To our Smart Growth supporters,

As we come to the end of another year, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the significant progress that was made for the Smart Growth movement on Long Island: the NYS Smart Growth Public Infrastructure bill passed, NYSDOT broke ground on the Green Route 347 project, community visionings advanced in places such as Hicksville, Gordon Heights, Farmingdale and Bay Shore, dozens of small- and medium-scale projects were approved and/or built and much more.

The Smart Growth movement on Long Island is a collective group of residents, business owners, environmentalists, young people and others just like yourself who are concerned with local land use patterns, downtown revitalization, infrastructure investments, safe streets and neighborhood vitality.

We hope you will consider making an end-of-year contribution to Vision Long Island this December, so that we can continue to work effectively for progress in communities across Long Island.

Vision Long Island is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and relies on donations to run programs and work in communities. With your contribution, you can assist the Smart Growth movement and help put principles into practice. We are asking our friends and partners to donate as little as $50-$100 this holiday season. It’s tax deductible, and with a large enough grassroots participation level, these donations will help our organization thrive in 2011.

Just a reminder of some of the work that occurred over the last year:

• 9th Annual Smart Growth Summit in November: The conference drew 950 attendees and featured 100 speakers, 16 breakout panels, the third annual Youth Summit & Charrette, a large panel of elected officials speaking on the State of the Towns and Villages, a keynote speech by former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato, great networking and much more.
• 9th Annual Smart Growth Awards in June: Over 600 attendees gathered to honor 13 people, projects and policies advancing Smart Growth on Long Island, including the Glen Cove Waterfront development, Green Route 347 and the Huntington Buy Local campaign. Speakers included NYPA’s Richie Kessel, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and honoree and U.S. Representative Tim Bishop.
• Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities on Long Island in August: U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer helps bring the Partnership for Sustainable Communities (DOT, EPA and HUD) to Long Island, where nearly 20 municipalities presented their downtown plans in efforts to “cut the red tape.” Vision helped organize the conference, which drew 350 people.
• Planning for Transit Oriented Development Conference in September: 300 Long Islanders gathered in downtown Hicksville for Long Island’s first TOD planning conference. Over a dozen speakers gave educational and inspiring presentations, including NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, MTA/LIRR President Helena Williams and Town of Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone.
• LEED-ND Conference in March: Believed to be the nation’s first conference on the new LEED for Neighborhood Development program, this event reviewed the requirements and credits for LEED-ND with over 100 attendees.
• LI Business Council grows and serves as a voice for the small business community, with help from Vision. Focus areas have included downtown revitalization, energy, tax reform and consolidation of services.
• Vision’s e-newsletter, SmartTalk, reaches 20,000 Long Islanders each week with community and regional updates, action alerts and more. Social media outreach also grows to reach Long Islanders instantly.
• Vision launched an iPhone application as a companion to the weekly newsletter.

In addition, here are some of the projects and policies that have been advanced:

• NYS Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Priority Act passes: This landmark piece of legislation, 10 years in the making, will prioritize infrastructure investments into existing downtown centers. The bill passed with huge support from Long Island constituents.
• Green Route 347 breaks ground: the project will transform the road into a modified boulevard with bike lanes, greenspaces and improved access.
• LI Lobby Day Coalition grows: Over 30 diverse groups speak with one voice and advocate for a legislative agenda including sewer infrastructure financing, clean energy, transportation investments and more. The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act, Pesticide Free Schools, Energy Star Homes, and Universal home design bills all passed this year.
• Dozens of small and medium scale projects gained approval or broke ground, including the Winston at Mineola, Artspace Lofts in Patchogue, Summer Wind Square in Riverhead, Atlantis Marine World expansion and hotel in Riverhead, The C in Freeport, The Paramount theater in Huntington, Wellington Park Villas in Amityville and many others
• Sandy Hills, a mixed-use development in Middle Island, gained approval.
• Hicksville Downtown Revitalization progresses: After two large visioning meetings early in the year led by Vision, the Hicksville Chamber and the Hicksville Community Council, the community has moved forward quickly with the creation of a weekly farmers market at the train station, committee meetings on economic revitalization, beautification and walkability; civic and community outreach; and more.
• Gordon Heights visioning progresses: The community-based land use plan was approved, with several projects funded and underway, including new sidewalks, parks and a planned community center.
• Complete Streets legislation passes in 3 LI Towns: In its statewide absence, many LI municipalities have taken initiative and passed their own laws to make streets safe for all users.
• LI Bus narrowly avoids elimination, thanks in part to advocacy from Vision and partners.

Please donate today online here or mail in the donation form below.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Vision Long Island at 631-261-0242 or info@visionlongisland.org.

Thanks for your support this holiday season.

- The Board and staff of Vision Long Island