Things are starting to change for the better at the Long Island regional office of NYSDOT, Region 10.

For years, TSTC, community groups, and smart growth advocates have criticized Region 10 for being too highway-oriented and dismissive of community interests. Calls for reform were heard from Montauk to Mineola (see MTR #s 278, 452, 482). Last year, however, advocates began meeting regularly with NYSDOT officials and community leaders to find solutions to troubled road projects and public processes. The first meetings were difficult, but the results of that work are starting to show.

Change #1: A “Green Route 347”

Advocates have fought various iterations of the 15-mile road expansion of Route 347 since at least 1999 (see MTR #245). In February, NYSDOT Commissioner Astrid Glynn announced a new approach to the project. The new Vision Plan for Route 347 involves a new suburban boulevard design, a 15-mile separated bike and pedestrian path, safety enhancements for pedestrians, and aesthetic improvements. Though the agency will widen the first, westernmost portion of the road, it says it is still considering alternatives for future sections.  Advocates hope this takes the form of a corridor planning study with the Town of Brookhaven that looks at densifying land uses to reduce future growth in driving and the need for a larger road. Region 10 staff is already approaching businesses about building on large parking lots that presently line the road. Commissioner Glynn has said this project will be a showcase for NYSDOT’s GreenLITES sustainability rating program, so the stakes are high.

Change #2: SafeSeniors program

In October, community advocates  gathered on Region 10’s doorstep after a Tri-State Transportation Campaign report found that the two most dangerous roads in the region for pedestrians were Hempstead Turnpike and Sunrise Highway, both on Long Island. A brave staffer from NYSDOT’s main office, Heather Sporn, attended the event and responded with promises for a “Safe Routes for Seniors” program. Governor Paterson formally announced the SafeSeniors program a few months later. It will target Hempstead Turnpike and Route 25/25A initially and possibly be expanded to other parts of the state.  The program is now in the planning stages and more information should be available in the next few months.

Change #3: Early community involvement in Sunrise Highway Corridor study

Last month, Region 10 convened the first of four meetings of the Sunrise Highway Corridor Project Advisory Committee. This group of local and county agencies, business, smart growth and transportation advocates (including TSTC), and other key stakeholders will help guide NYSDOT in the beginning stages of a study of the transportation needs in the communities surrounding Sunrise Highway.

It’s heartening to see Region 10 engaging key stakeholders so early in the planning process. Just as encouraging is the corridor study’s scope, which extends beyond the highway and into the towns on either side. This first meeting was intended to vet and provide input on the agency’s list of draft goals for the Corridor Plan. Advocates requested that reducing driving be added to the goals and urged NYSDOT to employ innovative outreach methods like walking tours and “place audits” that tend to highlight the needs of all road users. In addition to the meetings, the agency plans on holding a public involvement open house at the end of this month.

While there is still much progress to be made, these moves demonstrate that Commissioner Astrid Glynn is starting to make her mark on the agency’s regional offices.