2012-04-10 Feasibility Study Compilation
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Long Island North Shore Heritage Area National Heritage Area Feasibility Study April 2012 This document utilizes research and data originally contained in the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Management Plan approved December 2006 by Commissioner Bernadette Castro, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. This source document was prepared by the New York Department of State with funds provided for under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund Matching funds and services were provided for the preparation of this source document by: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Natural Heritage Trust New York State Senate State Sen. Kenneth P. LaValle State Sen. Carl L. Marcellino Town of Huntington Generous donations from private sources Acknowledgements Long Island North Shore Heritage Area, Inc. Board of Directors John E. Coraor, Ph.D., President Deena Lesser, Vice-President Myralee Machol, Treasurer Avrum H. Golub, M.D., J.D., Secretary Ira Paul Costell Frank DeVita Monica Harbes Brad Harris Michelle Isabelle-Stark Eileen Krieb Dan Maddock Franklin Hill Perrell Henry Tobin, Ph.D. Dr. George Williams Jennifer Sappell, Executive Director Representatives of Participating Municipalities Rosemary Bourne, Village of Oyster Bay Cove Dan Maddock, Village of Sea Cliff John E. Coraor, Ph.D., Town of Huntington Leila Mattson, Village of Thomaston Lou DiDomenico, Village of Kings Point Thomas Mohrman, Village of East Williston Rita DiLucia, Village of Manorhaven David Nachmanoff, Village of Russell Gardens Rob Finnegan, Town of Islip David Nyce, Village of Greenport Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld, Town of Brookhaven Nancy Orth, Village of Port Jefferson Avrum H. Golum, M.D., J.D., Town of Asharoken Franklin Hill Perrell, Village of Roslyn Edna Guilor-Segal, Village of Great Neck Erin A. Rielley, City of Glen Cove Brad Harris, Town of Smithtown Dr. Peter Salins, Village of Baxter Estates Rita Hess & Roger Fay, Village of Williston Park Robert Sargent, Village of Roslyn Estates Michelle Isabell-Stark, Suffolk County Larry Schmidlapp, Village of Centre Island Chris Kempner, Town of Riverhead Martin Sidor, Town of Southold Eileen Krieb, Nassau County Libby Smith, Village of the Branch Deena Lesser, Town of North Hempstead Douglas Watson, Village of Bayville Dan Levy, Village of Saddle Rock Dr. George Williams, Village of Port Washington Anthony Macagnone, Town of Oyster Bay North Founding Planning Commission Lori Bahnik, Co-Chair, Oyster Bay Cove J. Lance Mallamo, Co-Chair, Centerport Patricia Bourne, Nassau County John Canning, Sea Cliff Ira Paul Costell, Port Jefferson Station Joanne Drielak, Ridge Jeanne Garant, Port Jefferson Ann Gill, Huntington Louise Harrison, Setauket Peter Gerbasi, Nassau County Thomas Kehoe, Northport Deena Lesser, Great Neck Judith Pannullo, Massapequa Gloria D. Rocchio, Stony Brook Ian Siegel, Nassau County Jeffrey S. Wiesenfeld, Great Neck Non-Voting Planning Commission Members Commissioner Bernadette Castro NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Chairman Charles Gargano Empire State Development Corporation The mayor, supervisor or other chief executive officer of any city, town or village within the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Planning Commission Boundary Committee Louise Harrison, Chair Cynthia Barnes Barbara Mazor Bart Ira Paul Costell Francine Ferrante Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld Jack Guy Robert Lipper Myralee Machol Frank Madden Diane Moje Lisa Tyson Planning Commission Outreach Committee Ira Paul Costell Jeanne Garant Planning Commission Fundraising Committee Lori Bahnik Ann Gill NYSOPRHP, LINSHA Administration Marcia Kees, NYSOPRHP Lucy Breyer, NYSOPRHP Lee York, NYS Dept. of State Jack Guy,Empire State Development Corp. We recognize and thank the following people for their attendance at meetings related to preparation of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Management Plan, the source document for this Feasibility Study. Listing is based on meeting sign-in lists and may not reflect subsequent changes in affiliation: Paula Abate, Village