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Smart Talk News and Views about Growth on Long Island May, 2007 -- Vol. 5, Ed. 1 |
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EDITOR'S NOTE
We are coming off a successful month of press and progress on the Smart Growth Agenda and many of our projects. Click here to see the follow up press release to our Smart Growth press conference and work session. Clearly we have much to accomplish, but we are well positioned to meet many of the goals we have outlined. An editorial in Newsday supported the concept of a Council of Governments, for which we have long been advocating, while local print, LI Business News and extensive News 12 coverage has done much to promote the greater agenda.
Many thanks to all of you who bring your skills, intelligence and resources to the table to advance progressive land use and planning reforms. Without your help, the Smart Growth agenda will not have the strength it needs to see fruition. Over the last month there has so much activity that you probably need a scorecard to keep track of the various efforts. Here is our attempt, recognizing that within about thirty minutes of the release of this e-mail we will be reminded about what we have missed, and who else is making very important actions. We apologize in advance for these omissions:
Regional Planning:
The LI Regional Planning Board is meeting monthly and mapping out a strategic plan and business plan for its future. For meeting minutes and dates which are open to the public click here. The Regional Plan Association just held its annual regional conference, which focused on climate change and a keynote by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. RPA is working with LIA, Neighborhood Network, Vision Long Island, Sustainable Long Island and many other organizations on a Regional Visioning Project for Long Island. This project should get underway in the latter half of the year. Finally, the LI Regional Council of Governments had a preliminary meeting with many of Long Island's Town Supervisors to introduce the concept of regional planning and coordination among the local officials who have the land use control and authority.
Policies/Regulations/Coalition Building:
The Neighborhood Network is continuing efforts with the Clean Energy Leadership Task Force. They recently met with leaders of many religious organizations and congregations across the island to encourage the adoption of clean energy principles for their facilities. The LI Builders Institute, meanwhile, is working with various stakeholders on affordable housing.
The newly formed Campaign for New York's Future recently held a lobby day with its 70 member plus organization to support Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC 2030 initiative. Regional Plan Association, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, League of Conservation Voters and Vision Long Island along with many other organizations have signed on. Sustainable Long Island has also been participating and is looking at the plan as well. To learn about Mayor Bloomberg's plan PlaNYC2030, click here. A very good summary of the Campaign and the plan can be found on the NY League of Conservation Voters web site.
The LI Pine Barrens Society released On Course for Failure, a report outlining the need for preserving the remaining parcels of open space on Long Island. To read the report click here. The Town of Brookhaven agreed to put the Community Preservation Fund on the November Ballot in an interesting partnership between ABCO and LIBI. This program is one piece of the Smart Growth agenda that needs to be implemented in order to slow the pace of greenfield development throughout Brookhaven and to ease development pressure in transition zones.
Catholic Charities, LI Organizing Network, Huntington Housing Coalition and Vision Long Island are planning a conference entitled Community Revitalization and the Working Poor: A Path Out of Poverty or a Path Out to the Community on June 11th 7:30-9:30pm featuring David Rusk and a panel of local leaders. The work session will begin the conversation on gentrification and housing strategies for working folks. The Nassau Business and Community Planning Coalition continues to meet as a watchdog, mediator and information source for the Nassau HUB project. Our last meeting included four Village Mayors, twenty leaders from the Chambers of Commerce, and ten other elected officials as well as a number of civic, education and environmental leaders. The next meeting will focus on the latest plan for the Nassau HUB.
Educational/Conferences:
The LI Museum of American Art held an exhibit and daylong conference on Levittown and the Suburban Dream. For more information, visit their website. Real Estate Next held a conference focused on market and demographic changes in the Real Estate Industry, as well as the new residential projects coming down the pipeline. For more information visit their website. The Energeia Partnership has been working internally on energy and land use issues to train future leaders on these associated issues and systems. The LI Green Building Council in coordination with CDC of LI, LI Housing Partnership, Neighborhood Network and the United Way of Long Island are holding a conference on Energy Star and affordable housing.
