The following article is from the May 2007 issue of
[1]
NYLCV Policy Director Alison Hirsh Joins the DiscussionFor months, Vision Long Island [2], a group that promotes livability and economically sustainable and environmentally responsible growth on Long Island, has been gathering information at over 1,000 community meetings and Smart Growth Summits about land use and transportation related issues to create a 10 year Smart Growth Agenda for Long Island. Finally, On April 11, over 80 community and business leaders, environmentalists, and elected officials gathered to kickoff the aggressive agenda.
The recommendations address the following ten issue areas:
- Housing
- Environment and Open Space
- Green Building, Clean Energy, and Sustainable Development
- Codes and Regulations
- Regional Planning
- Sewers
- Economic Development, Commercial Corridor and Downtown Revitalization
- Transportation
- School District and Tax Impacts
- Model Smart Growth Projects
Eric Alexander, the Executive Director of Vision Long Island, outlined the next steps the organization will take to ensure Smart Growth on Long Island. These steps include:
- Administer a poll to assess the market on Long Island for Smart Growth Communities.
- Analyze major projects that will have multi-generation impact on Long Island.
- Conduct work sessions to further establish, prioritize, and execute Smart Growth implementation strategies.
- Create Blue Print for Smart Growth that will flush out the Smart Growth Agenda, key partners, and action steps.
- Issue progress reports gauging Long Island's progress toward Smart Growth.
- Convening the sixth annual Smart Growth Summit in November 2007.
Various elected officials and leaders from different communities on Long Island all addressed the need to implement this plan immediately. It will revitalize over 50 downtown areas, protect thousands of acres from development, and create affordable housing units in all regions. The implementation of the agenda will engage local leaders, civic and business leaders, and the environmental community.
To read the full plan click HERE [3].