Press Releases

October 2, 2000
Study of Glen Cove Can Serve as Model for Community Renewal

Contact:
Jane Finalborgo
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081

"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 Southampton College, "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 that 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.