Andy Freleng recently answered a series of questions about life on Long Island, and its future, from his perspective as chief planner of Suffolk County.
Suffolk County Chief Planner Andrew Freleng recently sat with the Foggiest Idea" website to participate in an interview process called "Foggiest Five." During the interview, Freleng discusses the charms and challenges of life on Long Island, including the following: "Long Islands [sic] greatest regional challenge is to recognize that there is a carrying capacity/saturation population to our island. In that respect, finding a model for sustained economic growth is a huge challenge."
One of the solutions Freleng proposes for managing growth on Long Island is a regional transfer of development rights (TDR) program, which he describes as shifting "anticipated growth from undeveloped land to areas of sewer and waste water infrastructure….Usually in downtowns or in intermodal transit overlay districts."
His prediction for the Long Island of 20 years reflects lofty ambitions: "By 2034 Long Island would have [sic] long embraced the land use planning model of the new suburban downtown grown around transit hubs."
Richard Murdocco reviewed the conversation in a separate article, picking up on Freleng's "instinct for and adherence to following sound planning principles." Writes Murdocco: "What was most compelling about Freleng’s answers was that he touched upon many aspects of regional development now often ignored. Those engaged with the issues forget that development issues are complex, and cannot solely be captured by buzzwords or agendas."
FULL STORY: The Foggiest Five: Andrew Freleng, Chief Planner, Suffolk County
Long Island Searching for Direction
Although it hosts some of the nation’s first and most successful auto suburbs, Long Island has experienced a downturn. This infographic-focused piece delves into the reasons why.
America's 'Most Beautiful McDonald's'?
The Long Island restaurant is housed in a historic 18th century farmhouse.
Population Flight in New York Metro Region and Decline in New York State
New data from the U.S. Census and Empire Center shows that for the first time in a decade, the Empire State lost population. Furthermore, last year only two upstate counties had more residents arrive from other states than leave.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
How California Transit Agencies are Addressing Rider Harassment
Safety and harassment are commonly cited reasons passengers, particularly women and girls, avoid public transit.
Significant Investments Needed to Protect LA County Residents From Climate Hazards
A new study estimates that LA County must invest billions of dollars before 2040 to protect residents from extreme heat, increasing precipitation, worsening wildfires, rising sea levels, and climate-induced public health threats.
Federal Rule Raises Cost for Oil and Gas Extraction on Public Lands
An update to federal regulations raises minimum bonding to limit orphaned wells and ensure cleanup costs are covered — but it still may not be enough to mitigate the damages caused by oil and gas drilling.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
