Smart Growth gaining ground across Long Island

Multifamily, mixed-use projects have been seen a growing demand in the past year, as new single-family home construction has declined. Vision Long Island Executive Director Eric Alexander is quoted in a recent New York Times article, explaining the sites in highest demand are “in downtowns, near transit and other amenities.” With 12 projects including 1,588 units approved last year and a possible 15 projects including over 2,000 units in 2012, development focusing on Smart Growth principles are on the rise.

Among the highlighted developments are the Metro 303 in Hempstead Village, Summer Wind Square in downtown Riverhead and the Glen Cove Waterfront Revitalization Project. The Metro 303 project featuring on infill design near two railroad stations will spur redevelopment projects on Main Street in Hempstead and is expected to have occupants by fall. The Summer Wind Square in downtown Riverhead is a mixed-use four-story complex that will hold 52 units available for rental, a restaurant, cafes, retail and possibly a market. According to Town of Riverhead Councilwoman Jodi Giglio, this is meeting a large demand for mixed-use in the Town and County. The Waterfront Revitalization Project in Glen Cove which has been in the works since 2003 has recently been approved, is in the process of site plans and construction and could be shovel-ready in late 2012.

Many great projects are being developed to meet Long Island’s growing demand for mixed use development focused on Smart Growth principles. Read more here.

 

New York-Connecticut Sustainable Communities Consortium issues RFP for Infill Redevelopment Feasibility Study in Nassau

The New York-Connecticut Sustainable Communities Consortium is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFPs) that seeks a consultant or teams of consultants to conduct a feasibility study of sustainable infill development and opportunities to promote transit-orientated development around up to three (3) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations in the Preliminary Regional Nassau Hub Study Area. The deadline is February 8th.

The RFP is available online here.

 

LI Index released with focus on the "innovation economy"

The Rauch Foundation released their 9th annual Long Island Index study on Wednesday with an event at Farmingdale State College. This year’s theme is the Innovation Economy, concentrating on biotech, clean energy, higher education and advanced manufacturing sectors. The presentation also promoted the concept of building up our downtown centers and adding more affordable housing in order to keep young people on the Island. A short video covered some of these ideas and stressed their urgency. A report on LI’s demographic trends was released following the presentation.

The event drew a large crowd from various sectors. Nancy Rauch Douzinas began and introduced the keynote speaker,Mary Walshok, Associate Vice Chancellor of the University of California and Co-founder of CONNECT, San Diego’s Innovation Cluster Development Organization. Walshok described the history of San Diego and how it transformed itself into an innovation hub, relating its story to Long Island’s potential to grow certain sectors. She provided some valuable lessons, including the “power of place,” the necessity to collaborate and the need to make good land use and infrastructure decisions.

A panel discussion closed the event, moderated by Howard Schneider of Stony Brook University. Panelists included Marck Fasciano of Canrock Ventures, Jeffrey Kraut of North Shore-LIJ Health System, Thomas Rogers of Nassau BOCES, and Anne D. Shybunko-Moore of GSE Dynamics. Panelists were cautiously optimistic about LI’s future, citing initiatives like $1 billion that the healthcare/IT industries are investing to collaborate on patient care, rather than compete against one another. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council and its grants were cited as an example of the risk-taking leadership that Long Island needs. This money will fund Accelerate LI, which will create an industry hub in Hicksville and bring together talent, capital and research. Some challenges the panelists cited included the tendency to be complacent and fall into the same old routine, as well as the need for rental housing and possibly magnet schools.

Read more in Newsday, with this opinion piece featuring the Accelerate LI program and Joye Brown’s column that laments LI’s slow progress and inertia, with the notable exception of small villages such as Patchogue and Mineola which have “welcomed change enough to reinvigorate their downtowns."

Watch the video and read the report here. Get a one page summary of the report here. The demographic report is available here. Findings from the video were taken from this Innovation Index report. A report on residential satisfaction is available here.

 

Glen Isle gets the go-ahead for Glen Cove Waterfront

The Glen Cove Planning Board has approved a Special Use Permit for the Glen Cove Waterfront Redevelopment. RXR Glen Isle’s project received a Smart Growth Award in 2010 for creating a mix of uses. It is expected to break ground after over 9 years of efforts towards the end of 2012, according to Mayor Ralph Suozzi. The project will transform 56 acres of a brownfield site into a vibrant, walkable community, consisting of 860 housing units, a 250 suite hotel and conference center, 50,000 sq. ft. office building and 25,000 sq. ft. of retail and cultural space.

Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi said, "the successful conclusion of the SEQRA process yielded a 140 page findings statement that concluded the Environmental Review Process and served as the predicate for the approval of the master development plan. This has brought the redevelopment of the Glen Cove Waterfront a major step forward. I am pleased that the City’s Planning Board and consultant’s took the appropriate amount of time to thoroughly review and incorporate the information gathered from the many different streams of input including the public comments, the regulatory agencies, and the IDA and CDA Board members. The City looks forward to having all of the sites remediated and in buildable condition later this year and shovels in the ground shortly thereafter.”

Read more in Glen Cove Patch here and here or learn more about RXR Glen Cove and the project here.

 

New York shifting from sprawl to Smart Growth

The state is shifting the way it thinks about development from the decades-old, post-war, sprawl policies to sustainable, long term, Smart Growth principles. Developers and elected officials are promoting mixed-use development, open space preservation and transit-oriented developments. Legislation such as the 2010 Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act and 2011 Safe and Complete Streets Act signal a shift from policies which incentivized sprawl to ones which offers grants and tax incentives to Smart Growth development. Local governments in suburbs are revising zoning codes and making land preservation and mixed-use projects possible.

Sprawl is becoming an increasing financial burden to the state and, according to Sam Hoyt, of the Empire State Development Corporation, the high costs of expanding services is partially to blame, while Peter Fleischer, of Empire State Future, noted the high energy costs of sprawl development. High gas prices and heating costs are also making sustainable Smart Growth developments more appealing.

Development which reuses and maintains existing infrastructure is important in the shift to sustainable practices. Using vacant space and maintaining current infrastructure help to avoid overdevelopment and preserve open space in suburbia. Promoting new development while preventing decay of older spaces in the suburbs must be balanced.

The Town of Pittsford, in Monroe County, is approving developments and projects on a case-by-case based on its effect to the individual neighborhood. The Town of Victor, New York, is creating a master plan to determine the areas of development and open space preservation. The state, especially the suburbs, are avoiding unsustainable and unplanned development and adopting smart growth principles.

Read more here.

 

A NICE update

It has been a month since the Nassau County Legislature passed a contract that allows Veolia Transportation to operate the Nassau County Bus system. The Nassau Inter County Exchange (NICE) has been operational since New Year's Day.

There was a fear that the transit employees would strike come January 1st, since the Taylor law preventing public employees from striking would no longer apply. No strike occurred, as the Transportation Workers Union approved a 5-year contract with Veolia. TWU President Patricia Bowden called the deal a win for everyone as experience TWU drivers could continue to provide service to the riders.

The new system had an eventful start: the holiday schedule, for the 1st and 2nd, was not well communicated to riders and left some confused. NICE CEO Michael Setzer said the company should have informed riders by posting signs or some other method. He admitted the company “dropped the ball on that somewhat.” The first day of operation also included an incident as a journalist in a wheelchair boarding the bus fell at a Garden City news conference.

Aside from a few drawbacks from the first day, the transition has been relatively smooth. Despite a new logo and driver’s uniform, riders saw no change in the service and were hopeful the buses would operate closer to scheduled times. The riders will still be able to use MTA’s MetroCard for fares and transfers between MTA buses and subways.

County Executive Mangano has supported the transition saying that “this public-private partnership brings fare stability, preservation of the Able-Ride Service Area, an increase in public transparence and accountability, 100 percent local resident transit board, the preservation of hundreds of local jobs, and saving taxpayers $32 million annually.”

The NICE website is now up and operational here and the system even has its own Wikipedia page here. Read more in the Long Island Press here and here, Mass Transit Magazine and ABC.

 

Long Islanders call for ban on pesticides in drinking water

A number of Long Island groups have joined together, calling on the Department of Environmental Conservation to have zero tolerance on some of the most prevalent and harmful pesticides in drinking water. The ban on the three most prevalent pesticides, atrazine, metalaxyl and imidacloprid, comes after the DEC compiled alarming information on the presence of the chemicals in its Long Island Pesticide Use Management Plan. These substances cause health effects such as high cholesterol, endocrine disruption, nerve damage and cancer.

Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, described the current plan as poisonous to Long Island water and noted that Long Island’s groundwater will continue to be contaminated without the DEC adopting a zero-tolerance plan for the pesticides. Vision Executive Director, Eric Alexander, was at the press release and called on government agencies that serve the public to not allow toxic contaminants in the community’s drinking water citing safer options such as organic pesticides which have been produced in the past decade.

The importance of water quality goes beyond drinking water on Long Island, as noted by Friends of the Bay Executive Director, Pat Aitken, who highlighted the Island’s multi-million dollar fishing and shellfishing industry and recreational tourism. Harmful impacts on water quality from pesticide use will adversely affect those industries and marine ecosystem health as well as human health. Long Islanders are calling for state action to prevent the use of pesticides which will harm the community’s health, both now and for years to come.

For more information, email Adrienne Esposito or Maureen Dolan Murphy.

 

Residents rally against proposed Wal-Mart in E. Patchogue

Supporters of Smart Growth turned up Monday night to protest a proposed Wal-Mart at a Brookhaven Town Board Meeting. The proposed site, at the corner of Sunrise Highway and Hospital Road in the Patchogue-Medford area has drawn concerns that the big box development would kill jobs, impede traffic to nearby Brookhaven Hospital and necessitate widening the one lane Hospital Rd.

Representatives from Wal-Mart argued that the proposed project would create 100 construction jobs and 200 to 250 in store jobs. Studies have shown that for every job Wal-Mart creates, three local jobs are eradicated. With most Wal-Mart employees working part-time for minimum wage and little to no benefits and the average rent on Long Island for a studio apartment being a little over $1,000/month, the jobs being “created” are not sustainable or prosperous by any means.

Other proponents claimed Wal-Mart would inject money into the local economy. However, studies show that only 16% of revenue from big box stores such as Wal-Mart and Target stays in the local community whereas 32% of revenue from local business stays in the community. Big boxes tend to funnel revenue away from the local communities.

Residents worry that the newly created traffic would impede ambulances and other emergency vehicles and would necessitate the widening of an already congested bridge on Hospital Rd.

Considering the way Wal-Mart treats its workers, the environment and the local economy, Vision Long Island does not think it is a smart addition to the East Patchogue landscape. The Village of Patchogue is vibrant and includes places to shop, eat, work and live. The money that is spent there is likely to stay in the local economy and further enrich the quality of life.

Read more here.

 

Cuomo delivers State of the State

On Wednesday, Governor Cuomo delivered his second State of the State address in Albany. Vision spent the day in Albany, along with members of the Long Island Lobby Coalition, and met with various elected officials throughout the day.

Before the Governor spoke, Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver and Senate Leader Dean Skelos gave some introductory remarks. Both commented on Cuomo’s success in bringing together the state government, which no longer finds itself buried in dysfunction. They also hailed new tax cuts and tax structure. In addition, Silver asked the Legislature to raise the minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 or $15,000 a year. He also called for an increase in state support for community colleges. Skelos mentioned a state transportation and infrastructure plan and noted the importance of job creation in the private sector. Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy then introduced the Governor. Duffy fired up the crowd by hailing Cuomo’s historic successes over the last year.

Governor Andrew Cuomo, once again using a colorful powerpoint presentation, opened with his 10-point checklist of successes in 2011, ranging from the Regional Economic Development Councils to scaling back the MTA payroll tax. He hailed new tax code reforms, noting that our tax rates haven’t been this low in 58 years. Cuomo proceeded to show pictures of things that were going on 58 years ago, including baby Cuomo and children Silver and Skelos who were “already working together back then.”

Cuomo presented a three-part plan for the State in 2012: economic growth, government reorganization and a progressive future.

The main focus of the speech was on economic development and Cuomo put forth some bold new ideas. The plan relies on using state dollars to leverage additional investments from the private sector. In total, this component of Cuomo’s plan would bring in $25 billion total for economic development, with $15 billion just for infrastructure.

He proposed revitalizing the Jacob Javits convention center in NYC, which is currently the 12th largest convention center in the country. He hopes to build the largest convention center in the country at Aqueduct Racetrack, then redevelop the West Side of Manhattan in connection with existing plans there. He anticipates being able to leverage $4 billion in private funds to do this, in addition to $2 billion for the Javits site.

As anticipated, the Regional Economic Development Council program will likely get another round this year, this time for $200 million statewide. Buffalo got a surprise, as Cuomo announced a $1 billion gift for economic development in light of Buffalo’s status as the third most economically-distressed city in the country, after Detroit and Cleveland.

Cuomo talked about casino gambling, noting that we already have 29,000 electronic gaming machines throughout the state- more than Atlantic City- but we have failed to regulate or capitalize on the asset. He alluded to the idea that of amending the state constitution to allow casinos.

A major announcement was Cuomo’s intention to consolidate all of state agency capital plans into one statewide master plan, including those of the MTA, Port Authority, Department of Transportation, SUNY system, Empire State Development Corporation and Homes and Community Renewal. Again, he hopes to leverage private dollars for these projects and accelerate them. He plans to repair and improve 100 bridges, 2,000 miles of roadway along with 48 parks and historic districts and offer low-cost loans to municipalities to repair 90 waste water treatment plants. He intends to fast-track the much-needed Tappan Zee Bridge project, though some transit advocates have been unhappy with his decision to build the project without a previously planned bus-rapid transit component. Another piece of this would be the creation of an Energy Highway System that would bring renewable sources of energy from upstate New York to downstate. The State would create the master plan and then put out an RFP.

Cuomo envisioned a ground-up reorganization of government, including pension reform, creating new councils to help local government with mandate relief, coordinating emergency responders and fighting for students in public education.

In the final section of the speech, Cuomo focused on reforms like foreclosure protection, protecting tenants from corrupt landlords, the SUNY 2020 program, reforming food stamps to reduce stigma and expanding the DNA databank for all crimes.

Groups from the LI Lobby Coalition that were present included Vision LI, LI Business Council, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, LI Federation of Labor, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, Sustainability Institute at Molloy College and Dowling College.

In addition to attending the State of the State address, Vision had a very productive day connecting with our elected officials. We met with: NYS Senators Chuck Fuschillo, John Flanagan, Jack Martins, Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Minority Leader John Sampson, NYS Assembly Members Phil Boyle, Jim Conte, Steve Engelbright, Chuck Lavine, Michael Montesano, Dean Murray, Andrew Raia, Phil Ramos, Joe Saladino, Michelle Schimel, Bob Sweeney, Fred Thiele, Harvey Weisenberg, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, Empire State Development Corporation’s Sam Hoyt, MTA chief Joseph Lhota, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Shinnecock Nation’s Randy King.

Read the text of Cuomo’s speech here. Watch the video here. See a summary in a press release here.

See more pictures from Vision's trip to the event here...

 

Newly elected officials inaugurated across Long Island

Over the past weeks, new officials across Long Island were inaugurated. In Nassau County, Carrié Solages in the 3rd Legislature District and Delia DeRiggi-Whitton in the 18th Legislature District were inaugurated on Monday in Mineola. In Suffolk County, Steve Bellone was inaugurated as County Executive on December 30th in Sagtikos Theater on Suffolk Community College’s Western Campus in Brentwood. The Suffolk Legislature inaugurated new members Kara Hahn in District 5, Sarah Anker in District 6, Robert Calarco in District 7 and William Spencer in District 18 on Tuesday.

Long Island towns also saw newly elected officials sworn into office. Tom Croci was inaugurated as Town of Islip Supervisor along with new Council members John Cochrane Jr. and Anthony Senft, on the 2nd. Richard Schaffer returned to the position of Supervisor in the Town of Babylon, after 10 years, as his protégé Steve Bellone was elected County Executive. Tom Donnelley was sworn in as a Council member. LTC Gordon has deployed to Afghanistan and in result, Councilwoman Ellen McVeety will serve in her place during deployment before McVeety retires. Town of North Hempstead welcomed two new Council members, Anna Kaplan in the 4th District and Dina DeGiogio in the 6th District. The City of Glen Cove inaugurated two new Council members, Reginald Spinello and Anthony Gallo Jr. on the 2nd. Newly elected Councilwoman Christine Preston Scalera was inaugurated in the Town of Southampton. The Town of East Hampton welcomed new Town Board members Sylvia Overby and Peter Van Scoyoc in an inauguration on the 3rd. In the City of Long Beach, Council President Fran Adelson, Vice President Len Torres and member Scott Mandel were inaugurated. The Council appointed Jack Schnirman as the City Manager. Jill Doherty was inaugurated as Councilwoman in the Town of Southold on the 3rd. The Town of Huntington will inaugurate new Councilman Gene Cook new week. The Towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Smithtown, Brookhaven and Riverhead saw no new officials inaugurated.

Vision would like to congratulate all the new local officials and looks forward to working with them to expand Smart Growth development in Long Island communities.

