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."
Read the 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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
Atlanta City Council unanimously backs $3.5 billion Beltline light rail project
The resolution was drafted after Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens pulled support for the Atlanta Streetcar extension last year.
SEPTA to bring nearby frequent transit to over 1 million new riders as part of decade-long plan
The agency's Accelerate plan will also bring frequent transit to twice the amount of jobs that are currently located near it.
NYC plants over 18,000 trees, the most new foliage in a decade
Many of the trees were planted in communities vulnerable to extreme heat.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello