may05smarttalk

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While we often decry the problems impacted and exacerbated by conventional development, it is equally important to consider the successes and failures of Smart Growth planning and land-use efforts. By sharing these news updates and reports, we become better equipped to make informed land-use decisions that meet Long Island's most pressing needs including housing, open space, transportation and economic development.

We welcome your feedback! If you would like to contribute to future issues of “Smart Talk” please e-mail us: info@visionlongisland.org.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VLI NEWS & EVENTS

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL SMART GROWTH AWARDS!!
June 17th, 11:30am - 2:00pm at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.

The breadth and magnitude of issues facing Long Island are great. It is imperative that we strengthen the push for real solutions. By and large, Long Island’s elected officials have studied the issues and know what is needed. They understand the value of Smart Growth solutions. Now, they need to know that their constituency is with them.

On June 17th, Vision Long Island will showcase the people, proposals and policies that represent Long Island’s strongest hopes for the future. These visionaries are advancing the cutting edge development and preservation strategies needed to address the most critical issues facing this region. To succeed, they need your support. Click to view the honorees

The Awards Networking Luncheon is annually attended by a broad array of leaders and decision makers. Join them at this event. Talk to them about the issues your sector is grappling with. Let them know that you are behind solutions that work.

Sponsorship packages are available. Download information about our past awards events at our website, www.visionlongisland.org. We also encourage you to contact our offices at 631-261-0242. Let us know how you can best serve this important movement.

VISION's recent event, "Smart Financing for Smart Growth" drew more than 200 professionals and government officials for highly informative presentations and interactive panel discussions featuring US Congressman Steve Israel, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi and nationally renowned developer and real estate analyst Chris Leinberger of Arcadia Land Company. The event has earned extraordinarily positive feedback.

Our recent showing of the "End of Suburbia" at Molloy College with the Long Island Neighborhood Network earned the front page attention of the Sunday NY Times Long Island Section (Running on Empty, 3/13/05). This compelling documentary chronicles the American dream of suburbia and shows how easily that auto-dependant dream may be shattered by the end of cheap oil production. Through interviews with experts in the field, this cutting edge film talks about whether or not the world has reached peak oil production, and how New Urbanism or Smart Growth can help to address the impending crisis.

LOCAL NEWS

Come let your voice be heard!! VISION and ADLIII are facilitating a community planning charrette June 3rd-7th for the 33-acre "Sokol"/"Fairfield" parcel adjacent (behind McDonalds). For details, check out the flyer on the Rocky Point Civic Association website.

Nassau Hub Major Investment Study Nears Completion

Nassau County is currently completing the federally funded Major Investment Study (MIS) for the Nassau Hub that evaluates future development and mass transit options for the heart of central Nassau County. Completion of the MIS is scheduled for May 2005.

The next step, expected to occur this summer, is for the County to go out and present the MIS findings to community and civic organizations, with the DEIS phase expected to commence this fall.

Led by the Long Island Neighborhood Network since 1998, the Nassau Hub Citizens Advisory Committee aims to insure that Nassau Hub development plans apply Smart Growth principles to address the region's transportation and housing needs. Find out more at LINN's website

The LIRR Main Line Coalition (previously the Third Track Coalition) recently met with the MTA to discuss the “Main Line Corridor Improvement” proposal, which would add another track between Bellerose and Hicksville and would eliminate five street-level railroad crossings.

The coalition, of which VISION is part, hopes to gain local government support in time for scoping meetings set to begin in June. The new track holds many benefits, allowing more trains along the Main Line, Oyster Bay and Port Jefferson branches, facilitating “reverse commutes”, and providing alternative routes when breakdowns or accidents occur. Removing street-level crossings will improve both safety and traffic flow.

To learn more, contact Kate Slevin, Associate Director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign at 212-268-7474, kates@tstc.org.

"There were no Brass Bands, no photo-op seeking politicians eager to bask in the glory, and no elaborate ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Just the resident ducks and geese looking for a handout.

But the greatly improved Artist Lake parking & recreation access area is now essentially complete, and open for business. The project was administered by the NYS Department of Transportation to reduce the harmful effects of roadway runoff to the fragile ecology of our own Artist Lake. The DOT will be supplying some additional benches to allow residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the vista in comfort.

Shortly after the area's debut, some 25 Cub Scouts from Pack 625 cleaned the newly renovated waterfront. After just 45 minutes of diligent effort, they accumulated 5 large trash bags of assorted debris including bottles, metal pipes, and other assorted artifacts. The Cub Scouts regularly perform this noble service as part of their commitment to help conserve the environment. "

Freespace Executive Director, Kevin Van Meter, recently wrote with the good news that after nearly two years of organizing and fundraising, Long Island's first youth run community space is open. The Freespace is an art and activism center, which seeks to provide space, resources, and educational opportunities to young artists, activists, and musicians on Long Island.

The Freespace is located one block north of the Lake Ronkonkoma train station and one block south of the LIE. To learn more about their programs and events, call (516) 616-3151.