 

Thanks for an amazing 2011

2011 has been one of the most productive years yet for Vision. For our final installment of SmartTalk for the year, we thought we’d highlight the biggest stories that demonstrate the great progress and challenges that Long Island has experienced this year.

We wish you a happy New Year and look forward to an even better 2012!

Check out the year-end wrap-up here.

 

Coventry Gardens approved in Central Islip

Last Wednesday night, the Islip Town Board unanimously voted to approve Coventry Gardens, a 284-unit housing development in Central Islip, along with an exciting public benefits package.

Coventry Gardens, developed by Jobco, redevelops the old Central Islip Psychiatric Hospital site into 100 rental and 184 for-sale townhouse units, with buildings standing at two stories tall. The project has a unique and robust public benefits package which includes over $1 million to fund downtown improvements, parks, a new firehouse and restoring the historic firehouse into a community center. An additional fund, of $500,000 to $2 million, will support the acquisition and rehabilitation of neighboring foreclosed homes to stabilize the existing community, which would be run through the LI Housing Partnership. These benefits will be offered in exchange for the higher number of rentals and lack of usually-required the 20% affordable housing component, as community members previously expressed concerns about an overabundance of new affordable housing in their neighborhood while existing homes went into foreclosure.

During the public hearing, comments were predominately supportive, with residents running 10 in favor, 4 opposed and 2 with questions. Vision testified in support of the project, as well. Public input from the first hearing made the project better. Job well done to the Town's Planning Department, members of the Town Board, Jobco, the Central Islip Civic Council and many others for shaping this plan.

Read more in NYTimes, Newsday, and LI Business News.

 

Forge River update

The Forge River has been polluted over the last few decades by a combination of residential septic systems close to the river, agricultural uses such as duck farms and other stormwater runoff. The pollution has caused serious harm to the ecosystem of the river. In addition, lack of wastewater infrastructure has stymied economic development for the area. Several years ago, citizen groups brought attention to the issue and asked for something to be done to save the river.

The Town of Brookhaven hired Cameron Engineering to do a study for watershed management in order to improve the quality of the water and ecosystem of the river. This study was submitted to the Town for public comment and a hearing was held on December 6. The 325-page plan analyzes the sources of pollution impacting the Forge River and proposes different solutions that are also evaluated by cost.

Last Thursday, the Town of Brookhaven held a meeting to gather public comment and questions about the draft Forge River Watershed Management Plan. It being the holiday season, not many were able to attend, so more public input time is needed. The plan will be open for public comment until January 5, 2012. The link to the management plan is below; please take a look and submit any comments or questions to the Town of Brookhaven, Division of Environmental Protection.

Read the management plan here.

Vision Long Island encouages the Town of Brookhaven to extend the public comment period another 30 days. This extension has the support of Citizens Campaign for the Environment and prominent civic leaders such as John Cicignano and Bob Debona.

See more in today's Newsday.

 

Vision receives grant from LICF for transit-oriented development

Vision Long Island has received a $15,000 grant from the Long Island Community Foundation to support our ongoing transit-oriented development work in communities across the Island. The grant will go towards our advocacy and coalition-building efforts to direct public investments to support TOD projects.

Under the grant we plan to: continue a community organizing and advocacy campaign to direct transportation and wastewater infrastructure into appropriate downtown centers and ensure that public investment is aligned with the NYS Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act and Complete Streets criteria; continue to build local support for TOD projects through education and advocacy; and continue to act as a watchdog and public informant for the various medium- and large-scale infill and town center projects.

Eric Alexander, Executive Director at Vision Long Island, said "Vision Long Island appreciates the ongoing support from the Long Island Community Foundation. Resources directed at bringing investments into our downtowns will only help our local communities, provide housing and transit opportunities and grow great places on Long Island."

Visit the LICF website to learn more!

 

 

Metro 303 project bringing new housing to Hempstead Village

Mill Creek Residential Trust, the developer who led the West Hempstead Courtesy Hotel renovation/TOD project, has unveiled a new housing project currently under construction in Hempstead. Metro 303 is located on a 1.8-acre infill parcel located at the northern end of the Village of Hempstead, bordering Garden City. The transit-oriented site is within easy walking distance to two Long Island Rail Road stations. The site is also within walking distance to two Village downtowns - Hempstead and Garden City.

The Metro 303 development will include 166 upscale apartment rental homes in one five-story podium-style building, including four residential levels over two levels of garage parking (one level on-grade and one level located below-grade). The building design will include a combination of masonry and siding facades, decorative panels and railings, large windows, balconies and gabled asphalt shingle roofs. There will also be sidewalks with new street lighting and landscaping. Developers are confident that the project will achieve LEED Silver certification.

The building will also feature approximately 4,500 square feet of amenity and administrative space, including two landscaped courtyards, resort-style swimming pool with sun-deck and clubhouse including virtual sales room, state-of-the-art fitness center and resident clubroom with i-lounge, café /coffee bar, video game area and pool table/shuffleboard. The building will offer a choice of one-, two- and three bedroom floorplans. Each apartment home will feature fully applianced gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, full-size washer and dryer, walk-in closets, wall-to-wall carpeting, nine-foot ceilings and many other amenities.

Read more on Mill Creek Residential Trust’s website here.

Summer Wind Square holds groundbreaking ceremony

Pictured, left to right, among the developers, RD Development, and Suffolk County Officials: Riverhead Town Councilman James Wooten, Vision Long Island Executive Director Eric Alexander, Riverhead Supervisor Sean Walter, County Exec Steve Levy, Town of Riverhead Councilwoman Jodi Giglio, Councilman Jim Dunleavy, Councilman George Gabrielson

After clearing the site of derelict properties over the last several weeks, Summer Wind Square in Riverhead officially broke ground last week. A ceremony was held on December 8th, with county and town officials present as well as local business owners and Vision.

Summer Wind Square, a 2010 Smart Growth Award winning project for housing located on Peconic Avenue, is a 52-unit mixed use rental community that will include a 100 seat restaurant and 5,700 square feet of retail/commercial space on the first floor of the four-story complex. The project will include workforce housing, and the four-story building is expected to take 10 months to complete. One-bedroom apartments will rent for $850 to $900 a month, and two-bedroom apartments will rent for $1,100 to $1,300 a month.

The 8,600 square-foot development was made possible, and affordable, through a $1.96 million land acquisition by Suffolk, as well as $313,000 in nearby infrastructure improvements. Of those infrastructure improvements, there will be: $50,000 for a pedestrian crosswalk to Grangabel Park, across Peconic Avenue from the new apartments; $87,350 for a new walkway, driveway and renovations to the East End Arts property a short walk from Summer Wind Square; $90,000 for floating docks and a boat storage facility on the Peconic River waterfront; and $99,500 to help build an all-season ice skating rink in the municipal parking lot just east of the property.

Read more in Newsday and Patch.

 

Welcome, Veolia: Nassau bus contract passes

On Monday evening, the Nassau County Legislature voted to pass a contract that will allow Veolia Transportation to run the Nassau County Bus system beginning in 2012. The unanimous vote came after the Minority leadership proposed and passed some amendments that will strengthen the contract, including no fare increases guaranteed for the first year, a reduction in the number of routes that can be cut in the first year from 6 to 5, two mandated public hearings and approval from the transit advisory committee before any major service cuts and a 45-day waiting period after the hearings before cuts can take effect, taking out the wording that the County Executive can weaken the powers of the transit advisory committee, AbleRide service levels guaranteed for 3 years rather than 2, and a 90 day notice to opt-out of the contract.

A deal with the MTA to continue MetroCard use is also expected to be signed. Since there is still no labor contract, some anticipate a strike come January 1st as the workers would no longer be bound by the Taylor law, which forbids public employees from striking. The Legislature reassured those in attendance that Veolia’s global financial troubles would not have an impact on Nassau operations.

County Executive Ed Mangano, Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt and incoming Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams held a joint press conference following the vote to celebrate the deal. The LI Press reports that: “Schmitt said he ‘wouldn’t sing Kum-ba-yah’ but he was ‘delighted’ that the contract passed ‘with bipartisan cooperation.’”

Though this is far from a great deal, we are glad to know that the buses will keep running come January 1st and the amendments prove that advocacy makes a difference. Our Legislators worked hard, knowing that the public was watching carefully. In the end all sides had to compromise. Given the difficult economic environment, and the reality that the MTA was planning to cut over 50% of service, we can be glad that we have an agreement that will keep the system alive. Advocates and riders will be watching Veolia carefully over the coming months.

Special thanks goes to all the riders, drivers, elected officials, religious groups, chamber leaders, students and advocates who have been involved and engaged in this progress over the last several months, especially Tri-State Transportation Campaign, LI Jobs With Justice, LI Federation of Labor, TWU Local 252, NY Communities for Change and NYPIRG.

Read some press coverage in Newsday, LI Business News, LI Press and News12.

 

LI projects receive funding, Hub left out

Last week, Long Island was awarded over $101 million in funds for projects ranging from roads at Heartland Town Square in Islip to sewer improvements for Hempstead Village. However, a major project was left out of the announcement, one that has been discussed seemingly endlessly for over two decades: The Nassau Hub.

The Hub, which includes Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale and the 77 acres surrounding it, has been the subject of an occasionally contentious effort to revitalize the area and make improvements to both the arena itself and the land around it. The Coliseum is home to Long Island’s sole top-tier professional sports franchise the New York Islanders whose owner, Charles Wang, has indicated that he will begin looking for a new home for the team if Nassau fails to provide a new arena by 2015.

Of the $101 million awarded, around $40 million has yet to be allocated and will see distribution next March. Additionally, the state has announced that there will be a second competition for funding in 2012. However several members of the Regional Economic Development Council, who was very influential in the awarding the latest round of funds, have indicated that the Hub currently falls short of being shovel-ready, a requirement for qualification.

“We really wanted to include the Hub as one of the transformative projects,” said Mr. Law in reference to a list of projects on Long Island with the potential to transform the region and improve the local economy. “We just wish they were further along like the Ronkonkoma Hub.”

Vision Long Island’s Executive Director Eric Alexander noted that though there were numerous projects that did not fall under the state’s guidelines for funding they can still move forward in helping the region’s economy. “There are a lot of great projects under way on Long Island,” he said. “Some projects are on a timetable for state assistance now, and some will need it later.”

Advocates and council members alike have sworn that this will not be the end of pursuit for funding for the Hub with Mr. Law in agreement.

“I think it’s going to be at the top of our wish list in future years,” he said.

For more information on the recent round of funding and the hub, check out Newsday’s original article here.

 

 

 

The 10th Annual Smart Growth Summit

Over 100 presenters and 1000 regional business & community leaders convene to advance placemaking & economic development
on Long Island

The 10th Annual Smart Growth Summit took place on Friday, November 18th at the Melville Marriott. With 1000 attendees, 110 speakers, nearly 50 elected officials, 15 breakout sessions, a youth component, productive networking and excellent remarks by both federal and local leaders, the Summit was a clear demonstration of the tremendous support in our region for Smart Growth solutions. The crowd included elected officials, chambers of commerce, civic leaders, developers, architects, planners, not-for-profits and concerned citizens.

The Summit’s 15 breakout panels, youth summit and elected officials session were intelligent, thought-provoking, energetic and inspirational for the attendees. This year’s Summit theme, “Crisis and Opportunity: Placemaking in a Time of Economic Uncertainty,” seemed to focus more on progress than on challenges, though we still have a great deal of work to do to create a truly sustainable region.

 

Read our extensive coverage of the day's events in our post-event e-blast here.

 

Special Thanks to all of our sponsors and supporters

 

Save the Date!

 

The 11th Annual Smart Growth Summit

is taking place on November 16th, 2012

at the Melville Marriott

 

Stay tuned for more!

 

Small businesses rejoice: Governor Cuomo and State Legislature reach landmark agreement on infrastructure and taxes

The New York State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo came to an agreement this week that would see the rollback of the universally-despised MTA payroll tax and the creation of an infrastructure bank.

The agreement, which passed the State Senate late Wednesday night and the Assembly early Thursday, will create four new tax brackets in the state in an effort to address “tax fairness” and clearly note the line between wealthy and average taxpayers. Couples earning more than $2 million a year will see a rise in taxes while those making between $40,000 and $300,000 will see savings of $200 to $400 annually. Residents in other brackets will see no change.

This reform will allow for New York to repeal the MTA payroll tax for 290,000 employers whose payrolls are less than $1.25 million, 415,000 self-employed business owners and all public and non-public schools. Companies that exceed the payroll amount will see a reduction in their taxes as opposed to a full repeal. The announcement was met with enthusiasm by the Long Island business community that has been seeking repeal of the payroll tax since its inception.

“We still have a lot of work to do to spur our Island economy and create jobs,” NYS Senator Carl Marcellino said about the repeal. “That being said, this is a significant victory for our community and a huge step in the right direction.”

The other major piece of the tax reform includes the creation of an infrastructure bank that will raise $1 billion in private capital dedicated solely to infrastructure improvement projects. The program will also give the state’s various principal transportation agencies flexibility in utilizing design-build procurement methods designed to expedite critical infrastructure projects. The bill will also create funds for an urban youth jobs program and one for upstate communities that were hard hit by flooding earlier this year.

“These are all positive steps in the right direction for New York State which build upon the successes of this past year,” NYS Senator Charles Fuschillo said about the various funds being created. “I look forward to continuing that work in the coming year.”

 

Dan Burden leads Smithtown walking tour

Monday marked the return of nationally-recognized walkability expert Dan Burden to Long Island, and what better place for him to go but the epicenter of traffic calming debates over the last few years - downtown Smithtown.

Three pedestrians have been struck by a car and killed at the same intersection -- Main Street and Lawrence Avenue -- since 2009. Balancing the desires of the community and the plans of the DOT have been contentious, with notable changes to date including a long fence along a stretch of Main Street to separate cars and pedestrians, as well as audible crosswalks.

Burden, the Executive Director of Walkable and Livable Communities Institute in Port Townsend, Washington, recommended adding a raised median, reducing the 4-lane stretch of Main Street to 2 lanes, adding a two-lane roundabout at the intersection of Main Street and 111 and a mini-roundabout at Main Street and Lawrence Ave, bike lanes and on-street parking on the north side of the street. The unique land use of Main Street has typical walkable neighborhood retail stores on the north side of the street (in the Town of Smithtown), with a strip shopping center and large parking lot on the south side (Village of The Branch). Burden recommended a long-term strategy of adding liner buildings on the south side of the street, so that stores, rather than a parking lot, would be adjacent to the sidewalk. This strategy would make the road seem more narrow, which naturally slows down traffic. Burden also recommended lowering the speed limit from 30 to 25mph in this area.

According to Newsday, “After the tour, Burden said state officials seemed 'dubious... but interested' in his proposals.”

A full day of activities on Monday began as Burden met local DOT officials to do a preliminary walk-through and debriefing on the needs and potential for the area. Later that afternoon, a large group of elected officials, advocates, residents and press took part in a walk-through and presentation of the recommendations. Vision helped organize and participated in the full day along with AARP, Tri-State Transportation Campaign and the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce.

Read more in Newsday and the Smithtown Patch, quoting Vision’s Eric Alexander and Elissa Ward.

 

Regional Councils Announce Awards; Long Island wins big

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plan to create ten regions that compete for new economic development funds has turned out tremendously well for Long Island. The awards for the Regional Economic Development Councils were announced on Thursday. Long Island was selected as one of four regions with the “best plan,” and our funding will amount to $101.6 million.

Of that funding, $61.6 million will go toward individual projects that were submitted through the state’s new consolidated funding application, while $40 million will go toward implementing the LI Council’s strategic plan (which includes $25 million for the plan’s “transformative projects” and $15 million toward businesses looking to expand Excelsior tax credits).

A number of Smart Growth and downtown revitalization projects made the list, with innovative programs funded including job training efforts, energy efficiency research, expanding the IT industry, open space preservation and more. Funding includes: $6 million for the Wyandanch Rising project, $5 million for sewer improvements to accompany Village of Hempstead’s revitalization, $4 million for the Ronkonkoma Hub, $3 million for a program to promote high-tech business to relocate to downtown Hicksville, $2.5 million for road improvements to facilitate the future construction of Heartland Town Square, $2.6 million to construct 36 affordable rental units in New Cassel, $1.3 million for Concern for Independent Living’s Concern Amityville project to build 61 units of affordable housing for homeless people, $885,000 to build or rehabilitate 25 affordable homes for Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk, $500,000 to revitalize over 30 buildings and make streetscape improvements in downtown Oyster Bay and $100,000 to complete the Port Jefferson Village Harborwalk project for pedestrian access to the waterfront.

The full list of awardees is available in this report, pages 83-90 for Long Island. Overall, 720 projects received a total of $785.5 million from the state. Other regions received: Western New York (best plan winner) - $100.3 million; Central New York (best plan winner) - $103.7 million; North Country (best plan winner) - $103.2 million; Southern Tier – $49.4 million; Finger Lakes – $68.8 million; Mohawk Valley – $60.2 million; Capital Region – $62.7 million; Mid-Hudson Region – $67 million; and New York City – 66.2 million.

"Regional collaborations and planning is a roadmap to get New Yorkers back to work," Governor Cuomo said. "The plans submitted by all ten regions were truly extraordinary. For the first time, we are putting the power of the State Government behind the innovation of our people, giving them the tools to rebuild our economy."