of Plandome Heights Neil Ackerson, NYS OPRHP Dorothy Acquino, NYS OPRHP Herbert Adler, Jr. Jim Ainslie, Suffolk Co. Economic Devt. Hon. Marc Alessi, NYS Assembly Joni Altner, Property Owners of Eatons Neck Beach Alice Amrhein, Suffolk Co. Dept. of Economic Devt. Sarah Anker, Mt. Sinai Lester Arstark, Historic District Board of Roslyn Yvonne Atkinson, WLNY TV-55 Larry Austin, LINSHA PC (former) Stella Baer, Long Island Greenbelt Trail Stephanie Bail, Wading River Hist. Soc. Amy Balaban, Town of Brookhaven DEP Lori Baldessare, Mt. Sinai Heritage Trust, Brookhaven Highway Dept. Doreen Banks, Nassau Co. Parks Commissioner, Nassau Conservancy Cynthia Barnes, Setauket, NYS Assembly (Englebright); Three Village Community Trust Hap Barnes, Setauket Barbara Bart, Walt Whitman Birthplace Andrew Batten, Raynham Hall Museum (former) Maryann Beaumont, FOTA Rita Beckman, Vanderbilt Museum Barbara Behrens, Nassau BOCES Claire Bellerjeau, Oyster Bay Main Street Assoc. Munah Bensun, NYS Assembly (Acampora) Brad Berthold, Southold Jack Binder, Village of Lake Success, Historian Andrew Binkowski, Cross Sound Ferry Barbara Blass, Riverhead Bill Bleyer, Newsday Myron Blumenfeld, Town of North Hempstead Robert Boise, Huntington Ken Born, Central Pine Barrens Commission Hon. Rosemary Bourne, Village of Oyster Bay Cove, Mayor Debbie Breen, Planting Fields Coe Hall Foundation Paul Brendel, Beachkroft Assoc. Eugene Brickman, US Army Corps of Engineers Linda Brickman, Town of North Hempstead Wally Broege, Suffolk Co. Hist. Soc. John Broven, Civic Assoc. of the Setaukets Robert Brusca, Oyster Bay Ernie Bubek, East Hills Iris Bunshaft, East Hills Village CPR Frederick Burn, Northport Chamber of Commerce Mark Buttice, Nassau Co. Dept. of Commerce Rita Byrne, Town of Oyster Bay Planning Dept. Joel Cairo, Newsday Dorothy Cappadona, Village of Lloyd Harbor; Caumsett Foundation Kevin Carey, NYS OPRHP Hon. Angie Carpenter, Suffolk Co. Legislature Ann Carter, Miller Place Georgette Case, Riverhead Charles Caserta, Inspecto, Inc. Tony Caserta, Inspecto, Inc. Carolyn Casey, NYS OPRHP Suzanne Cassidy, Northport Richard Causin, NYS DOT Fran Cheshire, NYS OPRHP Karen Chytalo, East Setauket, NYS DEC, Div. of Marine Resources Christopher Clapp, Setauket Patti Conti, Village of Sea Cliff Michael Corbisiero, NYS OPRHP Christopher Cotter, NYS Dept. of Transportation Rob Crafa, The Waterfront Center (former) Eric Crater, Suffolk Co. Parks, Recreation and Conservation (Suffolk Co. PRC) Loretta Crawford, Empire State Devt. Corp. Ms. Creedman David Criblez, Oyster Bay Guardian Victoria Crosby Helen Crosson, Cold Spring Harbor Library Laila Dahl, Calverton Charles Dalhe, Soc. for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities (SPLIA) Cynthia Daniels, Newsday Mary Daum, Shoreham Cindy Davis, East Setauket Michael Davidson, Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce (C. of C.) Stephanie Davy, Oyster Bay Guardian Paul DeOrsay, Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum Robert deZafra, Civic Assoc. of the Setaukets Michael J. Domino, Southold Frank Dowling, Suffolk Co. Planning Dept. Fred Drewes, Heritage Trust Phyllis Elgut, NYS Dept. of Transportation Arlene Ellant, Great Neck Dr. Paul Ellant, Great Neck Hon. Steven Englebright, NYS Assembly Kathy Farren, Three Village C. of C. Roy Fedelem, Suffolk Co. Planning Dept. Gerilynn Fedrich, LICVB Eileen Feinman, Nassau Conservancy Debbie Felber, Selden Civic Assoc. Francine Ferrante, Glen Cove Business Improvement District Arthur Finer, North Shore Hist. Museum Rhoda Finer, Nassau Co. Advisory Committee; Nassau Co. Legislature (Yatauro) Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld, Port Jefferson, NYS Assembly (Englebright) Linda Fischer, Cow Neck Peninsula Hist. Soc. Donald Fisher, Southold Phineas Fiske, Northport Historical Society Dan Fox, Vision Long Island Gay Frangella, Village of Roslyn Building Dept. Christopher Freville, WLNY TV-55 Bea Friedman, Village of East Hills Harry Friedman, Village of East Hills Guy Frost, Village of Roslyn Architect Ralph Fumante, Oyster Bay, Nassau Co. Open Space and Parks Advisory Council Linda Furey, Northport Hist. Soc. Marguerite Galano, Village of East Hills Dale Gifford, Alliance to Preserve Huntington Harbors Tom Gill, Huntington