Al Caccese of the NYS Smart Growth Working Group recently drew our attention to a letter to the Editor printed in the March 6th Sunday Times Union. In it, Lt. Governor Mary O. Donahue writes about State efforts to positively direct ever-growing development pressures through the Quality Communities Interagency Task Force. The Task Force aims to plan and identify resources for preserving open space and farmland, downtown revitalization, transportation, and sustainable economic development. It issued a report in 2001 and participated in the creation of last year's “Local Open Space Planning Guide”.

Governor Pataki is now looking fund these recommendations. His executive budget proposal includes $5 million dedicated annually from the State's expanded Environmental Protection Fund to support local planning and sustainable community development. Find out more about this and other state programs here.

The Press Republican recently reported on another initiative of Pataki's to preserve open space and fight urban sprawl. The Community Preservation Act would allow communities a local referendum to impose a real estate transfer tax to fund open space preservation programs. The tax would be limited to 2% of that portion of the sale price that is above the local median value.

A similar measure is already before the state legislature, sponsored in the Senate by Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset) and in the Assembly by Tom DiNapoli (D-Great Neck).

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now accepting applications for Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) of up to $50,000 per eligible site. TAGs are a citizen participation tool available to eligible community groups to increase public awareness and understanding of remedial activities taking place in their community.

CNU XIII: The Polycentric City is occuring in Pasadena, California June 9-12, 2005! This annual Congress is the leading international forum dedicated to advancing urbanism and promoting sound and sustainable alternatives to sprawl. Full details of all 50+ sessions are now on line at http://www.cnuxiii.org/.

DPZ's “Smart Code” Available to All Takers
Around the country, many communities are looking for an alternative to conventional zoning ordinances, which have made traditional, walkable neighborhoods all but illegal. In response to the growing demand, Duany Plater-Zyberk has produced Smart Code, its “comprehensive form-based planning ordinance.” This planning ordinance provides a purposeful contrast to the usual single use, un-pedestrian-friendly, divided communities we have come to accept as the norm, and it is now available to all curious cities, towns, villages, and individuals, free of charge. DPZ's smart code can be accessed through our website, www.smartgrowthamerica.org.

Case Studies Examine Urban Redevelopment Efforts
The National Association of Realtors has published a series of case studies examining seven urban redevelopment projects that have revitalized their communities. The projects are in South Bend, Ind.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Pittsburgh; Providence, R.I.; Memphis, Tenn.; Chesterfield County, Va.; and Tacoma, Wash. All of the projects faced the challenge of "finding financing in an unproven market," according to the report. "The most frequently used incentives were the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit," the report said. To access the case studies, visit NAR's Web site.

The California Institute for Federal Policy Research recently reported that after two weeks of floor debate on the highways and transit measure, and conflicts over appropriate funding levels, the Senate recently approved a $295 billion six-year transportation reauthorization measure. It passed with a strong margin of 89 to 11.

Disagreements between the Senate and the White House and the House, which both support a lower overall funding figure of $284 billion, halted the progress of last year's transportation reauthorization effort. The inclusion of an additional $11.2 billion in this latest Senate measure will likely stall completion again, forcing another one-month TEA-21 extension until the July 4th recess. For details see http://www.calinst.org/bulletins/b1214.htm#_1_2

Applications for Brownfields Awards Due June 30
Applications are being accepted for the Phoenix Awards, which recognize excellence in brownfields redevelopment. One winner will be selected from each of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 10 regions. One project from outside the United States will be selected as the international winner. Awards will also recognize developments that have a significant impact for small communities and other special projects. Winners will be honored at the Brownfields 2005 conference Nov. 2-4 in Denver. Applications are due June 30. For more information on the awards or the conference, available here.

Debate Lines Being Drawn Over California's "Transit Village" Bill
In a preview of the hot debate expected over legislation (SB 521) that would let cities form redevelopment agencies to build mixed-use, high-density, varied-housing "transit villages" around rail stations, Democratic Senator Tom Torlakson says his bill could ease freeway traffic, improve air quality, and allow many "to live closer to work," but Republican Senator Dave Cox sees it as part of the state's "continual, incremental encroachment on the land-use planning done by local entities, cities and counties."
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=4687&state=5

SANDAG Offers $17 Million in Federal Grants for Transit Center Mixed-Use Projects
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) approved a $17 million smart-growth promotion program, offering the region's jurisdictions and public agencies between $200,000 and $2 million in federal grant money for mixed-use projects near transit centers, with SANDAG Executive Director Gary Gallegos anticipating tough applicant competition, due to the projected population growth and ever-greater public support for urban revitalization.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=4688&state=5

COLORADO
Sustainability Is a Central Value of Community, Denver Mayor Tells Smart Growth Conference
"Sustainability is a central value of our administration and our community," said Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper as he launched the Sustainable Development Initiative at the city's 21st Century Smarter Growth Conference, stressing, "It requires us to recognize the interconnectedness between the social, economic and environmental impact of our policies and programs, as we seek to ensure that future generations will enjoy a quality of life characterized by environmental beauty, economic opportunity and resource abundance."
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=4689&state=6