The Governor plans to provide another $1 billion for a second competitive process in 2012. LI Business News wrote that “[Hofstra President and LI Council co-chair Stuart] Rabinowitz said the council would be ready for next year’s round of funding as well. Projects that weren’t far enough along to be included for funding in this year’s plan, like a new Nassau Coliseum and the redevelopment of Belmont, would hopefully be able to receive funding through next year’s competition, Rabinowitz said.”

Vision board member and LI Council member John Durso of the LI Federation of Labor added, “We are absolutely thrilled [with today’s outcome]. We knew Long Island had a lot to offer and it’s great to know the governor and the rest of the state is aware of that too. This is going to put a lot of our folks [in the labor unions] back to work.”

Read the Governor’s press release, with a link to the full list of projects, here.

 

Nassau reminds residents to shop local this holiday season

On Tuesday, the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce held a press conference with County Executive Ed Mangano to remind residents of the importance of shopping locally this holiday season. Held outside of Umberto’s Pizza in New Hyde Park, the event covered many of the benefits of shopping in your downtown, including keeping local dollars in the local economy, supporting local jobs and wages, building a stronger tax base, supporting business owners who invest back in the community, convenience and proximity, which reduces gas consumption. And, as Newsday coverage noted, “small storefronts often don't have the marketing budget to compete with national chains.”

“I encourage all residents to support their hometown businesses this holiday season, and year-round, as local businesses are the heartbeat of Nassau County’s economy and make our communities stronger and better places to live, work and raise a family,” said County Executive Mangano. “Statistics indicate that small businesses employ over half of all private sector employees and that two out of every three new jobs over the past 15 years have been generated by small businesses. With local employers contributing to the economic base and connectivity of our local communities, we must help raise awareness about the role they play and promote a business-friendly Nassau that attracts suppliers and distributors in similar industries.”

“The holiday season is a great time to support your local merchants, and one way of doing so is to buy a gift certificate for someone on your holiday shopping list,” said E. Christopher Murray, President of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce.

According to NCCC, Long Island is home to over 90,000 businesses grossing over $100 billion a year. The vast majority of these businesses employ 50 people or less. Recently, Nassau County participated in the national Small Business Saturday movement, which marked a day to support local businesses that create jobs, boost the local economy and preserve neighborhoods around the nation.

Vision attended the press conference and consistently supports shop local efforts across the Island and beyond.

 

Farmingdale Village Board votes unanimously on proposed zoning revisions

On Monday November 7th, the Village of Farmingdale Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept and approve the Village of Farmingdale Master Plan, GEIS and code revisions. The new local zoning codes will create a mixed-use district and will allow residential units to be built over stores on Main Street.

"The downtown area in Farmingdale is ripe for jobs and business," said Chuck Gosline, a Farmingdale resident and President of Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale. "This is an opportunity for us to improve the area and make it better than it is now." The Nassau County Planning Commission approved the documents for local determination so the pending downtown projects can advance without further study.

Farmingdale's visioning process started in 2006, and since then, only a handful of projects have moved forward in light of three years of reviews. Hopefully, some of the long awaited downtown improvements will now move forward!

Vision’s Director Eric Alexanderwass quoted saying "it's precisely the type of planning that we need to grow our downtowns."

Read more in Newsday here.

 

Westbury Theatre project nearing completion

The blighted movie theater in downtown Westbury has gone under the proverbial knife and is set to reveal its new facade come mid-March 2012. The plans to convert the theater, that once featured Vaudeville acts, include a two-screen art cinema, restaurant, multipurpose event space and live/work space for artists. The completed theater would create 28 full-time jobs with an annual payroll of more than $1 million.

When the project was presented to the the Town Planning Board, it was noted that the project lacked 100 parking spots necessary for approval. Drawing inspiration from projects such as The John Engeman Theater in Northport Village and The Paramount theater in Huntington, owner and real estate developer Cyrus Hakakian took a creative approach to a solution. Realizing that several municipal parking lots were empty at night, he cut a deal with the Town to lease the parking spaces to the theater for use after normal business hours.

Huntington has seen an influx of people visiting the Paramount Theater and then staying after the show and visiting the shops and restaurants. "I have seen some increase in business when the shows let out" says Jack Palladino, owner of Christopher's Pub and Restaurant, on Huntington's Wall Street, "It's a nice crowd of people, too." The addition of entertainment venues to business districts turns the area into a destination, something downtown Westbury hopes to achieve.

Eric Alexander, executive director of Vision Long Island, said live theaters are becoming anchors of downtown business areas, helping to fill restaurants and cafés. “It brings economic life to local communities,” he said.

Hakakian, owner of the Westbury theater, estimates that construction alone has injected at least $3 million into Westbury's economy. The Westbury Theatre was a 2011 Smart Growth Award winner.

For more information, see Long Island Business News.

 

Summerwind Square breaks ground

This past Monday marked the beginning of construction on the new Summerwind Square in Riverhead, a project meant to compliment the recently completed Hyatt Hotel, according to local Councilwoman Jody Giglio.

"We started at one end with the Hyatt Hotel, this is the other bookend," Giglio said. "We're going to fill everything in between."

Summerwind Square, recent recipient of a Smart Growth Award, will be a private $4 million complex with 52 affordable housing apartments and a restaurant on the the first floor. The 8,000 square foot building will will also include space on the first floor that can be divided for businesses. The project is expected to take about 10 months to complete.

Town Supervisor Sean Walter was also on hand for the event and even donned a hard hat to get behind the wheel of an excavator in order to rip down a wall of the building formerly standing on the site. The Supervisor was quick to thank County Executive Steve Levy, the Suffolk County Legislature and Legislator Ed Romaine (R – Center Moriches) in particular for all their hard work in getting the project built.

"I was down in Patchogue last week and I looked at 80 units of affordable housing down there and it just added a vibrancy to the downtown,” said Supervisor Walter, “This project ... [is] really going to add something to this community that we haven't had in a long time."

For more information on this project, check out the full story in Riverhead’s Patch.

 

 

LIREDC releases five-year plan

The Long Island Regional Economic Development Council has created a five-year plan with transformative strategies that will promote innovative, collaborative initiatives for growth. Although Long Island has had a long history of innovation and resilience, there are current economic problems that must be addressed. "Having set a national example of rising middle-class opportunity as America's first suburbs, Long Island now demonstrates significant challenges as they mature." The report highlights four key areas of concern: national assets, innovation, infrastructure and workforce and education.

Some of the challenges Long Island has faced include: loss of young workers, slow overall population growth, inadequate transportation and waste disposal infrastructure, growing poverty, continued racial segregation and a decline in high-paying defense manufacturing jobs. The LIREDEC calls for a plan that enables long-term growth, keeps a balance between economic and environmental concerns, recognizes the connectivity between all sectors and communities and a takes a holistic approach when considering local projects.

In the proposed plan, the LIREDC has laid out four working groups that focus on the critical issues and the potential opportunities and strategies that will help move Long Island towards long-term economic growth. The first is Long Island workforce and education. A skilled and educated workforce attracts new investments, retains existing business and spurs innovation. The LIREDC plans to bridge skill gaps through significant improvements in education and ensuring that all communities benefit from economic growth. By doing this, Long Island's workforce will meet the needs of growth in key industry clusters such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, advanced manufacturing and information technology, healthcare and life sciences and green technologies.

The second working group is natural assets. This plan includes improvements in sustainable agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture through infrastructure development and the better marketing of Long Island seafood. Long Island's natural beauty is a perfect gateway for ecotourism - an industry that needs support from improved infrastructure.

The third working group is infrastructure, which is essential for Long Island's growth and will be a key factor to its revitalization. This working group focuses on updating the aging and outdated infrastructure, revitalizing downtowns and commercial centers, creating affordable housing, promoting new government policies to foster economic growth and redeveloping the Nassau Hub.

The fourth working group is innovation and industry cluster, where the goal is to erase the critical shortages of engineering professionals, strengthen the shrinking but still powerful advanced manufacturing sector and exploit the concentration of federal, state and private research institutions to commercialize new technologies.

Read the draft of the plan here.

 

Smart Growth principles part of New York State development plans

The Regional Economic Development Councils were launched by Governor Cuomo with the goal of redesigning the relationship between the state government and businesses to stimulate regional economic development and create jobs statewide. Each regional council is instructed to develop a plan for their region. The State will work with the region to eliminate barriers to growth and prosperity. The goal of the Councils is to shift the State's approach to economic development from a top-down development model to a community-based approach. There are ten Regional Councils throughout New York State: Capital Region, Central New York, Fingerlakes, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, New York City, North Country, Southern Tier and Western New York. As New York State is seeking applications for projects, they will have up to $1 billion of infrastructure funds to give to the regional councils. The plans are due November 14th, with project submissions being accepted through October 31st.

According to a recent article in The Times Union, the Capital Region Economic Development Council is moving forward on a five-year strategic plan for the Hudson Valley region. As part of the proposed the plan, new projects will be required to follow Smart Growth criteria. "We want to talk about sustaining and enhancing the natural environment while optimizing the use of the assets that already exist," said Shirley Ann Jackson, the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the council's co-chair. "There can be things that are lying fallow that can be revitalized, and used as a platform for economic growth."

During a meeting at the Saratoga Springs City Center, an application was presented for a new co-generation plant which would be located on the southern portion of the Watervilet Arsenal. The plan is proposing the use of a pre-existing infrastructure while opening up 60 unused acres for private development. Peter Gannon, president of the Arsenal Business and Technology Partnership has stated that they are seeking funding to renovate the existing steam plant and turn it into a facility that would provide electrical power to tenants. The Capital-area council released a list of the region's assets and goals which all of the plans will be based on. Those goals included: technological innovation, access to quality health care, engineering and other technical fields and the area's natural beauty selling point.

Read more from Empire State Future, our statewide Smart Growth advocates.

 

Market indicates demand for transit choices

Whether it be a carsharing service such as ZipCar or a demand for walkable and bikable communities, a new market report indicates that more people prefer public transit as a result of growing environmental concerns and an increasing population. William Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association, announced at the organization’s annual “Rail-Volution” conference in Washington DC last week that in addition to the 1,200 people in attendance, there are billions who would benefit from public transportation who might not be aware of the fact.

John Martin, CEO of the Southeastern Institute of Research, agrees with him. During a panel discussion on “The Shifting Paradigm of the City” he revealed that there were a number of factors including a growing population and a demographic sea change that would make the demand for public transit rise.

With the U.S population set to rise to 341 million by 2020 and most of them expected to settle into metropolitan areas, the need for public transit will come from a practical standpoint. “What ultimately will happen is we’ll have these urban villages everywhere,” Martin said. More cars, combined with tight highway budgets spell out congestion, lack of access and pollution. An obvious solution is public transit for new citydwellers.

A generational shift also fairs well for public transport. Ninety percent of the 76 million baby boomers would prefer to age in place as opposed to moving into retirement communities. “The question isn’t going to be, ‘Are boomers ready for transit?’” Martin said. “The real question is ‘Is transit ready for boomers.’” Baby boomers are not known for being passive. “If you look at boomers, when we were growing up it was a time of plenty.” explained Martin. ”We transformed society as we passed through it and we’re going to transform transit. We’re going to demand the things we want it to do."

Younger generations benefit from public transit, as well. Compared to older generations, people born between 1982 and 1994 are less eager to own a car, get a drivers license or see driving as a rite of passage. Some attribute this to the lack of jobs and rising student debt, but Martin explains it differently “Gen Y is hyper-connected. They are literally digital natives… Eighty-eight percent want to live in urban settings because they can be hyper-connected.”

Many young people are eschewing car ownership in favor of car sharing services such as ZipCar, an hourly car rental service. This trend is rising on college campuses and urban areas. "Instead of paying monthly payments, gas, insurance, parking and maintenance, with ZipCar I only pay when I use the service." says Josh Churgin, a 27-year-old web developer living in Chelsea. "It's way less of a commitment." It is also has the appeal of less congestion and carbon output than individual personal vehicles. Transit serves a similar model, serving a large amount of people while cutting down on congestion and pollution.

 

Cuomo selects Lhota as new MTA chief

Governor Cuomo has announced his choice to replace Jay Walder as MTA Chairman & CEO: Joseph J. Lhota. The Senate will have to approve the nomination in the coming weeks.

Lhota has a range of experience in the public and private sector. He served in the Giuliani administration as NYC Deputy Mayor for Operations, as well as Budget Director and Commissioner of Finance, where he has managed multi-billion capital and operating budgets as well as day-to-day City operations. He currently serves as Executive Vice President of Administration for The Madison Square Garden Company. He has also been a Board Member of the MTA.

"I am pleased to accept the recommendation of the extraordinary search committee and nominate Joe Lhota to be the next chairman and CEO of the MTA," Governor Cuomo said. "Joe Lhota brings one-of-a-kind managerial, government, and private sector experience to the job and a lifelong commitment to public service that will benefit all straphangers. I look forward to working together as we continue to reform the MTA, reduce costs, and improve service for New Yorkers. I thank the members of the MTA Search Advisory Committee for their diligent work and thorough review."

Joseph Lhota said, "Millions of New Yorkers depend on the MTA every day and they deserve the most efficient and effective service. Throughout my career in both the public and private sectors, I have initiated reforms that are performance-based and that cut costs, and I look forward to bringing this same approach to the MTA. I thank Governor Cuomo for this exciting opportunity to serve the people of New York."

The Governor is expected to recommend reducing Mr. Lhota’s compensation by 5 percent from the previous level. Good luck to Mr. Lhota as he inherits a difficult budget. We hope this native Long Islander will help us save LI Bus, too!

Read the Governor’s press release here.

 

Mangano unveils ambitious Nassau Hub plan

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano unveiled his latest plan for revitalization at the Nassau Hub on Monday. The new proposal, which was submitted to the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, calls for a completely rebuilt Nassau Coliseum, a bioscience innovation center, a research and development expo center, office space above retail stores and residential housing options, all on a 77-acre site.

The plan, his most ambitious yet, also includes other attractions such as a minor league ballpark, multi-purpose exposition center and a track and field facility. Parking for the entire facility will be located in a multi-story garage located behind the current site of the Long Island Marriott.

This plan comes on the heels of a failed referendum vote to pay for construction of a new Coliseum, but will instead rely on funds from the state government and private developers. Submission of the plan to the Regional Economic Development Council paves the way for the appropriation of some of the $800 million in state funds for regionally significant projects. The County is seeking $253 million in total funding from the state for infrastructure improvements as well as $7 million from the state for the construction of the research and development expo center.

In addition to this, Mangano’s Accelerate Nassau Now plan will call for the increase of manufacturing options at the former Grumman property in Bethpage and the Belmont Raceway in Elmont. A number of serious developers have shown interest in construction of a soccer stadium in conjunction with mixed-use development at the raceway. This is all in addition to Mangano’s continued support for a casino at Belmont, a measure aimed at creating thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in investments for local schools, the state, county and local community.

For more information on this project, check out Long Island Business News’ original article.

 

Nassau Hub gone but not forgotten: A new Coliseum at Belmont?

On October 4th, the Governor's Regional Economic Development Council met to discuss the fate of the Nassau Coliseum. This has been a hot debate in the County since the New York Islanders said that once their lease expires in 2015, they will not continue to play at Nassau Coliseum unless it is either updated or relocated. Stuart Rabinowitz, President of Hofstra University and Co-Chair of the Regional Economic Development Council, proposed a new idea to relocate and reconstruct the Nassau Coliseum at Belmont Park in Elmont. This new idea has already drawn a lot of support from local leaders and is now being seriously considered by Nassau County officials.

The proposed plan will create an entertainment-complex which will include a hockey arena, an Indian casino and Belmont's existing racetrack. Sandra Smith, chair of the Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development, said that the coalition supports the possibility of the Coliseum coming to Belmont. "The Coliseum, a hotel, a casino, and/or a walkable mall at Belmont are all great ideas to give us what we want, but more importantly, what we need in our community," Smith said. "We are looking for economic development that will create jobs, help our tax base and revitalize the area. All of this or parts of this, we believe, will help us achieve that goal."

Brian Nevin, a spokesman for Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, has stated that although the County is considering this plan, they are still open to other proposals. Town of Hempstead Councilman Ed Ambrosino has said that he supports the plan to relocate and that it would provide leverage for the Long Island Rail Road and Cross Island Parkway connections where the Hub area currently fails to do so. The potential for job creation and the development of a mixed-use center has many County and local leaders excited.

Tell us what you think about this new plan for the Nassau Coliseum: should the Coliseum be relocated?

 

 

Connect Long Island plan unveiled

“I’m shocked,” said Vision’s Eric Alexander, speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the unveiling of “Connect Long Island: A Regional Transportation and Development Plan” spearheaded by Town of Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone and supported by a large group of local and regional leaders. Elected officials in attendance included Supervisor Bellone, Town of Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone, Town of Islip Supervisor Phil Nolan, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko, NYS Senator Charles Fuschillo, Village of Farmingdale Mayor George “Butch” Starkie, Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri and Town of Babylon Councilman Tony Martinez. LIRR’s Elisa Picca and LI Regional Planning Council’s John Cameron also spoke.

