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First-of-a-Kind Study by Long Island University Reveals
Glen Cove's
Ongoing Revitalization Can Serve as a Model for Community Renewal
September 28, 2000 -- "Glen Cove's ongoing revitalization
can serve as a model for community renewal throughout the country,"
according to Dr. David Sprintzen of the Institute for Sustainable
Development at Long Island University's C.W. Post and Southampton
Campuses. The first of its kind study, "Indicators of Community
Sustainability," explores the economic, social and environmental
factors affecting Glen Cove's quality of life - and the results
are positive.
Sustainable Development is a new way of planning for the future
that preserves natural resources, enhances environmental quality
and strengthens community. "We are excited that this study
confirms what we have always felt about our small city,"
stated Mayor Thomas R. Suozzi. "It confirms that our quality
of life is high and our efforts to revitalize our waterfront
and our downtown have had positive impacts on our community."
Researchers at the institute say this type of study can help
suburban communities draft plans for their renewal - a sort of
blueprint for public policy and future growth. "Glen Cove
is an excellent test case for indicators of community sustainability
that measure quality of life," said Dr. Sprintzen, co-director
of the Institute and professor of philosophy at C.W. Post. "It
is our belief," adds co-director Dr. Scott Carlin, professor
of environmental studies at the Southampton campus, "that
communities can thrive both economically and environmentally."
Notable among the many positive findings from this report
is the low crime rate in Glen Cove, especially as compared to
Nassau County and New York State. Another plus for the community
is the significant decline in the amount of toxic waste being
released into the air and water, due in large part to the city's
waterfront revitalization plan. This plan seeks to transform
the waterfront by recycling and reusing approximately 200 acres
of abandoned, underutilized and in some cases contaminated property
surrounding Glen Cove Creek. Other good news for Glen Cove includes
the percentage of high school graduates going to college; the
amount of public access to the waterfront; an unemployment rate
which is lower than the national average; the decreased incidence
of breast cancer among Glen Cove residents; more affordable housing
than almost any other community in Nassau County; and a declining
infant mortality rate.
"This report provides an objective blueprint which highlights
our success thus far and directs our attention to areas which
require further refinement and improvement," said Mayor
Suozzi. Areas that require further attention include the library,
childhood Asthma rates and public transportation. Financial
support for the Public Library, for instance, is low as compared
to other communities in the surrounding area. "We recognize
that a strong library is an important part of community life,"
stated Mayor Suozzi, "and we are addressing this issue by
making plans for capital improvements at the library."
Childhood Asthma rates at the hospital in Glen Cove have been
increasing alongside national rates. The City is supporting
the school district's plan to implement an Asthma screening program
for students which would provide early intervention. The study
also found that less than 10 percent of commuters in Glen Cove
utilize public transportation - a fact which is being addressed
through plans for a commuter ferry to Manhattan. In addition,
the City has pressed the LIRR to initiate express service to
Manhattan.
The Institute for Sustainable Development at Long Island University
selected the City of Glen Cove as its initial research site,
"because Glen Cove has taken the lead in developing innovative
practical strategies to address areas of concern. They have
begun the process of replacing 'business as usual' with sustainable
development," said Dr. Sprinzten.
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