FLORIDA
Hernando County Ready to "Push the Envelope" With New School Concurrency Ordinance
Looking at Florida's only "school concurrency ordinance," adopted by Palm Beach County after years of debating, planning and lobbying, the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners concluded its latest "marathon" workshop by asking staff to work on a similar smart-growth measure, which would ensure county-school district planning coordination, ban new subdivisions until classrooms can accommodate extra students, and make developers provide land for new schools.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=4690&state=10

HAWAII
University of Hawaii's Sea Grant College Expands Mission to Include the Built Environment
Helping to protect coastal watershed, beaches and coral reefs for the past 30 years, the University of Hawaii's (UH) federal Sea Grant College Program is quickly reaching toward urban design and development problems, reports Honolulu Advertiser writer Mike Leidemann from its "Implementing Smart Growth in Hawaii" workshop, quoting local Sea Grant director E. Gordon Grau, who said, "When you live on the ocean, you look upriver and uphill to see what's affecting you."
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=4691&state=12

MARYLAND
Hyattsville and Crisfield's Bay Waterfront Selected for Maryland's "Priority Places" Redevelopment Program
In the second round of Republican Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s "Priority Places" urban revitalization program, seen as his remake of the 1997 Maryland comprehensive Smart Growth policy, the state promised planning assistance and as-yet absent redevelopment funds to Washington's inner suburb of Hyattsville, Prince George's County, for mixed-use downtown projects in the U.S. 1 corridor, and to Crisfield, Somerset County, for a similar overhaul of its once-working Chesapeake Bay waterfront.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=4692&state=21

Advantages of Regional Service Agencies Outlined at Concord Planning Seminar
Small towns often share boundaries, but rarely plan and act together, said University of Southern Maine's Edmund Muskie School of Public Service professor Evan Richert at the Concord seminar "Planning for Smart Growth ... or Sprawl in New Hampshire: Is It Time for a Regional Approach to Land-Use Planning and Governance?", assuring the audience of more than 100 area planners that by creating regional service agencies -- similar to school districts -- they could eliminate redundant jobs, cut public costs and reduce suburban sprawl.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=4693&state=30

Back in February, the Washington Post reported on a property rights referendum in Oregon that has Smart Growth advocates pulling their hair out nation-wide (Anti-Sprawl Laws, Property Rights Collide in Oregon, 2/28/05). Measure 37 essentially requires the government to either pay land owners what the fair market value of their property would be if they could do anything on it, or let them do anything on it. It undermines comprehensive planning, renders open space preservation prohibitively expensive, and appears to be contagious – states like Montana and Washington are already egging to follow suit.

Supporters feel that measures like these protect individual rights. Detractors argue that they're undermining communities, the environment and farmland. The Oregon law was sold to residents as a protector of small farmers. Small farmers, however, had virtually nothing to do with the Family Farm Preservation political action committee that financed it. Like similar efforts across the country, the vast majority of funding actually came from lumber companies and real estate interests who stand to reap a hefty profit from a land gobbling free for all.

PENNSYLVANIA
"Walkable" City of State College Urged to Keep Local High School Downtown for Student Health Concerns
Since the city of State College remains "very walkable," with ample sidewalks and bike trails that allow easy access to the high school off Westerly Parkway near downtown, officials should let the school be, instead of moving it to "the outer reaches of the developed area," beyond the regional growth boundary, if only because of their concern about students' health, writes Penn State University landscape architecture associate professor Kelleann Foster in the Centre Daily Times , pointing out that such a move would deprive many students of the "important daily physical activity" of walking and biking to school.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=4695&state=39

Communications Strategies: Online Discussion
Thursday, June 9 at 2 p.m. ET,

KnowledgePlex and the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities will present a discussion about new strategies for communicating about affordable housing and smart growth. John Whaley, senior analyst at Peter D. Hart Research Associates, and Dick Brooks, co-founder and principal of ActionMedia, will share how advocates can strengthen their communications by reframing these issues in ways that create the civic will to act. Hoy McConnell, executive director of Business and Professional People for the Public Interest, will discuss his work with Housing Illinois, a coalition that has developed a communications outreach campaign to build public support for affordable housing. For more information about the chat and how to participate, visit Knowledgeplex here.

AARP's Universal Village: Livable Communities in the 21st Century
June 15
Washington, DC (Ronald Reagan Center)
The AARP seeks to promote livable communities with transportation options and affordable housing, where people can age in place while remaining engaged in their communities. Panelists from the United States, Europe, Japan and other nations will present innovative practices in housing, transportation and technology. For further information or to register, visit: www.aarp.org/livable.

TrailLink 2005
July 27-30
Minneapolis/St. Paul
Sponsored by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, this trails and greenways gathering will feature: new trends in trail design and management, the latest policy and legal updates, chances to explore Minnesota by foot and bike, info about the public health impact of trails. For more information, or to register, visit www.railtrails.org.

VLI NEWS & EVENTS

LOCAL NEWS

Nassau Hub Major Investment Study Nears Completion

Back to Contents Home