This rather lengthy laundry list makes it clear that progressive changes on various issues pertaining to Smart Growth, including livability, affordable housing, open space and sustainable development are occurring on a number of fronts and in various partnerships. We encourage you to participate in any or as many of these as possible. To be clear, our job is to connect, promote, support, implement and develop resources around the Smart Growth Agenda for Long Island.
Our Mission to Advance Smart Growth Policies and Projects
1) Set accurate goals with the release of the full Blueprint for Smart Growth. We will need your help in shaping the different sections.
2) Track progress at the Smart Growth Summit which is clearly focused on land use and planning. A report card or progress report will be released at that event in November.
3) Advance projects that follow Smart Growth principles. We will also need to keep track of and advocate for the successful passage of these various projects throughout the region. This is another area where we will need to call on our regional and local leaders to make these changes.
Much is being accomplished, much remains to be done. We are as excited as we are by the prospects, and will join us in this effort to advance our Smart Growth Agenda for Long Island. If you have any questions about our programs, upcoming events or any way you can participate please give us a call either at our office 631-261-0242 or my cell at 631-804-9128.
Thank you.
Eric Alexander, Executive Director
Katheryn Laible, Assistant Director
CONTENTS
VLI NEWS & EVENTS
Honorees Announced for 2007 Smart Growth Awards
Vision Launches Long Island Smart Growth Agenda
Bay Shore Braves the Rain for their Waterfront
Tallgrass Update Trades School Kids for Seniors
France Hopes to Learn From Farmingdale
ACTION ALERTS
Event Alert: Community Revitalization and the Working Poor
NYLCV Wants You to Tell Albany: Let Communities Raise Local Funds to Fight Sprawl
Vision Seeks Voice of the Internet Generation
AROUND THE ISLAND
Oyster Bay: Coalition to Stop Avalon Remains Vigilant
Riverhead: Vintage Ready and Raring for Q and E
Intergenerational Strategies Envisions Eco-Villages for LI
New Long Island Parks Director Announced
STATE LEVEL
Sweeping Sustainability Plan Proposed for NYS
Campaign for NY's Future Gives Studies, Impacts Details of PlaNYC
NY Chapter Hosts CNU President and the Curator of Robert Moses Museum
NATIONAL NEWS
John Norquist's Convenient Response to an An Inconvenient Truth
Editorial Questions: Have Architects Abandoned the Livable City?
Despite Rise in Wildfires, Thousands of Americans are Moving to Fire-Prone Western States
Sea Grant/Coastal Zone Management Report Examines Access
Coastal Zone Managers Have Flexibility to Better Manage Rapid Development
STATE BY STATE
CALIFORNIA
Santa Cruz Resident Addresses NIMBY Concerns in Editorial Praising Smart Growth
LOUISIANA
Editorial Says S.G. Principles, Regional Coordination Will Be Controversial Points in Louisiana Speaks Plan
MAINE
Forum Examines Success Stories Behind Dual Goals of Land Conservation and Affordable Housing
MARYLAND
Design Expert Says Working Within Community's Character and Context Are Primary Components of Successful Smart Growth Projects
MISSISSIPPI
Gov. Barbour Urges Mississippi Officials to Create Smart Growth Community Plans
Coastal Development Strategies Conference Draws Crowd to Biloxi for Ideas on Smart Growth. Post-Hurricane Reconstruction
VIRGINIA
Editorial Defends Blacksburg Residents' Right to Choose How Community Should -- and Should Not -- Grow
VLI NEWS & EVENTS
HONOREES ANNOUNCED FOR 2007 SMART GROWTH AWARDS
Friday, June 15th from 11:30am to 2:00pm at the Crest Hollow Country Club.
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Join us in this annual celebration showcasing the people, projects, and policies representing Long Island’s brightest hopes for the future. This year, we have planned an exciting and refreshingly abbreviated program. Come see not only what's possible, but what's being done.
The Smart Growth Awards is annually attended by a broad array of leaders and decision makers. Last year we hosted over 375 guests. Join them at this important event and share the issues your sector is grappling with. Show your support for solutions that work.