The plan has several components, many which emphasize Smart Growth principles. It focuses on Route 110, Suffolk County’s major workforce hub with 135,000 (or 20%) of the County’s jobs. 110 is also infamous for traffic congestion, giant parking lots, sprawling office parks and big box stores.

Thursday’s press conference was held at the Multiplex Cinema on Route 110 and Conklin Street. While re-opening the nearby Republic Airport LIRR station has long been a goal of Supervisor Bellone, it had previously failed to gain traction or funding. Now, re-opening the station will be paired with several new components, including a new mixed-use center on the giant asphalt lot that currently surrounds the Multiplex. This site will become a walkable town center with a blend of retail, residential, and entertainment uses. Another central piece of the plan is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route along the Route 110 corridor, which will provide a much-needed North-South connection for LI’s transit network. The BRT proposal was recently analyzed in a study that was supported by Senator Fuschillo. Funding for large-scale transit projects are key to the plan, including adding a second LIRR track from Farmingdale to Ronkonkoma and to the East Side Access.

Not only are these leaders working together and thinking big, but there is a sincere integration of local communities and their revitalization initiatives. The plan focuses on supporting existing and proposed transit-oriented developments and revitalization efforts in Mineola, Farmingdale, East Farmingdale, Wyandanch, Brentwood, Ronkonkoma, Copiague, Bay Shore and Patchogue. The press release for the event states, “As standalone developments these efforts are important to our region because they help address regional challenges by creating new job opportunities, strengthening small businesses, creating vibrant places attractive to young people and diversifying our housing stock. But taken together, each TOD adds to the values of the TODs to which it connects, forming a whole greater than the sum of its parts.”

It was tremendous for Vision to listen to so many of our elected leaders discussing in unison the importance of TOD and mixed-use developments and the need to move away from an auto-centric Long Island. There is broad market and community support for these types of initiatives and we are thrilled to see our leaders on board.

Here are some supporting quotes:

Town of Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone said, “Long Island faces many challenges moving forward, and we need to take a regional approach to deal with them. By developing along rail lines and connecting these developments to major job centers, we are opening up new opportunities for people to live and work on Long Island without getting in their cars for everything.”

Town of Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone said, “Two years ago, we commissioned a feasibility study on a bus rapid transit system because we saw its potential as the crucial link among the many developing commercial, educational and residential facilities along Route 110. Now that the study has confirmed our belief, it is time to move ahead with this project, which will spur job creation and improve the environment by reducing automobile traffic along Route 110, the area we call Long Island’s epicenter.”

Town of Islip Supervisor Phil Nolan said, “By coordinating efforts among Town and State representatives, this plan will help create a more cohesive and extensive transportation network, to support the growth of downtowns across Long Island. I am excited about the job-growth potential that will come from linking downtowns to growing job centers and new mixed-use developments.”

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko said, “I look forward to working with my colleagues to Connect Long Island and create vibrant centers of economic growth around mass transit. Suffolk County’s economy will benefit from municipal leaders thinking regionally about projects that will create jobs. Brookhaven is closely collaborating with the Town of Islip on the Ronkonkoma Hub, a new live-work-play transit-oriented development that will be connected not only to the busiest Long Island Rail Road station, but also the Islip’s MacArthur Airport.”

NYS Senator Charles Fuschillo said, “In today’s economy, we need to do everything we can to create jobs, help businesses grow, and promote economic development. That’s exactly what these projects would do. Transit Oriented Development will help attract people to live, work, and shop in our downtowns, creating a huge boost to local small businesses. Expanding mass transit will improve access to these developments, as well as the vitally important Route 110 Corridor, while easing congestion and taking cars off the road. These are exactly the type of smart growth initiatives we should be exploring to help ensure that Long Island’s economy can grow and create jobs.”

Village of Farmingdale Mayor George “Butch” Starkie said, “It is incredibly important that we erase the boundary lines between towns, villages and counties when doing comprehensive planning. We need to work together on these transformative projects like the 110 Corridor...This game changing plan will be a huge benefit to the Village of Farmingdale and surrounding communities in the years to come.”

Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri said, “Across the island around our train stations there is much blighted property. If we redevelop that property into affordable housing, we allow our young kids to stay on the island, work in the city, and save money on gas. This will allow young people to have opportunities they otherwise would not have to live and work in communities where they want to be.”

John Cameron, Chairman of the LI Regional Planning Council, said, “Connect Long Island clearly addresses many of Long Island’s economic, infrastructure and transportation challenges as identified in LI 2035, LIRPC’s 25-year Sustainability Plan, while seizing on the opportunities presented by the Island’s existing assets.”

Elisa Picca, Chief Planning Officer for the LIRR, said, “The LIRR is pleased to be a part of this cooperative regional effort. We support TOD opportunities and funding to expand mass transit investments, like the Double Track project from Farmingdale to Ronkonkoma. East Side Access will be the biggest expansion of LIRR service in 100 years and we must be ready to capitalize on it.”

Eric Alexander, Executive Director of Vision Long Island, said, “Making the connection between transit oriented development projects and relevant infrastructure investments has been an often overlooked part of our planning as a region. Kudos to Supervisor Bellone and the other supportive municipal leaders for placing these projects at the forefront of our region’s priorities.”

Vision was also quoted in Newsday. “Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island, a smart-growth advocacy group, said with demand for housing with mass transit access growing rapidly, a plan for regional transit infrastructure was ‘visionary and logical.’” Read more in Newsday and in LI Business News.

 

LI Bus update: Groups call on Legislators to stand up for bus riders, urge County to get back to negotiating table with MTA

Long Island Bus continues to be surrounded by controversy and a lack of transparency. On Monday, Vision participated in a press conference in front of the Nassau Legislature, along with Tri-State Transportation Campaign, LI Jobs With Justice, LI Federation of Labor, NY Communities for Change, LI Progressive Coalition, NY Public Interest Research Group, several local churches, bus riders, AbleRide users, business and civic leaders and bus workers s to speak out on upcoming plans for the system.

The press event called on the County Legislature to increase its LI Bus contribution in the budget and also urged County Executive Mangano to go back to the negotiating table with the MTA to find an alternative to the bus privatization proposal with Veolia Transportation, which is scheduled to go into effect on January 1st, 2012. Whatever happens, riders and advocates are asking for a 5-year freeze on service levels and fares. This process has not been sufficiently transparent; riders and residents deserve to see a comparison of what Veolia will provide versus the current MTA system.

While we recognize the County’s difficult financial circumstances, that does not excuse the fact that Long Island Bus needs to be properly funded. Only $2.5 million is allocated in this year’s budget, representing a 73% decrease from 2011. This is far too low, whether there is a private system or not. In Suffolk and Westchester Counties, buses are run by effective public-private partnerships, but County contributions are far higher ($24 million and $33 million, respectively). On the difference that needs to be made up from the lack of MTA funding and Nassau’s low contribution, Veolia Transportation representative Michael Setzer has said that “you can’t save $35 million by turning out the lights.” Service cuts seem imminent.

There is new leadership in place at the MTA. This presents a unique opportunity for County Executive Mangano to get back to the table and re-enter negotiations. There is the possibility of a fresh start without the rocky history of the last few years. A public bus system may not be perfect, but it is transparent, safe and reliable.

At Monday afternoon’s Legislature committee hearings, the Rules Committee discussion on the budget- which would include LI Bus- was tabled until Thursday, when discussions ran late into the evening.

Read on for an action alert and check out some coverage in Tri-State Transportation Campaign's Mobilizing the Region, Verizon Fios1, Newsday, LI Jobs With Justice.

 

Huntington’s Paramount Theater opens

Long Island’s newest major concert venue has arrived, and it has arrived in style.

The Paramount Theater is located on New York Avenue in the heart of Huntington Village, at the former site of the IMAC. Some Vision staffers had the opportunity to attend the launch party on Monday night and were thoroughly impressed! The interior was gritty and stylish, with an industrial feel mixed with clean, modern amenities and technology. The main level has an open floor plan and the balcony level has seats wrapping around, all making for a capacity of about 1,500. There are 4 bars, some accessible from the main floor. For the elite crowd, there is the Founder’s Club VIP room. The bathrooms were painted by local graffiti artists, and the walls in the stairwells have song lyrics written all over them.

The Town of Huntington is enthusiastic about the potential for the theater to bring more people into the downtown who can visit local shops for pre-show dinner or shopping. A parking management plan is also in place to ease downtown traffic: 344 spaces at the Huntington LIRR station will be available concert-goers, with two 30-passenger trolleys making a 4-minute loop from 5pm until at least 2am on concert nights. Additional spaces have been secured at Town Hall and on upper Elm Street.

More upcoming acts and information are on the Paramount’s website, check out the photo gallery!

A job well done to the Paramount team, including Hoffman Grayson Architects and the Town of Huntington, for putting together a great project.

Check out some press coverage in LI Press, Newsday, Newsday/Explore LI and Huntington Patch

 

Riverhead revitalization continues as Vintage returns

On Tuesday, John Burke of the Vintage Group revealed plans for two new developments in downtown Riverhead. The first is a mixed-use project between the train station and the courthouse that includes 150 residential units, a 750 car multi-level parking structure, a movie theater and ground level retail. Vision gave this project a Smart Growth Award several years ago, but the project had been stalled due to economic constraints. The second project is a 250 residential unit building with ground level retail on Main Street, near the Suffolk Theater.

At this week's presentation were representatives from the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust and Love Funding, a 130-year-old investment bank, who are working with the Vintage Group to finance the projects. Also in attendance were County Legislator Ed Romaine, Town Councilmembers John Dunleavy, James Wooten and Jodi Giglio, members of the local trade unions and the Long Island Housing Partnership. The projects are estimated to create up to 750 jobs and provide 80 units of workforce housing to the area.

These two projects will piggyback on a plethora of revitalization efforts taking place in downtown Riverhead already. Several Smart Growth Award winning projects are also involved, including the new Hyatt Place Hotel and LI Aquarium relaunch and the Suffolk County Community College Culinary Arts Center. The Hyatt and Aquarium were featured as a multi-page spread in Newsday this week. Other housing projects are underway including Summer Wind Square and Concern Riverhead.

Town Supervisor Sean Walter led a ribbon-cutting tour on Monday to highlight the overall success of the town. Walter, along with the full town board and other elected officials, visited 12 local businesses that recently opened, expanded or renovated and cut ribbons at all 12 sites!

For more information visit Riverheadlocal.com and Riverhead News Review.

 

Schumer supports Ronkonkoma Hub

At a tour of the future site of the Ronkonkoma Hub this week, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced a major effort to secure funding to help jumpstart the massive project that will change the face of the community and serve as an example of successful transit-oriented development. Schumer called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) through the Federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities, to meet with and help identify federal funding sources to help secure funding for three key foundational ingredients to the success of this project of regional importance: sewer infrastructure, roundabout construction at the LIRR station and rehabilitation of existing, blighted properties around the train station.

Schumer made the case that public investment in infrastructure and federal recognition for the project will provide an added incentive for developers to invest private capital in this massive economic development project. His push for federal support for the Ronkonkoma Hub project is part of an overall effort he has led to have federal agencies work with local officials to identify funding opportunities, cut through bureaucratic red tape and navigate local officials through regulatory obstacles.

Last August, Vision Long Island co-hosted a conference with Senator Schumer and representatives from the EPA, the office of Sustainable Communities, HUD and USDOT to assist local officials in mapping out areas of coordination between affordable housing, environmental and transportation planning to promote sustainable development methods to revitalize local economies in the area. Nearly twenty municipalities presented their downtown projects to the federal officials. Schumer is pressing for a similar coordinated effort to jumpstart the Ronkokoma Hub development project and calling on the Partnership to lead an effort to identify and help coordinate a federal assistance package to help fund major components of the project.

Schumer identified three key targets for potential funding for the project and noted that his office will work with local officials and the Partnership for Sustainable Communities to help should work secure funding. Specifically, Schumer identified the following agencies and funding opportunities: federally-funded Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Economic Development Agency and Federal Highway Administration.

Read more in LI Business News and on Senator Schumer’s website.

 

FEIS accepted for Mt. Sinai Village Centre plan; mixed responses from residents

The Brookhaven Town Board adopted the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Mt. Sinai Village Centre project last week, in a 6-1 vote, with Councilwoman Jane Bonner casting the sole dissenting vote.

The project, first proposed in 2005, is located east of the King Kullen shopping center in Mt. Sinai, covering about 30 acres with retail and a community center. It will include a new clock tower, benches, gardens and other beautification efforts. Developer Paul Elliot of Soundview Realty has said that the project will connect with the King Kullen center, “allowing shoppers to walk, shop, eat, conduct banking and make office visits.”

The project’s website explains,

“Imagine turning off Route 25A and entering Mt. Sinai Village Centre — a beautiful retail-professional office center grounded by a magnificent clock tower and park-like green spaces. You might feel as though you had entered a New England hamlet, complete with gardens, benches, and a walk-able downtown main street. Mt. Sinai Village Centre will be the centerpiece of a revitalized and well-planned corridor that serves as a gateway to Mt. Sinai…a shining example of intelligent design and meticulous attention to detail, shaped by members of the community it will serve.”

According to the Village Beacon Record, residents are divided over the potential impact of the project. While some have been waiting patiently for years to see this redevelopment take place, others have expressed concerns over the impact on local businesses, residents and traffic.

Some feel the project will be a beautiful addition to the community, which would add about 300 new permanent jobs. Resident Bruce Madonna has spoken out in favor of the project for two years. “Why is this becoming a marathon?” he asked the Town Board.

Meanwhile, Councilwoman Bonner has said she wants to wait until the Town’s environmental study for the Route 25A corridor is completed before considering the project. Some suggest the study will make different recommendations for zoning and land use in the area.

Ann Becker of the Mount Sinai Civic Association explained that the plans have changed significantly over the years: “The project itself started in 2005 and they designed a beautiful project...but then it has gone through so many changes - and so many things have been taken out that people really wanted and things put in that people really don’t want - that it doesn’t really resemble the original project,” she said. The civic has yet to take an official position on the project.

Elliot must still get zone change approval from the Town. If approved, construction could begin next spring and completed in 2014.

Vision Long Island conducted the original public meeting and resulting plan for mixed-use development at the site which included housing. The housing component was removed and additional commerical space was added after objections from local residents.

Read more at the Times Beacon Record and on the project’s website.

 

Coram to build mixed-use center on old theater site

On September 20th, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Connie Kepert and Supervisor Mark Lesko announced a new plan for a $59 million redevelopment of the former United Artists (UA) Movie Theatre in Coram. This project will eliminate the blight that has attracted vandals and homeless people since the theater shut down in 2004 and create an affordable housing and retail complex. The new development will feature 160 apartments and almost 50,000 square feet of retail space. The expected rents on the apartments will range from $1,173 for a one-bedroom unit, $1,406 for two bedrooms, and $1,620 for three bedrooms. Not only will this project provide very affordable housing and shopping for the community, but it is also projected to generate 319 construction jobs and 112 permanent jobs.

The developers for the project, Conifer Realty LLC and Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDC), have been partners for over 12 years and share the same mission of providing affordable housing. Marianne Garvin, President and CEO of the CDC said, "CDC of Long Island targeted this site for redevelopment because of Connie Kepert and Mark Lesko's clarion call for removing blight and uplifting the Coram community, which resonate with CDC'S mission." CDC of Long Island is a not-for-profit organization that supports Long Islanders pursuing their housing and small business dreams.

The UA Movie Theater property was one of the first included in Supervisor Lesko's "Blight to Light" initiative. The "Blight to Light" program is an initiative to eliminate suburban blight in the Town of Brookhaven and redevelop these sites into mixed use, community friendly areas. "This redevelopment of the UA Movie Theater in Coram will remove an eyesore from the community and create jobs. An abandoned shell of a building and sea of cracking asphalt will be turned into a vibrant community center," said Supervisor Lesko. The intent of this project is to create a convenient town center with retail that will support the needs of the surrounding community while also being an attractive stopping destination.

This project was planned with the guidance of the Middle Country Road Land Use Plan, which was adopted in 2006 with Vision's help and support. Vision Long Island conducted a visioning process in the Coram and Middle Island communities in 2002 in coordination with local civics, business leaders and the Town of Brookhaven.

Vision's Eric Alexander was interviewed outside of the press event this week. Check out the video here. Read more in Newsday hereand the North Shore Sun here.

Glen Isle makes changes; City of Glen Cove hears from residents

The number of new town center proposals on Long Island continues to grow, and over the last few weeks one has taken some significant steps forward. Glen Isle, the large-scale redevelopment of the Glen Cove waterfront, was the subject of a public hearing held by the City of Glen Cove on Tuesday evening. Earlier this month, RXR Glen Isle Partners announced there would be several changes to the original design, including lower building heights and a higher ratio of rental units. The majority of speakers at the hearing were positive, which bodes well for the pending approval of this project.

The project will still have 860 units of housing. The 2008 version of the plan called for 21% rentals and 79% for-sale condominiums. Now, that mix has shifted to 35% rentals (271 units) and 65% condos (531 units). A significant number of these will be workforce or affordable units, targeting young professionals, amongst others. The 10-12 story buildings will be split into several 4-story buildings with parking underneath, making the pedestrian experience more typical of other walkable residential neighborhoods throughout the country.

