A "smart growth summit" organized last week by Vision Long Island brought to light several cases where bad road projects have given way to impressive village development and forward-thinking transportation plans.

The Town of Brookhaven approved a series of land use and design changes, championed by Councilman Edward Hennessey, for a section of the Montauk Highway in the Hamlets of Mastic and Shirley along the south shore. Hennessey noted how he and civic groups looked to federal regulations to stop the Suffolk County Dept. of Public Works’ (DPW) plan to widen a portion of the roadway. Hennessey said the town launched a new land use plan to counter the proposal, and insisted that the road conform to it.

The new plans for the highway are the result of a February 2002 visioning process coordinated by Vision Long Island and a local architect. It allows 2.5 story buildings, outlines three town centers, and requires parking in the rear of buildings. The environmental assessment for the road now proposes roundabouts, bike lanes and sidewalks — all major improvements over the county’s original plan.

Another Suffolk County DPW project — to widen Portion Road (county route 16) in Lake Ronkomkoma from three to five lanes — has also been transformed via strong public involvement. A recent visioning process, involving the DPW, elected officials, businesses, and hundreds of citizens, prompted a design that incorporates bike lanes, sidewalks, and no road widening. A local leader noted, "People at the session were asking for density!"

Other news emphasized successful downtown and in-fill strategies. Glen Cove mayor Mary Ann Holzkamp described how sprawl had eroded the downtown, and how she and her predecessor Thomas Suozzi worked for years to bring development back. The Avalon, a multi-story residential development is now completed, and the waterfront continues to improve. Businesses are now benefiting from the "booming" downtown. Hempstead Town supervisor Kate Murray discussed the former raceway near the Meadowbrook Parkway, now slated for almost 400 mixed income rental units, 10% for seniors, 10% affordable. Thanks in a large part to Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Oyster bay’s local zoning code has a classification for "next generation housing," a new code for affordable housing.

Hennessey noted that pressure from civic groups allows elected officials to "move the monster" of innovative planning through political channels. 

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