2007 Honorees include:
Regional Leadership: Robert Yaro, President, Regional Plan Association
Creating a Mix of Uses: Arverne by the Sea, Rockaway Beach - Beechwood Organization & The Benjamin Companies
Taking Advantage of Compact Building Design: Oak Street Plaza, Copaigue, Town of Babylon
Advancing Housing Opportunities and Choices for a Range of Household Types, Family Sizes, and Incomes: Patrick Duggan, Nassau County Department of Economic Development
Fostering Attractive Communities with a Strong Sense of Place: Four Star Variety Store, Northport, East Northport, Farmingdale
Preserving Open Space, Farmland, Natural Beauty, Historic Buildings, and Critical Environmental Areas: Peconic Land Trust
Reinvesting in and Strengthening Existing Communities: Suffolk Community College, Riverhead, Sayville
Providing a Variety of Transportation Options: Sustainable East End Development Strategies
Making Development Decisions Predictable, Fair & Cost Effective: Village of Roslyn, Master Plan
Encouraging Citizen and Stakeholder Participation in Development Decisions: Andreaus 13, Afrikan American Media Network
Clean Energy & Green Building: Bill Chaleff, Chaleff & Rogers, Architects
Sustainable Development: Dr. David Sprintzen, LIPC
Sponsorship packages are available. Information about honorees, past awards events and more is available at www.visionlongisland.org. You may also contact our offices at 631-261-0242.
Click here for a registration form
VISION LAUNCHES LI SMART GROWTH AGENDA
From 10 Years of Planning to 10 Years of Implementation
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Over 80 community leaders, environmentalists, business leaders and elected officials joined Vision Long Island on April 11th to formally launch a Smart Growth Agenda for Long Island. This Agenda distills information gathered from over 200 Smart Growth Summit speakers and over 1,000 presentations across Long Island on land use, transportation and related issues. It has been tailored to reflect current governmental and market climates and is the basis of a broader Smart Growth platform.
Check out the details of who's promising what in our post event Press Release, complete with the 10-point plan and images from the event. The New York League of Conservation Voters also has a write up.
More, including presentations from the US EPA Smart Growth Network and the LI Index are available on our web site.
BAYSHORE BRAVES THE RAIN FOR THEIR WATERFRONT
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Over 100 residents braved the rain and wind to attend a follow-up meeting about the Bay Shore Marina on May 16th, 2007. The design team used the ideas discussed at the May 1st session to create the first draft of a newly revitalized Marina area, complete with separate fishing and pedestrian boardwalks, sports fields, loading docks, recreational areas, and playgrounds for children, in addition to green space, beautified gates, and a new snack bar. Security, cost, and viability remained the community's top concerns, but the reaction from the attendees was generally very positive towards the potential changes to the area that so defines their community.
TALL GRASS TRADES SCHOOL KIDS FOR SENIORS
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On May 10th, over 150 residents from Shoreham, Wading River, and the surrounding area came out to learn about the progress of the Tall Grass and DeLalio Sod Farm PDD development. In a public process that has been going on for nearly a year, the developers joined with engineers, the design team, and Vision Long Island to discuss changes made to the plan since the last public meeting in November 2006. Since the most contentious issue was the school district, the PDD plans were modified to include more senior housing. A lively discussion followed, leading up to the draft Environmental Impact Study being presented to the Brookhaven Town Board at a public meeting on Tuesday, May 15th. For more information on this project, visit tallgrasscommunities.com.
FRANCE HOPES TO LEARN FROM FARMINGDALE
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A group of students from the MUES Essec Business School of Paris recently joined us for a presentation on US Suburban Transformation and Smart Growth in Long Island. These 25 graduate students, who are studying real estate, planning, urban development, local collectivities and the environment, came to analyze Long Island. We took them on a tour of downtown Farmingdale, where Deputy Mayor Joe Rachiele, Superintendent of Buildings Ron Criag and Superintendent of Public Works Fred Zamparelle spoke with the group about their work to implement the results of a 2006 visioning. This fascinating dialogue was mutually enlightening, and we appreciate the opportunity to learn about France's urban transformation issues, particularly in the suburbs outside of Paris
ACTION ALERTS
EVENT: COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION AND THE WORKING POOR
Can revitalization offer a path out of poverty, or is it simply a euphemism for displacement of Long Island's working poor? Join Catholic Charities, The Huntington Township Housing Coalition, Vision Long Island and the LI Organizing Network for a unique affordable housing forum examining gentrification and revitalization.
