support." Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano said, “The County is seeking private sector investors to redevelop the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the property that surrounds it so that we can create new jobs and generate the dollars needed to help hold the line on property taxes. With the help of Smart Growth we can and will plant the seeds needed to grow a sports-entertainment destination while redeveloping Nassau County.” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, “I offer congratulations to the 2012 Smart Growth Award recipients. The projects highlighted today truly represent sustainable developments which promote economic opportunity, community revitalization and help to improve the quality of life of all Long Islanders. The individuals recognized today serve as innovative transformers whose policies and strategies have served as an impetus for sustainable development.” Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray said, “I am honored that Hempstead Town is receiving a Vision Long Island award for our work on the mixed-use development zone in Elmont. This is one of the most important projects we are undertaking here in America’s largest township, and the recognition of Vision Long Island shows that we are accomplishing great things for our residents.” Huntington Town Supervisor Frank P. Petrone said, “Dee Thompson and the operators of the Paramount Theater have played important roles in the continuing evolution of Huntington Village and Huntington Station. In creating the Paramount, its operators returned a live performance space to a downtown that is one of Long island’s cultural meccas and expanded the range of programs to attract a new generation of concertgoer. For many years, Dee Thompson has been a vital force in Huntington Station’s rebirth, most recently as co-chair of the Huntington Station Action Coalition that has helped restore pride in the community while working on solutions for its issues. I commend Vision Long Island for recognizing their contributions to our community.” North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman said, “I applaud Mayor Jean Celender’s selection as an honoree of the 11th Annual Smart Growth Awards. Her introduction of transit-oriented zoning to the Village of Great Neck Plaza’s business district will facilitate mixed-use development featuring affordable rentals and retail and thereby help stem the exodus of young people from Long Island.” Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Connie Kepert said, "Every year I look forward to Vision Long Island's Smart Growth Awards. It's an opportunity to connect with professionals and community people from all across the island who are working to push the envelope with projects that are transforming suburbia. I'm especially excited about the Riverwalk project located in the Town of Brookhaven. It's always an inspiring event and for that I thank Vision Long Island and congratulate this year's award recipients!" Village of Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand said, “Bartone Plaza will provide the much needed housing to keep our youth on Long Island. It is a true TOD with walk ability to the railroad and downtown Farmingdale. The Plaza will be the first of many developments to increase foot traffic on Main Street our merchants are looking forward to its completion.” Village of Hempstead Mayor Wayne J. Hall, Sr. said, “On behalf of the Village of Hempstead, I would like to congratulate Metro 303 on this well-deserved award. Now that we have begun our transformative downtown revitalization project, it is important to encourage residential and commercial growth throughout our community. The 303 Main Street Project is an excellent example of the expansion and revitalization that we expect to see throughout the Village over the next several years.” Donald Monti, President and CEO of Renaissance Downtowns, said, “There is a new norm in the market today, driven by our twenty-somethings who demand walkable, mixed-use downtowns near transit. If Long Island doesn’t provide these vibrant environments, our youth will continue to move away, as will the businesses that employ them. The good news is we are seeing progress - transformative redevelopments such as Hempstead and Huntington Station are two projects that we are proud to be a part of, along with numerous others such as Ronkonkoma, Wyandanch and of course, the great work underway in Patchogue. These revitalized downtowns are the answer to our region’s economic future, in addition to the social and environmental benefits brought about by responsible, transit oriented redevelopment." Eric Alexander, Executive Director of Vision Long Island, said, “Vision Long Island is thrilled to highlight the accomplishments of our honorees for the 11th Annual Smart Growth Awards. This year’s honorees are ordinary LI’rs doing extraordinary things specifically improving their communities and the health of our local economy. The recipients are this year's testament to the collective action that is taking place in LI downtowns, empowering many of us to improve our neighborhoods. These projects are transforming Long Island’s downtowns for the better.” The Smart Growth Awards is one of two primary Smart Growth events held on Long Island each year. On November 16th, these leaders will reconvene for the annual Smart Growth Summit, a full day of work sessions designed to advance the Smart Growth movement on Long Island. Check out our event and media links:The event journal is available online here. Special thanks to our videographers, Them Media. Watch all of the honoree videos on our YouTube page. View the article on the event at Newsday. Also check out our recent Patch blog article: "Advantage Downtown II - Community Leadership: Be a Part of the Change..." Thanks again to all our event sponsors:
2012 Smart Growth Awards event photos:
Save the Date for the 11th Annual Smart Growth Summit on Friday, November 16th!
Register today! Sponsorships are now available![ ] Visionary ($15,000) [ ] Leader ($10,000) [ ] Gold Sponsor ($5,000) [ ] Sponsor ($2,000) [ ] ___ seats ($100/person) Please send questions and RSVPs by phone to 631-261-0242, by email to info@visionlongisland.org or by fax to 631-754-4452. |
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