The new plan incorporates green roofs as part of its stormwater management plan, which is a great, ecologically friendly way to absorb rainfall during storms, help reduce the heat island effect and provide food and habitat for birds, bees and other beneficial insects. Another change is the addition of a roundabout at the project’s main intersection, which will improve traffic flow and improve pedestrian safety. The development will still include a 250-room hotel, 19 acres of parks and open space and ample office and retail space.

The recently revised FEIS was presented at a standing-room only hearing. RXR’s Scott Rechler presented, followed by members of his team, describing some of the changes. A major reason for revising the plan was the changing economic climate since the project was initially proposed. Residents and other stakeholders spoke, and by Vision’s tally we heard 21 comments in support, 13 against, and 6 neutral with outstanding questions. Supportive comments included the new housing mix which follows market demand, the positive effects for young people on LI, new tax revenues and jobs, responsible developers that have listened to the public and the economic climate and downsized their plans, the City’s $140 million infrastructure investment to accommodate the project and the revitalization that this will bring to a vacant eyesore at the waterfront. Some of the questions raised were on the balance of the mix of uses and their economic viability, the project’s density and character and the impact on traffic. Vision testified in support.

Vision Long Island honored Glen Isle with a Smart Growth Award in 2010 for “Creating a Mix of Uses.” We are pleased to see the project advance through the FEIS stage and hope it receives its final approvals. View our video from the 2010 Smart Growth Awards here (the project is still in the earlier form in the video).

The FEIS is available on Glen Cove’s website. Read more in Newsday here.

Nassau HUB: Gone but not forgotten?

The fate of plans for the Nassau HUB looked grim after the defeat of the Nassau Coliseum referendum this summer. Fortunately, activity persists to attempt to come to consensus for redevelopment in the area with Nassau County, the Town of Hempstead and individual developers working on varying seperate conceptual plans. Stay tuned, as there is much more to come in the future months.

Nassau County develops transportation plan

On Wednesday evening, Nassau County held an open house to show progress on their study of transit options for the Nassau Hub area. About fifty people came to the open house to learn about the study. The planning team, lead by Jacobs Engineering, has looked at fourteen different potential transit routes through the Hub area. Six of them were determined to be fatally flawed and the remaining eight routes were on display, along with an estimate of ridership and length of routes. The eight routes will be narrowed down with further study to a few short list alternatives and eventually the locally preferred alternative will be selected and funding will be sought for its implementation. What form of transit will be used for the route has not yet been determined.

For more information go to the Nassau Hub's website.

Town of Hempstead holds Uniondale visioning meeting

The Uniondale Vision Plan kicked off Thursday night with its first official community meeting at Uniondale High School. About 80 residents attended the program, which gave an introduction to the process, explored some of the troubling existing conditions in the community and gave residents a forum to share their initial ideas for revitalization.

The visioning will focus on revitalization of the commercial areas along Jerusalem Ave., Front St., Nassau Rd. and Uniondale Ave. It will cover residential rehabilitation in Uniondale’s neighborhoods and seek to spur economic development in Uniondale overall. The goal is to build consensus in the community through the creation and implementation of a common agenda to serve as a roadmap for the future of Uniondale.

A group called the Greater Uniondale Area Action Coalition has put together what they are calling “Points of Unity” to present during the visioning process. As Jeannine Maynard of the Uniondale Community Council explained in an email, “the paper is intended to facilitate a strong, productive and aligned neighborhood voice as grassroots stakeholders as our area visioning gets underway.” The two-page paper covers issues like beautification (including cleanup, uniform business signage, the use of quality construction materials), transportation (maintain the bus lines, link to the Hub, commuter shelters, safe sidewalks), business improvements (no more strip malls, more family-based businesses and local businesses), housing (build on vacant properties first, work with lenders), a community center, environmental improvements, walkability, bikeability, traffic abatement and a community survey.

If you live or work in Uniondale and want to plug in to the visioning process, contact Kathy Sefchek from the Town of Hempstead at 516-538-7100 ext 311 or ksefchek@toh.li. You can also attend the next GUAAC meeting on Saturday, October 22nd at 10am in the Uniondale Public Library--contact Jeannine Maynard at 516-810-9306 or jgmaynard486@msn.com.

Read the Points of Unity here and see the brochure from the event here.

Developers put forward proposals

Nassau County has received number of proposals for redevelopment of the County-owned 77 acre parcel surrounding Nassau Coliseum. According to Newsday, one that emerged last week from ABLI and prepared by Town of Oyster Bay Planning Commissioner Fred Ipollito, architect Angelo Corvo and local engineers Sidney Bowne calls for a Coliseum renovation, a minor league ballpark and retail space.

Reaction from the Town of Hempstead and Islanders owner Charles Wang said they would look at all proposals that come forward. Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano also stated they would hold an open and transparent process to support development in the area that would benefit Nassau County residents. An RFP from the County should go forward on the property in the coming months.

For more information see the Newsday article here.

 

Federal update: T-bill extension passes House and Senate, awaits President Obama's signature; Jobs bill delivered

In a somewhat surprising move this week, the U.S. House of Representatives easily passed a 6-month clean extension of SAFETEA-LU, the federal transportation bill on Tuesday. The fund expires at the end of September, at which point many construction projects would be halted and workers furloughed. The rapid approval is likely because the transportation funding was coupled with extending FAA funding, which expires today.

Last night, it didn’t seem as if the Senate would be able to get agree on any extension of both the FAA authorization and the surface transportation authorization before today's deadline. Strong opponents finally caved and the bill was passed with 92 “yes” votes. President Obama is expected to sign the bill later today.

Though transportation advocates are still hoping for a long-term reauthorization, the 6-month extension is a welcome announcement. The small Transportation Enhancements fund, which covers many bike and pedestrian safety projects, remains intact. This is especially encouraging in light of the 2011 House budget which made major cuts to TIGER grants, New Starts and other Smart Growth-friendly programs.

Meanwhile, President Obama delivered his infrastructure-heavy American Jobs Act to Congress on Monday and though administration officials are optimistic, the proposal has already fallen into some messy politicization. Fortunately, the bill includes things like funding for high speed rail, Amtrak and TIGER grants, which had been cut in the 2011 House budget. $9 billion will be set aside for the Federal Transit Administration. The bill also allows some flexibility for local transit agencies to use capital funds for operating assistance, a major point that advocates have been pushing for as systems across the country struggle to stay afloat. These allocations make a big statement on the administration’s transportation priorities.

 

Vision highlights Complete Streets in LIBN

Vision’s Eric Alexander recently had an op-ed published in Long Island Business News. “Coming to a roadway near you,” covers the recent passage of the NYS Complete Streets law. Seeing as though Long Island has some of the most dangerous roads in the region and New York State some of the most dangerous in the nation, this law will go a long way in promoting safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, transit users and more.

“New York is not the first state to adopt a Complete Streets policy," the piece states. "In fact, we’re the 26th. And the five LI towns that have passed their own local ordinances (Babylon, Brookhaven, Islip, North Hempstead and Southampton) join a nationwide list of more than 250. This trend suggests a growing concern not only for road safety but for alternative, sustainable modes of transportation. Passage of Complete Streets legislation will hopefully begin the process of making our roadways more humane, improve our communities and, most importantly, save lives.”

Read the full op-ed here.

 

LI Smart Growth Working Group: Complete Streets, LI Bus, Nassau Hub, Infrastructure and more

The Long Island Smart Growth Working Group held a vibrant and informative meeting on Wednesday, September 7th at the RXR building in Melville. Nearly 70 individuals gathered to hear from NYS Senator Charles Fuschillo, along with NYS Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, on the recently passed Complete Streets legislation. The group also heard over a dozen updates from local elected officials, developers, planners and others.

Complete Streets

NYS Sen. Charles Fuschillo / NYS Assemblyman Tom McKeviltt / Sen. Fuschillo with Vision's Eric Alexander

Senator Fuschillo gave a heartfelt thank you to everyone in the room who worked to get the Complete Streets bill passed. It was a big challenge, spanning several years, but the bill was eventually voted through the legislature unanimously. In fact, never in ten years had Fuschillo seen so much support on one measure. Complete Streets is long overdue for New York. It will include benefits for pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, the environment, health, public transportation and more. It’s unfortunate that we have to legislate things like this, Fuschillo said. A true advocate for his cause, the Senator described his drive to the meeting, where he looked at the roads differently and worried about the lack of pedestrian facilities.

Assemblyman McKevitt added that he was very glad to support this bill. He noted that many municipalities had economic concerns, but the local and state elected officials communicated effectively and worked through any issues. The law will take effect in February, 2012, six months after Gov. Cuomo signed the historic legislation.

Greenman-Pedersen’s Mayer Horn posed a question on performance measures, wondering if there is a plan for any reporting back on the law. Fuschillo noted that there is currently no plan, but that it would be a good idea to conduct future studies on the reduction in fatalities and other impacts of the law. There was also a question on the status of the federal Complete Streets policy, which is moving slowly. More information is available here.

Ryan Lynch, Tri-State Transportation Campaign / Peter Fleischer, Empire State Future / John Durso, LI Federation of Labor

LI Bus

Fresh from last week’s People’s Hearing for Long Island Bus, where 200 bus riders spoke out on their concerns in the absence of an official County hearing, Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s Ryan Lynch discussed the future of the soon-to-be-privatized bus system. Folks should reach out to elected officials and demand that service levels remain the same and fares are not increased over the next five years. We are also hoping that the County will reopen negotiations with the MTA when a new CEO is named. Senator Fuschillo, who helped save the bus system through the end of 2011, noted that State funds could still be used for a private system, as they are in other counties. Assemblyman McKevitt underscored the importance of the bus as it ties into economic development in the county. Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby reiterated the detrimental impacts of service cuts and fare increases on her district, and thanked the Senator for providing the additional funding.

A sub-committee was formed to follow up with Nassau County officials on this issue.

Priority Infrastructure

A major priority for the Working Group is the implementation of the new NYS Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy law. We must ensure that state resources go into downtowns. Peter Fleischer of Empire State Future explained the progress coming from Albany, and unfortunately noted that there is “no indication that the administration is going out of their way to implement the Infrastructure Act.” Any progress has not been publicized, so folks will have to stay vigilant in the coming months.

Fleischer also noted that his group will serve as a watchdog for the Governor’s Regional Economic Development Councils. A member of the LI Council, LI Federation of Labor’s John Durso said that the group is trying to simplify the process to apply for funds. He also explained that out of the 10 councils, the two with the best job-creating plans will get a higher amount of money. Any ideas for projects would be welcome.

Vision has convened a committee that is identifying downtowns where there should be growth. These priority infrastructure locations and projects will be assembled and presented to elected officials so they can identify funding priorities in alignment with the new infrastructure law. Senator Fuschillo said he would be happy to meet with the committee once we have the final list. After all, infrastructure will drive the economic engine of the state. Fuschillo also discussed the potential for public-private-partnerships (or P3s) in order to pay for our underfunded infrastructure needs, as well as the potential for a state infrastructure bank.

Nassau Hub

There was some discussion over the future of the Nassau Hub, which has seen 4 failed plans since the mid-90s. Some argued that the failure was a result of political football with little regard for the community, while others suggested that community groups and residents are holding up the project due to unrealistic expectations. The group agreed that something needs to get done at the Hub, and whatever it is must address housing and job opportunities for young people, must include a strong infrastructure package, and must truly engage the community throughout the redevelopment process. An upcoming visioning meeting in Uniondale will address some of these issues.

A sub-committee of the Working Group was formed to review future projects proposed for the Nassau Hub.

Local and Regional Planning Updates

Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dot Goosby / Michael Levine, North Hempstead Planning Commissioner / Lionel Chitty of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce

There were updates from various Town and Village elected officials, along with private sector representatives working with municipalities. Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby spoke about the various clean energy initiatives underway there, ranging from a recycling program to rebates for old mercury thermostats. She noted the land use controversy surrounding Elmont redevelopment which has not yet found a conclusion, and spoke about the Town’s redevelopment plans at the Nassau Hub.

In North Hempstead, Planning Commissioner Michael Levine discussed the various traffic calming initiatives in New Cassel, Port Washington and Manhasset. The Town has a new local Complete Streets policy, so several streets will get makeovers that will include bike lanes, wider sidewalks, fewer driving lanes and more. Manhasset will make use of a Safe Routes to Schools grant, which includes many pedestrian safety improvements. Several mixed-use properties are also in development stages throughout the Town, as is a 60,000 square foot community center. Though much is happening in North Hempstead, Levine noted a “logistical nightmare” in reconciling the requirements of various grants.

Oyster Bay’s Economic Development representative Linda Bianculli passed the floor to Lionel Chitty of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, who noted the partnership with the Town and other agencies including the DOT in Hicksville’s downtown revitalization process. Many streets are being worked on, beautification efforts are underway, there is a new farmers market and community garden and things are moving in accordance with the vision plan.

Jonathan Keyes, Town of Babylon Office of Downtown Revitalization / Joy Squires, NYS Association of Conservation Commissions / Steven Hearl, H2M / David Berg, American Planning Association - LI Chapter

Jonathan Keyes of the Town of Babylon’s Office of Downtown Revitalization noted that the Wyandanch Rising project is finishing up the final RFP process, which selected LI-based developer the Albanese Organzation. The project will include 200 housing units that are mostly residential and 50,000 square feet of retail. He hopes to see construction begin this time next year.

The Town of Islip sent in a report on several revitalization projects. Most notably, the ball is currently in developer Jerry Wolkoff’s court on the Heartland project. The Town and developer are moving closer to an agreement, with the infrastructure public benefits package currently a major issue to resolve. There are also many local projects in Bay Shore, including the completed marina development and many mixed use buildings on Main Street.

A great deal is happening in Huntington Station, with the approval of the 390-unit Avalon Bay project as well as Renaissance Downtowns being selected as Master Developer for the area. Renaissance’s Brandon Palanker emphasized the extensive public outreach that will be done in the community as the plan develops. He anticipated the plan to be “SEQRA-ready” in one year. Joy Squires of NYS Association of Conservation Commissions also noted the beautiful and successful community garden in Huntington Station that was created using town bond funds.

Heather Sporn, NYS Department of Transportation / Larry McAuliffe, NYMTC / Dr. Nathalia Rogers, Dowling College / Mayer Horn, Greenman-Pedersen

Will Stoner, AARP / Beth Fiteni, Sustainability Institute at Molloy College / Greg Watson, NYS Home & Community Renewal / Rich Bivone, Long Island Business Council

David Berg of the APA-LI Chapter noted that the Village of Port Jefferson is working on a major redevelopment plan for the area surrounding the train station, which will be done in “TOD style.” Hempstead Village will also be working with Renaissance Downtowns on a major redevelopment plan that should be shovel-ready next year. The Glen Cove Piazza project passed last month, which will include 142 units of housing and ample public space.

Larry McAuliffe of NYMTC gave an update on regional transportation and sustainability initiatives. Using a $3.5 million grant from the Partnership for Sustainable Communities (which includes HUD, EPA and US DOT), NYMTC will be working with other groups to regionally look at issues like transit-oriented development, transfer of development rights and pedestrian access. A “gap analysis” will be completed to make existing planning efforts more unified and sustainable. The consortium of groups is currently advancing a workplan which builds upon existing projects. Comments from the group included the need for the Federal agencies to not necessarily plan for the region, as there are numerous regional planning studies underway. More importantly, the agencies involved in this study can assist by breaking down regulatory barriers to funding Smart Growth projects in the communities that are ready for growth.

Beth Fiteni of the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College gave an update on some green homes and clean energy initiatives. The Clean Energy Leadership Task Force is scheduled to meet on September 30th and will feature LIPA COO Michael Hervey. The group will discuss a uniform solar code, lighting, home energy ratings and more. In addition, a growing campaign called Long Island Green Homes enables Long Islanders to be get free or low-cost home energy audits. Working under a federal NYSERDA grant, the program will also be run under a coalition of towns. More information is available on the LI Green Homes website and outreach assistance is needed.

Dowling College’s Dr. Nathalia Rogers reported on a federal small business study that will have economic development implications at all levels of government. The charge of the study is to tell Congress and the President how to improve the small business climate in the nation. Long Island’s instruments to conduct the study included a questionnaire that was distributed to many small business owners, focus groups in local communities that heard from businesses and chambers of commerce and a technical symposium that was held in June to brainstorm ideas. A report is expected to be ready by the end of October, but preliminary findings in the questionnaire found that roughly 95% of respondants stress that development of downtowns is a major way to encourage small business development. Even businesses that were not located in downtowns felt this way. Long Island Business Council’s Nassau Chair Richard Bivone commented on the importance of the study for small businesses across LI.

Also on the day's packed agenda were brief updates from AARP’s Will Stoner on livable communities, NYS Office of Homes and Community Renewal’s Greg Watson and NYSDOT’s Heather Sporn and Phyllis Elgut on pedestrian improvements in Smithtown as well as the upcoming DOT Capital Plan.

For more information on the LI Smart Growth Working Group please contact Vision at 631-261-0242 or info@visionlongisland.org.