When: June 11th, 7:30 - 9:30PM
Where: St Matthew's Church, North Service Road, Dix Hills
Registration and program details available here
NYLCV WANTS YOU TO TELL ALBANY: LET COMMUNITES RAISE LOCAL FUNDS TO FIGHT SPRAWL
The New York League of Conservation Voters wants you to know that a state law is standing in the way of communities that want to take fast action to fight sprawl. Whenever a community wants to raise local funds via a "Community Preservation Fund," it must seek approval from Albany first.
Why must this be fixed? This is a big problem because land is lost to development at a fast rate and instead of being able to focus on rallying communities to take action immediately, local leaders lose precious time traveling to Albany to ask for permission to raise funds locally.
How can Albany help? By passing a statewide Community Preservation Act. This way, when a community is faced with an onslaught of development, it can fight back quickly without prior approval from state government.
How can you help? Urge Albany to fix the law and allow communities to raise the local funds they need to fight sprawl. Visit NYLCV's action alert center for easy ways to make your voice heard.
VISION SEEKS VOICE OF THE INTERNET GENERATION
One of this the biggest sources of input missing from the planning discussion is the voices of Long Islanders in their late teens through their early thirties. This demographic has the most to gain -- or lose -- by what happens on Long Island in the next 30 years. How much of it chooses to stay or flee to greener pastures will greatly impact the region in turn.
Vision wants Long Island to know what you think: What do you love about Long Island? What do you hate? What are the biggest issues facing our region? Why are you staying? Where are you going? Why?? What can Long Island do? How can the people planning our future reach you? What can they do to serve you?
Ideas and interest are sought widely. We would also appreciate your input on our developing MySpace account, our web site, podcasts, and more traditional ways of interacting. What do you want to see? What do you want to do? Get involved. Contact input@visionlongisland.org. Thanks!
AROUND THE ISLAND
OYSTER BAY: COALITION TO STOP AVALON REMAINS VIGILANT
The May 4th Northender reported the the Coalition to Stop Avalon recently held an informational meeting to warn the community that they believe Avalon is preparing another shot at its proposal.
No formal applications have yet been submitted to the Town of Oyster Bay.
The coalition of environmental and civic groups led by executive Director Kyle Rabin of Friends of the Bay, warns of Avalon Bay's potential impact on traffic, the environment, schools, taxes, and sewage. They find the scale of the project inappropriate, fear a precedent for overdevelopment, and reject the notion that 2-bedroom rentals for a suggested minimum $2400 per month could in any way address Long Island's housing crisis.
It was reported that the coalition has been reaching out to stakeholder groups, including the Bayville Taxpayers Association, the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Landmark Colony, Muttontown Village, and the Upper Brookville Homeowners Association. A meeting is scheduled with the Oyster Bay Main Street Association. Avalon Bay has also been reaching out to the community, a move the Coalition seems to fear is a 'divide and conquer' strategy.
The questions remains: What is the appropriate use of the old Hallock Chevrolet site? The Coalition to Stop Avalon Bay has yet to say.
Check out the full Northender article
RIVERHEAD: VINTAGE READY AND RARING FOR Q AND E
After nearly two years of negotiations, the Town of Riverhead and the Vintage Group are about to complete the contract that is the last standing obstacle to a Q and E (Qualified and Eligible) hearing before the Town Board.
Vintage's press release underlines enthusiasm for moving forward, touting strengths highlighted in their long-prepared 30-page information package, including experience, references, and strong financial backing. The plan, as described on their web site is " designed to address the parking demands for the Riverhead NY Supreme Court expansion while delivering an urban renewal project that repaints the image and landscape of the Railroad Avenue corridor."
