Report and Video from Rauch Foundation a Must See for People on Long Island

Here are some news items shared with us from one of our partner organizations the Rauch Foundation. Certainly food for thought for anyone interested in planning for the future of Long Island. The "Places to Grow Report" is particularly interesting emphasizing the need for transit oriented development, especially in places like downtown Oyster Bay that have immediate rail access. The study also shows how the vacancy rate has decreased in Oyster Bay's downtown from over 20% to around 9% right now. This is the reflection of successful efforts by Main Street working with our partners to make downtown Oyster Bay an attractive place for people to invest and for businesses to locate. If present trends bear themselves out, the vacancy rate is likely to only reduce further in the years to follow. The fact we have 20 acres of unbuilt land within the downtown area is also worth taking note of.

Newsday Editorial: "We are losing"

This Newsday editorial reviews the 2010 Long Island Index and the downward trends that has been plaguing Long Island in recent years. It also focuses on how information from the Index's Places to Grow report can be used as a catalyst for change and future sustainability.



The Clock is Ticking

The Clock is Ticking on Long Island video graphically represents many of the trends and indicators the Long Island Index has been tracking over the years and creates a compelling and frightening argument about why the Island needs to start taking significant action now.

Places to Grow Report

The Places to Grow report, which was prepared for the Long Island Index by the Regional Plan Association identifies 8,300 acres of vacant or underutilized land located within the Island's existing downtowns that could potentially be used for redevelopment. The report points to these areas as a way to begin addressing the Island's dire need for 'next generation housing', economic development and an increased quality of life for all Long Islanders. We are hoping this report serves as a 'conversation starter' to get people thinking about their downtowns differently.