 

People’s Hearing for Long Island Bus: Over 200 riders, taxpayers, businesses and workers demand answers

It was standing room only at Wednesday night’s People’s Hearing for the Long Island Bus at the Ethical Humanist Society in Garden City. Over 200 people were in attendance including riders, students, AbleRide users, labor, civics, chambers of commerce, businesses, Smart Growth advocates, religious leaders and more. Of all the Nassau County elected officials invited to attend and listen to their constituents, 6 legislator showed up: Hons. Judi Bosworth, David Denenberg, Denise Ford, Judy Jacobs, Robert Troiano, and Wayne Wink. Also in attendance were NYS Senator Jack Martins, a representative from NYS Assemblywoman Michele Schimel’s office and representatives from Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos’s office.

The hearing was organized by Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Vision Long Island, the LI Federation of Labor, the NY Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), LI Jobs With Justice, LI Progressive Coalition and NY Communities for Change. It was held due to the lack of County-sponsored hearings about the privatization of one of the largest suburban bus systems in the country.

The overall message of the hearing was asking Nassau County to commit to five years without fare hikes or service cuts, regardless of who is operating Long Island Bus. With the news of Jay Walder’s departure in October 2011, the groups also urged the County to reenter negotiations with the MTA.

Nearly 40 concerned citizens spoke at the non-partisan hearing, ranging from students to AbleRide users to bus drivers. They raised some important concerns, including about routes, fares, transparency, small businesses, young people and overall service. Lionel Chitty of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce spoke about the link between downtown revitalization efforts and the need for transit. A college student spoke about the need for a public, affordable option with free transfers from NYC transit that exists now. Vision’s Eric Alexander talked about all the downtown business districts that rely on bus service for economic development. “Let’s work together to find a solution,” he said, “just like the public expected during this hurricane."

Elected officials spoke at the end of the hearing. Senator Jack Martins began, noting that “you judge a society by how they treat their people in need.” Legislator Jacobs noted that fare revenues under Veolia are not sustainable and Legislator Ford spoke about some state funding options that still need to be explored, such as more red light cameras. Legislator Denenberg fired up the crowd, saying that a public agency needs to be publicly funded and we cannot privatize an essential service. Legislator Bosworth said she was appalled at the poor process. She noted that there is a plan for a County-run hearing now, but only after the contract with Veolia is complete in a few months. Legislator Wink spoke about the contract process, which will be a “rules only contract” meaning the full legislature will not have the opportunity to vote on it. Legislator Troiano encouraged attendees to take action: “You are more powerful than you realize,” he said. Jostyn Hernandez and Gabriel Martinez from the Comptroller’s office spoke about the privatization study that the Comptroller released last November (available here), which recommended a public solution with the County and MTA.

(Pictured left to right: Eric Alexander, Vision Long Island; Atlanta Cockrell, NY Communities for Change; Jostyn Hernandez, Office of Comptroller George Maragos; Hon. Jack Martins, NYS Senator; Hon. Robert Troiano, Nassau County Legislator; Hon. Judy Bosworth, Nassau County Legislator; Kate Slevin, Tri-State Transportation Campaign; Hon. Judy Jacobs, Nassau County Legislator; Hon. Wayne Wink, Nassau County Legislator; Lisa Tyson, LIPC; Ann Sullivan, NY Communities for Change / Hon. Denise Ford / Charlene Oberhaur, Jobs with Justice; Hon. Wayne Wink; Kate Slevin)

Privatization

The County announced in June that the privatization, scheduled to go into effect on January 1st, 2012, will be run by Paris based Veolia Transportation for five years. While the County and Veolia have said that service and fares will remain the same in 2012, no information about what it will look like in 2013 and beyond is available, nor is any information available about how effectively Veolia will run the system, how responsive it will be to rider concerns and how it will address changes of service and fares to the bus and Able-Ride systems.

It still remains to be seen whether Veolia and Nassau County have actually agreed upon a full five year contract, and the lack of clarity over subsidy levels was identified as a key concern of the riders and groups in attendance. Veolia has a track record of raising fares and cutting service when it does not receive subsidies it needs to run a robust transit system. In Columbia, South Carolina, the lack of local resources led to fare increases of 100% and the elimination of the downtown trolley service and service cuts along other routes since Veolia took over operations for the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority in 2002.

(pictured, left to right: NYS Senator Jack Martins / Nassau County Legislator David Denenberg / Eric Alexander; Hon. Judy Bosworth; Ryan Lynch and Kate Slevin, Tri-State Transportation Campaign; Hon. Judy Jacobs)

The following are some comments from participating organizations:

“A ‘People’s Hearing’ does not make up for the fact that Nassau County has failed to be responsive to its citizens and residents,” said Kate Slevin, executive director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a non-profit transportation policy watchdog in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. “It’s time for Nassau County to commit to five years without fare hikes or service cuts regardless of who is running the system.”

“LI Bus was taken over the by MTA in the early 1970s because the private sector failed to adequately provide efficient, affordable and effective mass transit,” said Ryan Lynch, senior planner and Long Island coordinator for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. “County Executive Mangano should take advantage of Chairman Walder’s pending departure to restart negotiations with the MTA to find a funding solution that works for all parties involved.” He continued, “When the MTA raises fares or cuts service, it takes about three months to put these changes into place. The fact that we are four months away from a much greater change than simply fare increases and service cuts, with no information available, is extremely concerning.”

"We are very concerned with the potential loss of service for LI Bus as the system becomes privatized in 2012,” said Eric Alexander, executive director of Vision Long Island. “Nassau County must remain a partner throughout this process, with the understanding that eliminating service works directly against the public interest. Not only would cuts hurt bus riders, but they would be an affront to the various downtown revitalization efforts occurring throughout Nassau County that rely on transit service to boost both quality of life and small business.”

“People are aching for information about what this privatization scheme will do to their service, pocketbooks and quality of life,” said Charlene Obernauer, Executive Director of Long Island Jobs With Justice. “We need formal hearings to discuss how much a Veolia run bus system is going to cost taxpayer’s and what this system will look like over a five year period.”

“I am an Able-Rider that relies on the bus to get to my doctor’s appointments in Garden City and to my commissioner meetings in Mineola”, said Angela Davis, a member of New York Communities for Change. “I already need to spend 3 hours each way waiting for Able Ride and cuts will only make this worse. On top of that I am on a fixed income and can barely afford the fare as it is now. If fares were to increase I would be forced to cut my activity and become further isolated. I rely on the bus to get around outside of Hempstead. Since the County and Veolia won't tell us what they are going to do, I don't not whether I will be able to afford the bus and Able Ride or how much longer I will have to wait.”

“Our Campaign believes that the riders have been left in the dark about the details to privatize Long Island Bus,” said Jason Chin-Fatt, Field Organizer for the New York Public Interest Research Group. “There is a lot at stake for Long Island Bus riders, and they are rightly worried. The County’s current plan makes it unrealistic to believe that existing fares and levels of service will remain the same.”

“If the union representing the LI Bus employees had been allowed any input, they would have reminded the County of their obligations under Section 5333(b) formerly known as 13 (c) of the Federal Transit-Act which preserves the collective bargaining rights when federal funds are involved when there is a change of employer”, said John Durso, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL/CIO. “The public has no way of knowing whether Section 13 (c) was taken into consideration or whether Veolia intends to absorb a loss for the first year and then come back with fare increases, service cuts and an attack on the collective bargaining agreement in the years to follow.”

“Hundreds of students just like me deserve much more of a say on our transportation needs to get a balanced education”, Said Christen Rieger, a student at Nassau Community College. “I think it's utterly unfair that these people who use Long Island Bus the most have no say in something that could drastically change their life."

Take Action

As the elected officials noted at the hearing, your voice matters. Write a letter to your elected officials. Visit this website for some tips on how to take action to save Long Island Bus.

You can read Newsday’s coverage here.

 

 

Suffolk County adopts groundbreaking wastewater infrastructure law

Last week, Suffolk County formally established “The Rebuilding Suffolk and Water Purification Act of 2011,” an historic measure that strengthens County investment in wastewater infrastructure and drinking water protection. The measure also allows certain funding to be set aside for property tax relief through the lowering of County debt payments.

The law will designate 62.5 percent of surplus sewer assessment stabilization reserve funds for new sewers and septic systems and 37.5 percent to reduce County debt. Budget analysts estimate the amount dedicated for new sewers this year and next will be approximately $34.6 million, including $2 million in incentive grants for the installation of high-tech septic systems to replace present inadequate systems.  Further, a long term estimate shows the fund could see as much as $150-200 million in dedicated funding over a ten-year period.  After two years, fund use will be reevaluated by the Legislature.

The measure creates a “Sewer Infrastructure Committee.” The members include representatives from planning, health, economic development, public works, the legislature and the executive office. The committee will be tasked with reviewing applications for funding of sewer infrastructure and sewage treatment projects and making advisory recommendations to the County Executive and Legislature.

David Calone, Chairman, Suffolk County Planning Board, said, “This legislation is the culmination of the vision born from the County Executive’s Sewer Summit I and Sewer Summit II; that we need a locally controlled source of sewer funding.  Suffolk County will now be better able to make its decisions about where sewer infrastructure can best help us grow economically while protecting our environment and open spaces.  Targeting this new sewer financing to projects in our downtowns and near transit hubs will ensure that smart growth and other regional planning goals are at the heart of Suffolk’s future development."

 

Attend the "People's Hearing" on Long Island Bus on August 31st

In June, Nassau County made the announcement that it will end its current contract with the MTA in favor of allowing Veolia Transportation, a private company, to take the reins. Since then, no further details have been released concerning what will become of the system and how it will operate. However, a look at Veolia’s record paints a somewhat revealing picture.

Veolia Transportation has a proven record of running public transportation effectively, but only when heavily subsidized by local government. When this is not produced, the company has been known to raise fares while simultaneously slashing service and negatively impacting the riders who need bus systems the most, as evidenced by their takeover of the Central Midlands Regional Transportation Authority in 2002. Since that time, fares have doubled while downtown trolley and many other service cuts have been made.

In order to avoid this situation in Nassau, organizations and individuals have called for public hearings and contract details as well as increased transparency of the transfer. With the lack of public hearings, several groups will instead hold a “People’s Hearing” at the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island (38 Old Country Road in Garden City, within walking distance of the Mineola train station) on Wednesday, August 31st at 6:30pm. All are welcome to attend and participate, especially bus riders. Vision Long Island is a co-sponsor of the event with local civics, chambers and other regional advocates, including Tri-State Transportation Campaign, LI Progressive Coalition, LI Jobs With Justice, and NY Communities for Change.

The flyer for the event is available here.

For more information, check out Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s original article or call 631-348-1104 x310 to RSVP or for details about the hearing. Read more in Newsday.

 

 

Governor Cuomo signs Complete Streets legislation!

On Monday, August 15th, 2011 NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the historic Complete Streets legislation. The State Senate and Assembly unanimously passed the bill earlier this summer.

In a press release from the Governor's office, he said "New York's roadways should safely accommodate all pedestrians, motorists and cyclists, and this legislation will help communities across the state achieve this objective," Governor Cuomo said. "Complete Streets designs recognize measures that will make streets safer for New Yorkers of all ages and abilities. I thank Senator Fuschillo and Assemblyman Gantt for their hard work on this legislation."

NYS Senator Charles Fuschillo said "Complete streets design principles have been proven to reduce fatalities and injuries, and by taking them into consideration on future projects we will greatly improve the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers of all ages and abilities. This new law will result in safer roadways and I thank Governor Cuomo for supporting this law which will help save lives, prevent injuries, and make New York a safer place for all."

Sandi Vega, whose daughter's tragic death crossing the street led to the bill being dubbed "Brittany's Law," said "I'm overjoyed by the knowledge of the impending signing of Complete Streets. I know Brittany is looking over us thinking it's wonderful that we are helping other families keep their loved ones safe from these busy, congested, dangerous streets. I will sleep a little better knowing that we are moving forward toward making NY a more pedestrian friendly state."

Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s Kate Slevin said in a statement, “We are one step closer to viewing our roads in New York State differently—not just as conduits for cars, but as public spaces in which all citizens have a right to travel safely, whether they are young or old, in a car, on foot, in a wheelchair, or on a bike.

Eric Alexander, Executive Director of Vision Long Island, said "Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities have continued to be a major safety concern for all road users on LI. The newly enacted "Complete Streets" legislation will help reverse that trend. Kudos to Governor Cuomo, Sen. Fuschillo and the NYS Senate and the NYS Assembly for moving this important bill forward. This is the third piece of major legislation signed into law in two years advanced by the LI Lobby Coalition. 45 LI civic, environmental, transportation, human service and business organizations worked together on the Complete Streets bill this year among other priorities."

Read more in Newsday and The Albany Times-Union.

Read the Governor's press release here.

For more, see Vision's special e-blast from earlier this week.

Fatalities and injuries on our roadways are a serious and preventable issue. New York has some of the most dangerous roads in the nation. Some of the deadliest include state roadways, such as Sunrise Highway and Hempstead Turnpike. Complete Streets legislation amends the state highway law, requiring that all roads receiving state or federal funds consider all potential road users- including cyclists, public transportation vehicles, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities- in the road design and construction process.

Complete Streets are safe streets. Simple additions such as countdown clocks, better crosswalks, protected bike lanes and traffic calming devices can dramatically reduce the number of fatalities on our roads. Safer roads also make alternative modes of transportation more realistic and even pleasant options, creating positive effects for local economies, urban vitality, public health and the environment.

At least 25 other states have passed statewide Complete Streets legislation, including Connecticut, Oregon, Massachusetts, Illinois and Virginia. Complete Streets laws have already been passed in 15 municipalities in New York State, including five towns on Long Island (Babylon, Brookhaven, Islip, North Hempstead and Southampton).

Not only is this a step forward in making our cities and towns more liveable, this policy also will undoubtedly save lives.

Special thanks to Chuck Fuschillo in the Senate and Bob Sweeney, Michelle Schimel and Harvey Weisenberg in the Assembly for taking leadership on Complete Streets.

This bill could not have moved forward without significant local support and advocacy.

Special thanks go out to members of the Long Island Lobby Coalition who have been calling and writing constantly over the last month, including Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Mayer Horn of Greenman-Pedersen, Tom Talbot of Middle Island Civic Association, Ralph Fasano of Concern for Independent Living, Ernie Mattace of Suffolk County Community College, Carol Meschkow of Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Will Ferris of AARP, Peter Fleischer of Empire State Future, and others!

 

Funds secured for Wyandanch Rising project

The Federal Transportation, Community and System Preservation Program this week allocated $1.95 million in funding to the Wyandanch Rising revitalization project. The project includes the construction of the Wyandanch Intermodal Plaza and Roadway Network Construction project, which will establish bus pick-up and drop-off locations as well as bike storage adjacent to the Long Island Rail Road station and the proposed Wyandanch Intermodal Facility.

According to Sen. Chuck Schumer, the creation of the plaza, along with a reconfigured roadway that will provide the street network required to re-route truck traffic out of the downtown area, would help to reduce the amount of traffic around the train station.

To learn more, check out the original article from Long Island Business News.

 

Smithtown residents and officials advance traffic calming for downtown

Residents and officials in Smithtown met last week to review two sets of plans to overhaul their dangerous Main Street. Since 2009, there have been three fatal pedestrian accidents along their downtown corridor, one involving an 11 year old girl, one a 65 year old man, and one a 33 year old man.

The first plan proposed detouring westbound traffic north to Landing Avenue and Redwood Lane. Though this plan would undoubtedly slow traffic and make the streets more walkable, it comes at the price of a loss of business for local shops. The second plan would reduce the four-lane Main Street to three lanes, with two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane with a center median and a left turning lane, plus on-street parking. This plan would also buffer traffic significantly, though some argued against the on-street parking.

“It’s obvious that they’re working toward a solution,” said Lavena Sipes, mother of Courtney Sipes, who was fatally struck on Main Street in 2009.

Vision Long Island participated in the worksession and applauds NYS DOT in taking action to redesign this dangerous roadway.

To read more check out the original article on Newsday’s site.

 

Glen Cove Piazza approved

Long Island has needed some good news lately and we got it Wednesday night when the Glen Cove City Planning Board granted approval on Jobco's plan to build Glen Cove Piazza!

Located in Village Square, the project features ground level commercial space and 3-4 stories of housing above the retail. The housing consists of 142 units of rental apartments, ranging from 750 square feet for a 1-bedroom affordable apartment to 1,200 square feet for a 2-bedroom market rate apartment. Approximately half of these units will be marketed to nearby college students. An agreement is in the works with New York Institute of Technology to rent out many of the units to medical students working on their graduate degrees. There will be 28,000 square feet of retail space for service-oriented businesses.

The centerpiece of the development will be a refurbished, decorative-brick public plaza whose design mimics historic European plazas. The plaza will emphasize walkability and functioning public space to bring people outside. In addition to enhancing pedestrian amenities, the project will be in close proximity to transportation services such as Long Island Bus, Long Island Rail Road and the new ferry terminal with service to New York City.

By pairing housing with a mixture of other uses, the apartments will be easily marketed to young, working professionals. By doing so, Glen Cove is addressing the dwindling population of young people on Long Island, a major selling point for the Planning Board.