A privately funded endeavor, Vintage Square is planned to include a transportation hub, parking for the courts, a multiplex cinema, retail space, and a public plaza.
Vintage Group's CEO and President John J. Burke noted, "We very much welcome this opportunity to show the Town Board and the public the credibility and the tremendous accomplishments of our partners in this project and our rock solid funding. It will leave no doubt in anyone's mind that we are ready, willing and able to move forward. As one might expect on a project as complex as this, the contract process has been a long an arduous task. We are thankful for the cooperation of the Town Attorney's office and members of the Town Board whose input has been instrumental in bringing us all to this point. We look forward to the Town setting the date for the qualified and eligible sponsor hearing".
Details of Vintage's plan are available on their web site.
INTERGENERATIONAL STRATEGIES ENVISIONS ECO-VILLAGES FOR LI
Intergenerational Strategies is a charitable not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering intergenerational connections, and the civic engagement of older adults. Among their most ambitious initiatives is their intention to establish affordable, distinct, cohousing developments that bring diversity together in the name of sustainable communities. Their dream of "a sustainable, multi-racial, socio-economically diverse affordable housing development in Suffolk County" is modeled after the successful Eco Village at Ithica, New York.
Check out IGS' vision on their web site.
NEW LONG ISLAND PARKS DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED
The Northender reported on May 8th that, come June, Suffolk County Parks Director Ronald F. Foley will become the director of the Long Island region of New York State Parks. This position oversees 33,000 acres of open space, preserves, shorelines and recreational facilities.
More information can be found in this week's Northender
STATE LEVEL
SWEEPING SUSTAINABILITY PLAN PROPOSED FOR NYC
Last December, PlaNYC began collecting input for how to deal with environmental and social impacts of the projected 1 million new people expected to make the City their home over the next 25 years. Now, NYC Mayor Bloomburg has proposed a sweeping plan that he claims will yield a 30% reduction in the City's global warming emissions. Billed as a "model for cities in the 21st century", the plan addresses five key areas: land, air, water, energy, and transportation. Check it out on the nyc.gov web site. A recent Newsday Article draws attention to potential opposition to the plan's proposed congestion pricing - charging motorists to drive into the city - from driver and commuter advocates who feel surrounding communities will pay the price for reducing New York City traffic. Check out the Sierra Club-NYC's press release on PRWeb, which welcomes the plan but calls for rapid energy conservation plans to respond to potential energy price shocks.
CAMPAIGN FOR NY'S FUTURE GIVES STUDIES, IMPACTS, DETAILS OF PLANYC
VISION is a member of the Campaign for New York's Future, a coalition of civic, business, environmental, labor, community and public health organizations that support the goals and strategic direction of PlaNYC. Our goal is to make every neighborhood in NYC a great place to live and work, as well as make a significant contribution to fighting climate change. The coalition aims to encourage public debate — as well as fair and effective action — now and in the years to come. We recognize the need to both seize the opportunity for immediate action and to insure that this long-term plan evolves with continued dialogue and changing conditions. Check it out here.
NY CHAPTER HOSTS CNU PRESIDENT, CURATOR OF ROBERT MOSES AND THE MODERN CITY
VISION is a founding member and sits on the Steering Committee of the Congress for the New Urbanism New York Chapter. The group recently held their first public meeting, featuring CNU President John Norquist, the former mayor of Milwaukee most famous for tearing down an elevated highway to make way for a modern boulevard and mixed use development. Other highlights included an informative presentation on the career of Robert Moses by Hilary Ballon, curator of Robert Moses and the Modern City. Check out the press release.
