Plans to develop eastern Long Island as a thriving tech hub with "bustling downtowns and new apartments for young families" are facing a messy obstacle, the absence of "a basic element of a modern civilization: sewers."
Will James reports on the conundrum facing one of the nation's largest suburban counties, as it tries to build more self-contained communities. "Suffolk is home to 1.5 million people and part of the nation's biggest
metropolitan area, but sewers reach less than one-third of its residents," as result of its relatively slow history of development and lack of density.
"Suffolk's health regulations, like those in most counties, limit how
much waste a parcel of land can take," notes James. "So development in many
neighborhoods is stalled until the county can find some way to finance
and build new sewage treatment plants and vast collection systems, which
can cost tens of millions or dollars or more."
"Some Suffolk residents, though, see sewers as a sign of urbanization,
and a harbinger of more strip malls, McMansions and unwanted population
density," observes James.
"'They've got a lot of work to do to convince the populace that this
is their saving grace,' said MaryAnn Johnston, a civic leader in the
Town of Brookhaven. 'It may be a saving grace for a small segment of the
population: the developers.'"
FULL STORY: Suffolk Sewer Shortage
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.
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.
Lessons in Planning from the Future Long Island
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.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
Disconnecting Communities: Measuring the Social Impacts of Freeways
Research from 50 major U.S. cities shows social connections are weakest in neighborhoods where highways are present.
San Jose Mayor Takes Dual Approach to Unsheltered Homeless Population
In a commentary published in The Mercury News, Mayor Matt Mahan describes a shelter and law enforcement approach to ending targeted homeless encampments within Northern California's largest city.
Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan
City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.
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.
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