The Piazza will tie into the multitude of sound planning initiatives in Glen Cove, facilitated by guidelines set forth in the Glen Cove Master Plan, adopted in 2009. The community has won 6 Smart Growth Awards to date, including the Piazza’s 2011 honor for Creating a Sense of Place.

Congratulations to developer Jobco and project leader Michael Puntillo Jr., a Vision Long Island Board Member. This is a well-earned victory that will bring enormous benefits to the downtown!

See the Smart Growth Awards video for the Glen Cove Piazza here.

 

Aquarium celebrates opening of hotel and exhibition center

The Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center in downtown Riverhead (formerly Atlantis Marine World) celebrated the grand opening of its exhibition center and Hyatt Place hotel last month. The ribbon-cutting celebration on July 1st drew over 1,000 children and adults ready to explore the new exhibits!

Located near the center of town and as Long Island’s only aquarium, Atlantis has always been a great attraction. The new Hyatt Place Long Island/East End and the Exhibition Center are connected to the existing aquarium and were built on underutilized properties. The hotel is five stories tall and features 100 rooms over 70,000 square feet of space, while the two-story exhibit center and catering hall takes up 29,000 square feet and includes 5,000 square feet flexible gallery space. There are ten meeting spaces options available that accommodate from 40-650 people, including a tour boat, outdoor stadium and the Sea Star Ballroom.

Bryan DeLuca, Executive Director of the aquarium and an advocate for revitalization on the East End, told the New York Times, “up to now, we’ve really been a day trip...Now you can come here, leave your keys with the valet at the Hyatt and literally not see your car for the entire weekend.”

When accepting the 2011 Smart Growth Award for Compact Design, DeLuca plugged the newest attraction at the aquarium, “Butterflies and Birds,” and encouraged everyone to attend. An online review described: “The new Butterflies and Birds exhibit is nothing short of extraordinary...the 5,000 sq. ft. storybook theme space includes a tree house, a pond and beautifully designed gardens. Along with the 30 species of North American and tropical butterflies, visitors are treated to 20 types of exotic birds in an adjacent bird room, with many of the birds more than happy to perch on a visitor's finger or shoulder. This combined exhibition is both beautiful and educational and, quite simply, a whole lot of fun!”

Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter added, “This is just absolutely a fantastic thing that has happened to Main Street... Downtown Riverhead is coming back, there are seven new stores and restaurants that have opened up on Main Street in the last seven or eight months. This is the icing on the cake and we are coming back, no doubt about it!"

Read some reviews in the New York Times and on hamptons.com and check out an interview with Bryan DeLuca at Riverhead Local. To see the video on the project from the 2011 Smart Growth Awards, go to Vision’s YouTube page.

 

 

NYS Brownfields program awards $54 million for $1 million cleanup to build... a mall

New York State is set to reward $54 million in funding for a pollution cleanup that cost roughly $1 million. As part of its much-maligned Brownfield Cleanup program, the State Department of Environmental Conservation has signed an agreement that will retroactively accept the soil cleanup designed and implemented by the developer of the Syracuse Mall Destiny USA.

Created in 2003, the program was intended to encourage the re-use of sites where pollution was making new developments difficult. Now the program is set to dole out tax credits to Destiny USA for its $540 million mall expansion.

“The Destiny Project is a poster child for some of the significant flaws with how the Brownfiels Cleanup Program was designed,” according to Laura Haight, senior environmental associate for New York Public Interest Research Group.

For more information on this, check out the original story over at Syracuse.com.

 

 

Voters turn down Coliseum referendum, Mangano looks for other options

The referendum which would have allowed Nassau County to borrow $400 million to redevelop the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and build a minor league baseball park among other possible projects at the site deemed “The Hub” was not approved by voters. With 57% of voters rejecting a publicly-funded development project, the Islanders’ future in Nassau County, along with that of the Coliseum itself, is unsure. Islanders’ owner Charles Wang hopes to keep the team as close to the current arena as possible, but plans to explore other opportunities for the team, whose lease at the site expires in 2015. Despite the referendum’s failure to pass, County Executive Ed Mangano is working to redevelop the area.

County Executive Mangano believed the publicly-funded plan would be the catalyst for increased revenue and job growth in Nassau. After the defeat, he told Newsday that “the people of Nassau County have spoken and I can take joy in knowing that we celebrated democracy today.” He called for private developers to come forward and send his office plans to develop the Hub saying, "I can tell you this, tonight is not the end of our journey, but merely the beginning. In the coming weeks I will explore a path for new opportunities and growth in Nassau County." Mangano’s office is in the process of filing a Request For Proposals to give developing rights to a private holder. The RFP is open to several options that both include and exclude the arena as well as leasing or selling the land.

The County Executive’s only request is that the plans generate revenue and jobs and improve the quality of life in Nassau County. Mangano is calling for preliminary proposals by August 12th, while official proposals will come in the next few months after the RFP is approved. This gives many private developers what they wanted before the referendum was put in place- an opportunity to send the County a plan the redevelopment of the Hub.

For more on the vote and plans for the future at the site, see coverage in two Newsday articles here and here and in the Long Island Herald here.

 

 

Rejected Coliseum referendum could have sparked revitalization for Nassau County: All eyes focus on mixed-use RFP

On Monday, August 1st, Nassau County held a special election, in which County Executive Ed Mangano and New York Islanders owner Charles Wang sought approval for a public bond to finance the redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum along with the construction of a new minor league ballpark. The two arenas would have formed the anchor for a sports and entertainment destination in the Nassau Hub.

The Hub area has long been a target for redevelopment projects, but after 15 years of discussions and plans under three different County executives, no agreement was ever reached. Last year, the Lighthouse project, a proposed mixed-use development, got rejected, deemed too “dense” by the County. The project enjoyed tremendous public support and if it had been presented to the public for a vote, it would have stood a good chance of being carried out despite also requiring substantial public funding for infrastructure.

With a project on the scale of the Lighthouse off the table, the Coliseum seemed to be the best remaining option for revitalization in the Nassau Hub area. However, Vision’s Executive Director Eric Alexander made it clear in statements and press conferences that this support came with the condition that the new Coliseum would not be yet another stadium amidst a sea of parking lots.

The best aspect of constructing a new Coliseum would have been its potential for integration with mixed-use development, perhaps a scaled-back version of the Lighthouse. A live-work-play community in the heart of Nassau County would not only provide a vibrant destination for residents and visitors to enjoy, it would also generate jobs, sales tax revenue and other economic revitalization effects.

Unfortunately, in the time leading up to the Coliseum referendum, the debate was ultimately reduced to a matter of voting for or against a tax increase, with the voters demonstrating a clear distrust for government spending. The referendum also became characterized as a simple vote about the Islanders, rather than a nuanced consideration of the project’s broader potential and meaning for Nassau.

The issue also became charged with partisan politics. Democrats in Nassau mobilized in full force against Mangano’s much-touted Coliseum project. Several Democratic groups carried out a robo-call blitz the weekend leading up to the referendum, urging residents to vote “no. John Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor and Vision Board Member, said, “The Coliseum was a victim of political football. When the Democrats were in power, the Republicans hated it. [Now] Republicans are in power, [so] the Democrats hate it”

The election itself was a rough process. Holding the referendum in August rather than putting it on the ballot in November was intended to prevent the issue from getting mired in partisan politics, yet many voters felt that they had insufficient information and some were upset at the cost of holding the special election.

Although Vision would have liked to see progress and greater consensus-building efforts made, the public has the final say and it is good that the issue was put to a vote.

With the Islanders likely to leave and an outdated, deteriorating Coliseum, Nassau is back to square one. Hopefully a greater sense of urgency and spirit of collaboration will accompany Plan D.

 

 

Deadly week for pedestrians: Long Island roads continue to be a danger

Four car crashes involving five pedestrians made up a truly tragic 30-hour period this past week.

Two of the collisions on Sunday, July 24th, were fatal hit-and-runs. The first took place at 1:45am, when Nelson Mendoza was struck and killed as he crossed Fifth Avenue in Bay Shore. The motorist who hit Mendoza fled from the scene and has yet to be identified.

Another hit-and-run occurred at 11:03pm that same day near the intersection of Middle Road, County Road 48 and Henry’s Lane in Peconic. The victim, Nery Javier-Lopez, is believed to have walked in front of a George Aposolou’s car. Javier-Lopez was then run over by two other vehicles, both of which proceeded to speed away.

At 9pm on Sunday night there was yet another collision. Edward Fulford was said to be walking in the northbound lane on Nicolls Road in Holbrook when he was hit by Melanie Beczak.

The last of the four misfortunes occurred just before 6am on Monday, July 25th, in North Amityville. The driver, Richard Hughes, was going south on Route 110 when he jumped the curb and hit two pedestrians from behind. Hughes, who is charged with drunk driving, fatally struck Merell Jerman and critically injured Breuton Byrd.

The fact that these separate collisions happened in such a short period of time only adds to the need for safer roads on Long Island. Complete Streets legislation has passed both branches of the State legislature and is currently awaiting Governor Cuomo's signature. Now is the time to further encourage him to sign this important bill to make streets safer for all users. Please contact Gov. Cuomo’s office and encourage him to sign this legislation. Call 518-474-8390 or send him a message online here.

Check out a map of recent locations where pedestrians have been struck by vehicles and read more in Newsday.

 

Grand opening: Artspace Lofts in downtown Patchogue

On Wednesday, July 27th the much anticipated Artspace Lofts Development in Patchogue opened its doors for the first time to the public. Artspace is an $18-million, 60,000-square-foot, five-story live-work complex located at 20 Terry Street, one block off Main Street in Patchogue, a Smart Growth Award-winning downtown. The mixed-use complex consists of 45 housing units, each with a work space for artists. The complex also houses a gallery and retail space. The project was funded by the sale of tax-exempt bonds through the New York State Housing Finance Agency, federal and state low-income housing tax credits, county and local economic development funds, developer investment and philanthropic contributions. Construction began in December 2009 and was completed in June 2011.

Artspace will play a major part in the downtown environment and economy of Patchogue. Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri stated that, “Artspace, like the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, has spearheaded Patchogue’s transition to a Village of the Arts and home for artists to bring their craft to the people." By allowing high-density developments such as Artspace near its downtown, Patchogue benefits from a rise in the commercial occupancy rate and the growth of the downtown as a community. "Now you can watch a show, go to a restaurant, go to a gallery,” said Pontieri. “The artists will become part of the community."

The grand opening celebration was free and open to the public and included a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by food, entertainment and tours of open studios. Artspace developers, along with local, county and state officials and residents were proud to see the much-anticipated piece of downtown Patchogue's ongoing renaissance finally open.

An editorial in Newsday further celebrated the event. “All 45 of the units in the five-story space have been leased. So the event this week was just a way for the village and Artspace to let the world know that it has already begun creating the hum of artistic creativity in the heart of the village.” It continued, “Many of the artists are young, but some are seniors. Whatever their age or medium, what they have in common is a need for a congenial, not-too-pricey place to live and practice their art. What they give back is the sense of buzz and excitement that successful downtowns can't do without.”

To read more, check out the Patchogue Patch and the Newsday editorial.

 

Downtown Long Island theaters making a comeback

It seems that downtown theaters across the island are experiencing a renaissance.

The Westbury Theater, which opened in 1927, is undergoing an $8 million renovation and expansion. What was once a vaudeville house is now on track to become a performing arts center opening in March thanks to the new owner, Cyrus Hakakian with Lowe Properties. With the help of Hoffman Grayson Architects, the restored theater complex will include an 80-seat restaurant, an ice cream parlor and four live-work loft-style apartments. The Village is particularly excited about the apartments which they hope will bring in young adults looking for a “livelier, more walkable and workable downtown.” Westbury has already been revitalizing their downtown with beautification projects and the addition of over 790 residential units comprised of condos, co-ops, rentals and assisted living units. The Theater recieved a 2011 Smart Growth Award.

In Huntington, the former Intermedia Art Center (IMAC) is also undergoing a transformation. Now named Paramount Theater, the $5 million private venture is predicted to open in October. Like Westbury, the renovation is expected to appeal to young adults on the Long Island who have developed a “taste for the urban lifestyle” due to the close proximity of Manhattan.

Patchogue is one Long Island downtown that has successfully managed to draw in young adults through their theater’s revitalization. The restoration in 1999 has now led to the opening of Artspace this year. The affordable work-and-live development includes 45 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom rental lofts specifically for artists. Most importantly, Artspace is meant to “serve multiple agendas at the same time” by incorporating economic, artistic and cultural development.

Read more in The New York Times.

 

 

Sandy Hills project gets the thumbs up

Brookhaven Town Board approved Sandy Hills project

On Tuesday, July 19th and after nearly two years of controversy, the Brookhaven Town Board granted developer Frank Weber the necessary zoning changes to build housing and commercial retail on a 39-acre wooded lot in Middle Island on the east side of Rocky Point Road, just north of Middle Country Road.

The mixed-use plan will include over 100 units of two- and three-bedroom condos and townhouses as well as 27 units of workforce housing above commercial buildings. “The business component will be constructed similarly to traditional downtowns on Long Island such as Patchogue, Port Jefferson and Sayville, where our young people can live in affordable vibrant places,” explained Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Connie Kepert. The project is also meant to encompass Smart Growth principals through its pedestrian-oriented design.

To gain approval from the Suffolk County Planning Commission and to appease environmental concerns, the project will preserve 18 acres of open space, including a purchase of three Pine Barrens credits at $70,000 each. Additionally, there will be a sewage treatment center on site to ensure that polluted runoff will not flow directly into nearby Carmans River.

As explained by Gail Lynch-Bailey, President of the Longwood Alliance and First Vice President of the Middle Island Civic Association, “the top two chambers of Middle Island’s heart have been dying for more than a decade. Sandy Hills will pump new life and energy into these chambers, bring jobs, homes and recreation.”

To read more, see Brookhaven’s Press Release.

 

Maragos: HUB development with new Islanders’ home is necessary for County

This week, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos released a review of the Nassau Coliseum redevelopment proposal along with a statement in favor of the project. He retained his full approval pending amendments to the contract based on his recommendations, which focus on revenue sharing, revenue guarantees, cost overrun protections and the Islanders’ commitment to remain in the County.

In the news release, Maragos stated that the terms of the agreement are still too fluid to make a robust economic analysis but expressed his conviction that the project, which he sees as critical for the County, becomes a success. He acknowledged the benefits of redeveloping the Coliseum, citing the hundreds of immediate jobs as well as its potential to create thousands more while increasing tax revenues.

“The Nassau County taxpayers desperately need the development of the HUB to be a success,” Comptroller Maragos said. “The redevelopment of the Coliseum and addition of a ballpark are steps in the right direction. The Comptroller’s Office will make sure that in the final agreements, the County Executive’s objective to protect the taxpayer from costs on the HUB Redevelopment is met.”

Vision’s Executive Director spoke at a press conference this week and referenced a report from the Office of Legislative Budget Review that determined that financing a new Nassau Coliseum would cost as little as $13.80 per person each year. The same report projected that Nassau would receive at least $18.9 million a year in revenue from the new Coliseum, which includes $14 million in guaranteed funds from the Islanders and $4.9 million in additional sales and entertainment taxes it would generate.

Read more in articles in Newsday here and here.

 

Perilous roads need changes

Bicyclists on Long Island have had a particularly difficult time navigating the roads, with at least 64 cyclists killed in crashes since 2005. The Island’s bicycle crash fatality rate far exceeds that of New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut. Causes of the accidents ranged from drunken drivers to cyclists who failed to stop at red lights.

Due to the high danger of the roads, there has been a strong push for safer cycling routes, such as additional bike lanes and uninterrupted shoulders. Many advocates have also been urging Governor Cuomo to sign the Complete Streets legislation, which requires construction projects to consider all users of the road in their designs.

Until improvements are made to make cycling safer, there are certain precautions that can be taken by both bike riders and drivers. "Without the bike infrastructure, without the pedestrian infrastructure, there's a dangerous environment for all people who are using the roads, including drivers," says Ryan Lynch, senior planner for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.

To read more, check out Newsday’s article.

 

New York Avenue developer selected

The Huntington Town Board selected Renaissance Downtowns at its Tuesday, July 12th meeting, to redevelop the New York Avenue corridor. Renaissance Downtowns, based in Plainview, is currently redeveloping downtown Hempstead Village. The site in Huntington includes a half mile stretch from Olive Street to south of the Long Island Rail Road station.

Don Monti of Renaissance Downtowns plans to involve the community in redevelopment plans by conducting outreach, online polling and community meetings. The firm wants to create something the residents want to have. They plan to open an office in the area to be closer to the community and the redevelopment site. The Town is expected to sign an official agreement with Renaissance Downtowns in the coming weeks.

Read more in Newsday.

 

Developer chosen to redevelop Elmont theatre site

RD Management LLC has been selected by the Hempstead Town Board to develop the former Argo Theatre property in Elmont. Plans for the 2.9 acre site in the heart of the downtown on Hempstead Turnpike include a 35,000 square foot super market. Town Supervisor sees the development as an important piece to revitalizing the downtown.