NATIONAL NEWS
JOHN NORQUIST'S CONVENIENT RESPONSE TO 'AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH'
In the May 17th edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Congress for the New Urbanism President and CEO John Norquist offered an OpEd that draws on Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth to tout the power of cities to address critical environmental issues:
"High-rise cities like Philadelphia and New York rarely come to mind as models of environmentalism, but they should. With people living closer to each other, walking more and taking advantage of public transit, cities have powerful environmental advantages. A report prepared for New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's green blueprint, PlaNYC, revealed that New Yorkers generate, on average, 7.1 metric tons of greenhouse gases a year, two-thirds less the average 24.5 metric tons generated by most Americans. Of course, not everyone can be - or wants to be - a dweller of New York or Center City Philadelphia. The good news is that a variety of neighborhoods help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions."
He goes on to talk about how much smaller, cozier versions of urbanism yield similar benefits. Discussing driving the -- biggest contributor to global warming as well as more old fashioned forms of pollution -- Norquist notes that it's not the American identity of personal freedom that's the problem. Rather, it's the over extension of well-intended Progressive-era efforts to save us from the poisons of the industrialized city. It seems we've overcorrected. The resulting zoning codes that have led to 50 years of sprawl and the freeway-based transportation systems that bind us to the steering wheel have created just as many problems. Some, like global warming, are dire.
Whether or not we personally favor the downtown, there is a growing market that needs to be met. More importantly, something needs to be done to accommodate the 70 million new homes the US can expect by 2037. Says Mr. Norquist, "With urban life emerging as a market favorite, it's looking more as if building a good portion of them in livable, walkable traditional neighborhoods is one of the most convenient - and effective - remedies for the inconvenient truth."
EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: HAVE ARCHITECTS ABANDONED THE LIVABLE CITY?
The May 6th Edition of the Hartford Courant features an editorial by Christopher Shea examining the lack of involvement by architects in urban planning since the the modernist attempts lead by designers such as Le Corbusier. These high-rise projects, while well intended, were widely seen as disasters and are often attributed to the mass reluctance to partake in further attempts at social engineering. The one departure Shea recognizes is the New Urbanist movement, largely associated with the works of Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, which infuses much of Smart Growth planning. While Shea notes that many architects have dismissed this neo-traditional school of thought as 'kitsch", the Federal housing program Hope VI has embraced it's small scale houses, porches, and private gardens.The editorial draws heavily on a new book by sociologist Nathan Glazer, From a Cause to a Style: Modernist Architecture's Encounter with the American City: "I'm talking about people who were thinking about how to create a better city," Glazer says. And from that important conversation, Glazer says, architects have been missing. Read the full article in the Hartford Courant here
DESPITE RISE IN WILDFIRES, THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS ARE MOVING TO FIRE-PRONE WESTERN STATES
Although wildfires have become more intense, scorching a record 10 million acres last year, some 450,000 people have settled in the most fire-prone Western forests and scrub-covered slopes from Colorado to California, raising their population to 3.5 million since 2000, reports USA Today writer Brad Heath, quoting Endangered Habitats League President Dan Silver, who said, "Smart growth means not building in high-fire-risk zones. That's stupid growth and everyone pays the price for it."
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=6041&state=52
SEA GRANT/COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT REPORT EXAMINES ACCESS
As "a tide of demographic and economic change sweeps through coastal towns, harbors, and communities," access to the shores both from land and sea becomes an ever larger problem for recreation, commerce and industry, all competing for space, says the "Access to the Waterfront: Issues and Solutions Across the Nation" report by Maine Sea Grant, Hawaii Sea Grant, the National Sea Grant network and Coastal Zone Management programs, all seeking to relieve the "increased pressure on fragile coastal habitat" through popularization of best land-use and resource-conservation practices.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=6040&state=52
COASTAL ZONE MANAGERS HAVE FLEXIBILITY TO BETTER MANAGE RAPID DEVELOPMENT
With counties along the nation's seacoasts and Great Lakes containing less than 17 percent of its land but 53 percent of its population now and another 12 million within ten years, and with 56 of 58 coastal zone managers already most concerned about growth pressures on local resources, such counties not only need more lifeguards on the beaches, writes EPA's Development, Community and Environment Division Senior Policy Analyst Lynn Richards, "they need more people paying attention to how these coastal communities are growing."
