Long Island’s 3rd Annual Sustainability Conference: Solutions to Long Island’s most critical problems- the economy, development of mega-projects and downtown revitalization

Sustainable Long Island’s 3rd Annual Sustainability Conference, held May 29th at Carlyle on the Green, in Bethpage, New York, attracted a large cross-section of those with a vested interest in the future of Long Island’s growth. Community members and activists, government officials, architects, builders, and other stakeholders were among the projected 400 plus attendees gathered for the daylong event, which also honored Amy Hagedorn and awarded three of Long Island’s leaders in sustainability.

Interactive workshops, a plenary featuring L.I.’s college and university presidents, and a ground-breaking bus tour through Hicksville tackled topics ranging from the relationship between thriving main streets, a strong regional economy, and convenient and efficient transit systems, as well as demonstrates the importance and potential of sustainable community planning practices. Participants, particularly those who participated on the bus tour through Hicksville, experienced first-hand how Sustainable Long Island advances economic development, environmental health and social equity opportunities.

“As our economy has faltered through this past year, we have been witness to how unsustainable the programs and policies of the past have been. We can no longer plan or work in silos and think that Long Island will continue to thrive. We have a unique opportunity to work together for our communities and our region to rethink, rebuild and renew,” said Sarah Lansdale, Executive Director, Sustainable Long Island

Speakers included Long Island’s college and university presidents; Sarah Lansdale, Sustainable Long Island; Honorable Craig Johnson, New York State Senate; Russell Albanese, Albanese Organization; Joye Brown, Newsday; Robert Yaro, Regional Plan Association; Amy Hagedorn, Sustainable Long Island.

Awardees: Honorable Steve Israel, U.S. Congress, New York’s 2nd District; Christine Conniff Sheahan, Networking; and Jody Kass, New Partners for Community Revitalization.