The selection comes after two years of resistance from the four property owners. If no sale agreement is reached between the owners and RD Management LLC, the Town could deem the land underutilized and seize it under eminent domain. The Town has already begun aesthetic improvements to the area, adding brick sidewalks and opening a new 30-unit senior living complex behind the theatre site.

Read more in Newsday.

 

 

10th Annual Smart Growth Awards show Long Island's progress

600 Long Island leaders celebrate progress for our downtowns by honoring a dozen people, projects and policies; “Failure is NOT an option”

The 10th Annual Smart Growth Awards took place on Friday, June 17th from 11:30am to 2:00pm at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. With over 600 people in attendance from diverse sectors, a keynote speech by NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, a dozen Award presentations and News 12 Long Island’s Drew Scott acting as spirited emcee, the luncheon was a jam-packed and positive event that highlighted the progress that the region has made over the last year for the Smart Growth movement.

NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, himself a 2003 honoree, gave a poignant keynote speech on the importance of prioritizing infrastructure and utilizing local solutions. Long Island is a great place but faces significant challenges, he explained, including limited land, environmental challenges and transit connections. “Infrastructure upgrades must be at the top of our to-do list,” he said. New York State needs somewhere in the ballpark of $250 billion for infrastructure improvements and, unfortunately, spending over the past several years has been targeting the wrong things. Because of this poor planning and an emphasis on building new infrastructure instead of repairing and expanding existing infrastructure, the state has not been helping municipalities. This is where the new Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act comes into play. DiNapoli floated the idea of a state infrastructure council to assess infrastructure needs and prioritize them in alignment with the new law. “In 2011, Smart Growth is not a radical concept,” said DiNapoli. We have people power on Long Island to create local, Smart Growth solutions. DiNapoli went on to thank Vision for their leadership in building the support for Smart Growth projects around the region. DiNapoli was presented with an honorary Smart Growth Award following his speech, in recognition of all the work he has done over the years to support Long Island.

Drew Scott of News 12 Long Island introduced each of the honorees, each of whom had a video clip played and were given the opportunity to come on stage for a short acceptance speech. This year’s honorees were: New York State Senator Carl Marcellino and New York State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt for regional leadership through the NYS Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act; Town of Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone for Wyandanch Rising, Mayor Paul Pontieri for housing in the Village of Patchogue, Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment for open space, John Durso and Roger Clayman of the Long Island Federation of Labor for transportation, Kelly Douglas of West Islip High School and Jim Rhodes of Dowling College for youth leadership, Caithness Long Island Energy Center, Bishop Harrison Hale of Cornerstore Church of God in Christ, the Atlantis Marine World’s Hyatt Place in Riverhead, the Glen Cove Piazza project by Jobco Realty & Construction, Westbury Theater Project by Lowe Properties, and the Town of Brookhaven for the Portion Road Land Use Plan for Lake Ronkonkoma & Farmingville.

Empire State Future’s Peter Fleischer spoke briefly on behalf of the Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act, as he was heavily involved in passing the law, and Senator Marcellino and Assemblyman Hoyt were stuck in Albany.

Congratulations to this year's distinguished honorees:

Regional Leadership: Hon. Carl Marcellino, NYS Senate and Hon. Sam Hoyt, NYS Assembly for the NYS Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act

This year’s Regional Leadership award went to New York State Senator Carl Marcellino and New York State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, who were recognized for their work in advancing the New York State Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act. The Infrastructure Act will reverse municipally-funded suburban sprawl by targeting infrastructure investments into existing downtowns. Senator Marcellino of Long Island and Assemblyman Hoyt of Buffalo have both served as sponsors for the bill and have been working on Smart Growth policy reform for over a decade.

Watch the video herE

 

Creating a Mix of Uses: Supervisor Steve Bellone, Town of Babylon, Wyandanch Rising

The award for Creating a Mix of Uses went to Town of Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone for his Wyandanch Rising project. This project incorporates housing, retail, office, open space, traffic calming, sewer infrastructure and more, to help create a vibrant, revitalized Wyandanch. The plan emphasizes transit-oriented development around the Wyandanch LIRR Station, along with a traffic calming program. Bellone has served as Babylon’s Town Supervisor since 2001 and has been nationally recognized for many of his environmental and community revitalization programs.

Watch the video herE

 

Range of Housing Types: Mayor Paul Pontieri, Village of Patchogue

Marianne Russo of the Village of Patchogue CDA, Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri and Lori-Beth Devlin of the Village of Patchogue Trustee

This year’s Range of Housing Types award went to Mayor Paul Pontieri from the Village of Patchogue. Mayor Pontieri has facilitated many developments to help revitalization in Patchogue. Such projects include high-quality places for all generations and income levels to live. From Artspace to New Village, Copper Beech to River Walk and more, Mayor Pontieri is an exceptional advocate for revitalization in his community.

Watch the video herE

 

Open Space & Environment: Adrienne Esposito, Citizens Campaign for the Environment

Adrienne Esposito, Tara Bono and Maureen Murphy of Citizens Campaign for the Environment

For Open Space and Environment, the award went to Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, for her work on a variety of issues relating to the environment and Smart Growth. She has taken incredible strides to increase sewer funding for Long Island’s downtowns, promote clean air, water and other important environmental issues and has served as a leader with the Long Island Lobby Coalition. Esposito is a strong and vocal advocate who always fights for the public interest.

Watch the video herE

 

Transportation: John Durso and Roger Clayman, LI Federation of Labor

John Durso, President, and Roger Clayman, Executive Director, of the LI Federation of Labor were honored this year in the Transportation category for their tireless work to help maintain and increase transit service. Durso and Clayman have been at the forefront of the fight to save Long Island Bus and have been partners various transit-oriented development and infrastructure projects. Durso and Clayman frequently attend press conferences and public hearings for developments on Long Island. Durso and Clayman are fierce advocates for large-scale develpment and transit services for workers and citizens of all ages.

Watch the video herE

 

Youth Leadership: Kelly Douglas, West Islip High School and Jim Rhodes, Dowling College

A new category this year, Youth Leadership recognizes students making a difference in their schools and communities now while showing great promise for the future of Long Island. Kelly Douglas, a senior at West Islip High School, and Jim Rhodes, a junior at Dowling College, were recognized for their voices for the Smart Growth movement on Long Island. Both are passionate about creating vibrant downtowns that will attract and keep young people on Long Island, which must include affordable housing, transit-oriented development, a strong business environment and entertainment venues.

Watch the video herE

 

Clean Energy: Caithness Long Island Energy Center

Caithness' Ross Ain and Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Connie Kepert

This year’s Clean Energy award went to Caithness Long Island Energy Center. The plant, which commenced commercial operations in August 2009, provides clean, reliable energy to Long Islanders and will help spur economic growth. The project includes an extensive community benefits package which will help areas surrounding the plant, as well as a series of scholarship, internship and job shadowing programs.

Watch the video herE

 

Revitalizing Communities: Bishop Harrison Hale, Cornerstone Church of God in Christ

Bishop Hale and his team

For Revitalizing Communities, Bishop Harrison Hale of Cornerstone Church of God in Christ was recognized for The Harrison Hale Community Educational and Resource Center and Community Café. This new community center is a major focal point of Gordon Heights and helps residents of all ages. Students can get homework help and everyone in the community is now guaranteed one hot meal a day. Bishop Hale has also served as a strong partner in the Gordon Heights visioning project, which was adopted by the Town of Brookhaven in April 2011.

Watch the video herE

 

Compact Design: Atlantis Marine World’s Hyatt Place, Riverhead

(right) Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter and Bryan DeLuca of Atlantis Marina World

The Compact Design award went to Atlantis Marine World in downtown Riverhead for the construction of a Hyatt Place Hotel, exhibit gallery and catering hall. This project will build on underutilized properties adjacent to the existing aquarium and will result in more visitors and employees infused into downtown Riverhead. The expansion also includes a café, business center, marina and flexible meeting and banquet space within the catering hall and gallery.

Watch the video herE

 

Sense of Place: Glen Cove Piazza, Jobco Realty & Construction

Michael Puntillo, Jr. of Jobco and City of Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi

Jobco Realty & Construction received a Sense of Place award for their creation of Glen Cove Piazza, a mixed-use development will create a vibrant, walkable Smart Growth community and enhance quality of life for residents. The design of the piazza, located in downtown Glen Cove’s Village Square, resembles historic European plazas, which place a major emphasis on walkability and public space.

Watch the video herE

 

Sense of Place: Westbury Theater Project, Lowe Properties LLC

(left to right) Neal Hoffman of Hoffman Grayson, Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro, Mike Vandrei of Hoffman Grayson, Cyrus Hakakian of Lowe Properties, Dan Deegan of Forchelli Curto Deegan Schwartz, Andrew Zucaro of Zucaro Construction and Vision's Eric Alexander

For creating a Sense of Place, Lowe Properties, LLC was honored for their Westbury Theater Project. The revitalization of the historic theater will serve as an anchor for downtown Westbury, helping draw in new visitors and creating a vibrant, walkable community. The Westbury Theater first opened in 1927, but eventually shut its doors due to the increase in local multiplex cinemas. Lowe Properties acquired the property in 2004 and decided to restore the theater. Construction began in October 2010 on the project that will have positive effects on the community.

Watch the video herE

 

Certainty and Predictability: Town of Brookhaven, Portion Road Land Use Plan for Lake Ronkonkoma and Farmingville

Brookhaven Councilwoman Kathy Walsh and George Schramm of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Association

The award for Certainty and Predictability went to the Town of Brookhaven for their Portion Road Land Use Plan for Lake Ronkonkoma and Farmingville. This project was developed through an extensive community-based visioning process and will allow many Smart Growth projects to advance. The Land Use Plan was approved by the Town in 2009 and sets goals for creating strong downtown centers and residential neighborhoods. New construction will focus on pedestrian safety and break from suburban sprawl. It promotes mixed-use development, walkability, public spaces and community character.

Watch the video herE

 

Throughout the event, Vision’s Eric Alexander covered Vision's and the region’s progress throughout the year. He also gave a last-minute push for attendees to support the NYS Complete Streets legislation, which would make roads safer for all users. To date, 5 Towns on LI have passed local laws (Babylon, Brookhaven, Islip, North Hempstead, and Southampton), so it is time to pass a statewide bill before the legislative session ends this week.

He closed the luncheon with an emotional call to those who are involved in or watching the Smart Growth movement. We may get caught up in details of the number of housing units or regulatory hurdles, but in the end we must remember that what we’re doing is all about people. Our land use impacts how we interact with one another and how we live our day-to-day lives. Planning livable, walkable, Smart Growth communities is about bringing people together and enhancing quality of life.

In honor of a decade of Awards, we would like to highlight the Hall of Famers - places who have had the most Awards over the years: Glen Cove leads the pack with 6, Riverhead with 5, Bay Shore with 4 and Freeport, Mineola and Patchogue tied for three. This year’s 15 honorees were chosen from 45 submissions by a nominating committee that included past award recipients.

Here's what folks are saying about the 2011 Smart Growth Awards:

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli: “Vision Long Island and the recipients of this year’s Smart Growth Awards are leaders in the struggle to address blight, affordable housing, environmental protection and economic growth. These groups and individuals are on the front lines of that struggle, working to revitalize Long Island's community centers and  preserve the shorelines, waters and open spaces that are so crucial to our economy and quality of life."

Town of Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone: “I am honored to receive this recognition from Vision Long Island, a true leader in the promotion of sustainable growth in the region. In the Town of Babylon we are very proud of the Wyandanch Rising initiative, and feel it can serve as a model for community revitalization using Smart Growth principles throughout Long Island. The advancement of the Wyandanch Rising initiative is only possible with the participation and hard work of numerous individuals and organizations and Vision Long Island has been a valued partner throughout the entire process."

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer: “Vision Long Island has helped to encourage and promote a more livable, environmentally friendly, and economically sustainable future through the development of transportation, housing, and energy choices. I applaud Vision Long Island for their hard work, which is an inspiration to all Long Islanders and New Yorkers."

Congressman Tim Bishop: “I applaud Vision Long Island’s continued work to promote the smart growth we need to create jobs and preserve our quality of life. This year’s winners demonstrate that there is a bipartisan commitment at all levels of government to smart growth principles."

NYS Senator Carl Marcellino: "I'd like to thank Vision Long Island for presenting me with this award. It is truly an honor and a privilege to get it. I understand fully the award is based on the passage of the Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act. That act is just another word for plan your communities wisely: Use the basics of our community, use the infrastructure of our community. Use mass transit and use it wisely. Plan the community around the ability of people to get where you want them to get without using cars. We'd like them to be able to have communities they can walk in. We'd like to have mass transit near the business community so it is accessible. This bill will be the start and the base of this kind of action."

NYS Assemblyman Sam Hoyt: "I'd like to thank Vision Long Island for honoring me with your 2011 Smart Growth Award. I've been advocating for the establishment of Smart Growth laws here in New York for years. I consider the bill that was finally signed into law last year to be one of the biggest legislative accomplishments of my career. That said we have a long way to go before we can declare victory. I think our challenge in a time where dwindling resources are available from government and there is little appetite for new taxes is to package smart growth in such a way that is not only about improving the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers, but that is also about lessening the tax burden for those New Yorkers as well."

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano: “I look forward to partnering government with the private sector and community leaders to develop the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the property that surrounds it.  This property has laid to waste rather than generate revenue for the County, and its redevelopment can ultimately help hold the line on property taxes and create jobs and opportunities. With the help of Smart Growth we will plant the seeds needed to grow a sports-entertainment destination while redeveloping Nassau County."

Eric Alexander, Executive Director of Vision Long Island: “Vision Long Island is thrilled to highlight the accomplishments of our honorees for the 10th Annual Smart Growth Awards. This year’s recipients are a unique group of inspiring individuals and projects, well-deserving of the 10th Annual Awards. Given the economic challenges that our region faces these projects and leaders need our collective support – failure is not an option. Progress is at hand on Long Island: a robust segment of the development community is building Smart Growth projects across the region. Over the last five years, nearly 5,000 units of multi-family housing following the Smart Growth form have been approved, with over 4,000 adjacent to train stations. And despite front page news of rampant NIMBYism, 29 of the 34 TOD projects approved over the last five years had no community opposition. This is a testament to many of the folks who understand and appreciate working with local communities”.

Elected officials in attendance included: NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, Nassau County Legislator Norma Gonsalvas, Nassau County Legislator Judi Bosworth, Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning, Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink, Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory, Suffolk County Legislator Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi, Town of Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone, Town of Riverhead Supervisor Sean Walter, Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Connie Kepert, Town of Brookhaven Dan Panico, Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh, Town of Hempstead Councilman Ed Ambrosino, Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Town of Islip Councilwoman Trish Bergin-Weichbrodt, Town of Islip Councilman Steve Flotteron, City of Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi, Village of Freeport Trustee William White, Village of Freeport Trustee Jorge Martinez, Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, Village of Patchogue Trustee Lori Devlin, Village of Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro, Gerry Petrella of Office of  U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Kristen Walsh of Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Power Authority Chairman Richard Kessel and Former NYS Assemblywoman Ginny Fields.

The Smart Growth Awards is one of two primary Smart Growth events held on Long Island each year. In November, over 900 Long Island leaders will reconvene for the 10th Annual Smart Growth Summit, a full day of work sessions designed to advance the Smart Growth movement on Long Island.

The event journal is also 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.

See more pictures in our post-event news release!

 

Thanks again to all our event sponsors!

 

 

NYS Complete Streets Bill Passes Unanimously!

After years of advocacy and months of intense pressure on our state officials, the New York State Complete Streets bill has passed!

Complete Streets is a policy that designs and builds roads for all users, including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and passengers, motorists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. The New York State bill amends the state highway law and applies to the planning, design, construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of roadways that receive federal or state funding, mandating that Complete Streets design guidelines are at least considered. Design features include sidewalks, bicycle lanes, lane striping, share the road signage, crosswalks, bus pull-outs, curb cuts, traffic calming and more.

To date, over 15 municipalities in New York State have passed local Complete Streets laws, including five towns on Long Island (Babylon, Brookhaven, Islip, North Hempstead and Southampton). These policies only apply to local roads, which necessitated a broader state policy as many of the most dangerous roads are state roadways, such as Sunrise Highway and Hempstead Turnpike. At least 25 other states have also implemented Complete Streets policies.

The Senate bill, S.5411A, passed unanimously on Monday afternoon, June 20th. The bill was reintroduced in late May by Senator Fuschillo.

The Assembly bill, A.8366, passed shortly thereafter on a unanimous vote. Assemblyman Gantt sponsored the bill.

Thank you to all our state legislators who helped pass this historic legislation! Special thanks to Chuck Fuschillo in the Senate and Bob Sweeney, Michelle Schimel and Harvey Weisenberg in the Assembly for taking leadership on Complete Streets.

This bill could not have moved forward without significant local support and advocacy. Special thanks go out to members of the Long Island Lobby Coalition who have been calling and writing constantly over the last month, including Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Mayer Horn of Greenman-Pedersen, Tom Talbot of Middle Island Civic Association, Ralph Fasano of Concern for Independent Living, Ernie Mattace of Suffolk County Community College, Carol Meschkow of Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Will Ferris of AARP, Peter Fleischer of Empire State Future, and others.