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=6042&state=52
STATE BY STATE
CALIFORNIA
Santa Cruz Resident Addresses NIMBY Concerns in Editorial Praising Smart Growth
"'Smart growth' is the environmental and humanist choice," writes Santa Cruz resident Amelia Timbers in a Santa Cruz Sentinel guest opinion, calling high-density mixed-use redevelopment the best option not only for "preserving the environment and creating enough housing stock to keep prices remotely affordable," but also for "making efficient public transit feasible."
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=6043&state=5
LOUISIANA
Editorial Says S.G. Principles, Regional Coordination Will Be Controversial Points in Louisiana Speaks Plan
It melds ideas from post-hurricane charrettes, local and state agencies, and massive public input, but much of the long-term Louisiana Speaks plan, worked out by national experts for coastal Louisiana, still will be controversial, predicts a Baton Rouge Advocate editorial, both because it embraces "the smart growth principles that would refashion over time many of the traditional development patterns that have resulted in sprawling subdivisions in vulnerable floodplains," and because it asks government and civic leaders for better coordination of their planning and spending.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=6044&state=19
MAINE
Forum Examines Success Stories Behind Dual Goals of Land Conservation and Affordable Housing
With the New England coastal region's cost of living already the 19th highest nationwide, about 60 area experts and activists gathered at a conservation-based affordable housing forum in Kittery, Maine, reports Portsmouth Herald News writer Herb Perry, to share their experiences and hear how some communities were able to achieve "the seemingly disparate goals of conserving land and providing affordable housing."
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=6045&state=20
MARYLAND
Design Expert Says Working Within Community's Character and Context Are Primary Components of Successful Smart Growth Projects
"Smart growth isn't done by municipalities alone. The public has to be on board," said Colorado-based DTJ Design expert Thomas W. Kopf in his "Smart Growth at the Edge" presentation in Berlin, some five miles from Atlantic beaches, stressing that to prevent sprawl and create quality communities, developers should preserve and enhance local character.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=6048&state=21
MISSISSIPPI
Gov. Barbour Urges Mississippi Officials to Create Smart Growth Community Plans
"Our goal is not to get it like it was; our goal is to get it how it can be," said Republican Governor Haley Barbour in his keynote speech at the 8th Annual Coastal Development Strategies Conference in Biloxi, urging local officials among some 400 attendees to take the advantage of post-hurricane recommendations from the Governor's Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal, and create smart growth community plans for generations ahead.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=6049&state=25
Coastal Development Strategies Conference Draws Crowd to Biloxi for Ideas on Smart Growth. Post-Hurricane Reconstruction
"We need to think and act more thoughtfully on how we grow our communities," with all the demographic, development and climate-change pressures "amplified on the little coastal ribbon around the country," said Smart Growth America Executive Director Don Chen at the first day of the 8th Annual Coastal Development Strategies Conference in Biloxi, pointing to three sets of tools every community can use to change growth patterns -- ideas, models and policies; targeted infrastructure funds; and code, zoning and building-standard updates.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=6050&state=25
VIRGINIA
Editorial Defends Blacksburg Residents' Right to Choose How Community Should -- and Should Not -- Grow
Amid the New River Valley conservatism, progressive Blacksburg, with its Virginia Tech, has always stood apart as "a college town in the purest sense," attracting people from diverse places and welcoming free thinking, observes editorial writer Christian Trejbal from the Roanoke Times office in Christiansburg, just five miles south, not surprised by Blacksburg's grassroots rallies against a 187,000-square-foot big-box in plans for its Main Street and troubled by their resentment in Christiansburg and across the valley as elitist.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=6051&state=47
Special thanks to Smart Growth Online, Smart Growth America, Planetizen, KnowledgePlex, and the Urban Land Institute's (ULI's) Smart Growth News for their extraordinary news sweeps, which provide substantial content to our State and National News. Check them out!!
For more information about Vision Long Island, please visit http://www.visionlongisland.org or contact us at: Vision Long Island 24 Woodbine Ave. Suite One Northport, NY 11768 (631) 261-0242 Fax: (631) 754-4452 Email: info@visionlongisland.org