Lorraine Gilligan, Planting Fields Coe Hall Foundation (former) Chris Giordano, Three Village Herald Sam Girardi, LINSHA PC (former) Noel Gish, Smithtown Dave Glass, NYS Dept. of Transportation Jim Gold, NYS OPRHP Judith Goldsborough, North Shore Land Alliance Judy Gordon, Suffolk Co. PRC Judith Gorevic, Village of Northport George Gorman, NYS OPRHP Chester Green, Consultant, Town of Oyster Bay Andrew Greller, Queens College; Long Island Botanical Soc. Nancy Griffith, Port Jefferson Phil Griffith, Port Jefferson Civic Assoc. Christopher Gross, Key Span Energy Leslie Gross, Town of North Hempstead Business and Tourism David Gugerty, Nassau Co. LINSHA Advisory Comm. Tom Gulbransen, Village of Old Field, Trustee & Environmental Commissioner Steve Haber, Town of Brookhaven Kara Hahn, Suffolk Co. Legislature (Viloria-Fisher) Hon. Leland Hairr, Village of Lloyd Harbor, Mayor Louise Hall, Caleb Smith Park Claire Hamilton, Nassau Co. Parks & Museums John Hammond, Town of Oyster Bay Historian Arlene Handel, Village of Northport Carol Hanja, Town of Huntington Jamie Hanja, Town of Huntington Brad Harris, Smithtown Carol Hart, Smithtown Hist. Soc. Jim Hartnett, Suffolk Co. Economic Devt. Mike Haufman, Suffolk Co. Hist. Trust Jesse Heatley, Mattituck Phil Heckler, Hicksville Lenice Hertweck George Hoffman, Town of Brookhaven (Supvr. LaValle) Michael Hollander, LINSHA PC (former) Richard Holliday, Suffolk Co. Hist. Soc. Debbi Honorof, Friends of the Arts Gail Horton, Greenport Lauren Hubbard, Port Jefferson Laurie Huenteo, Nassau Co. Legislature (Yatauro) Robert C. Hughes, Huntington Hist. Soc., Town Historian Ami Huttemeyer, Port Jefferson C. of C. Robert Huttemeyer, Astoria Federal Savings, Stony Brook Bill Hydek, Port Jefferson Civic Assoc. Phillip Ingerman, NYS Senate (Lack) Thomas Isles, Suffolk Co. Planning Dept John Iurka, Bartlett Tree Experts Sharon Jabkowski, Alliance to Save Coindre Hall, Alliance to Protect Huntington Harbors Dominic Jacangelo, NYS OPRHP Linda Jacks, NYS OPRHP Terri Jimenez, Long Island Transportation Mgmt. Carol Johnston, Matinecock Isle Kagan, Village of Great Neck Estates Mary Kail, Northport Village Residents Assoc. Elizabeth Kaplan, Three Village Hist. Soc. Dagmar Karppi, Oyster Bay Enterprise-Pilot Michael Kaufman, St. James, Suffolk Co. LINSHA Advisory Committee Eileen Kelly, Fay, Spofford & Thorndike Hon. William Kelly, Village of Asharoken, Mayor Joan Kent, Cow Neck Hist. Soc., Town of North Hempstead Jerry Kessler, Muttontown, Friends of Long Island Heritage Michael Klein, LINSHA PC (former) Rosemary Konatich, NYS Assembly (DiNapoli) Darrell Kost, NYS Dept. of Transportation Carmen Krauss, United Civic Assoc., Village of Dix Hills Leonard Krauss, NYS OPRHP Eileen Krieb, Village of Sea Cliff, Trustee Robin Kriesberg, Save the Sound Miles Kucera Thomas Kuehhas, Oyster Bay Hist. Soc. Jerome Lacent, Village of Port Jefferson Wendy Ladd, Village of Huntington Bay Barry E. Lamb, Bayville Fritz Lang, Town of Huntington Steve Latham, Nassau Co. Dept. of Commerce & Industry John Laurine, Village of Bayville, Trustee Kevin LaValle Gary Lawton, NYS OPRHP Jerry Leeds, Long Island Lighthouse Soc. Dolores Lenea, Village of Roslyn Joe Lescinski, NYS OPRHP Deena Lesser, Town of North Hempstead Beth Levinthal, Heckscher Museum of Art Anne LiBassi, NYS Senate (LaValle) Bob Lipper, Island Metro Publications Nancy LiRosi, Wyndham Hotel Hon. Daniel Losquadro, Suffolk Co. Legislature Carole Lucca Bob MacKay, SPLIA Frank Madden, American Phoenix Lines Dan Maddock, Village of Sea Cliff Jeanine Magarine, Ward Melville Heritage Organization Joan Mahon, Oyster Bay Main Street Assoc. Aidan Mallamo, St. James Richard Mallett, Town of Huntington Dorothy Maloney, NYS Assembly (Fitzpatrick) Hon. Carlo Manganillo, Village of Plandome Manor, Mayor Jeff Mansell, Roslyn Landmark Soc. Carla Mare, Three Village Hist. Soc. Phil Marino, Lynbrook Charles Markis, Sagamore Hill National Hist. Site John R. Martin, NYS Dept. of Transportation Richard Martin, Suffolk Co. PRC Maggie Martinez-Malito, Roslyn Harbor, Nassau Co. Museum of Art Kevin Masley, NYS Senate (Balboni) Vivian Matthews, Huntington Hist. Soc. James McAllister, AKRF Environmental and Planning Consultants David McAnanay, Village of Belle Terre Michelle Carter McCabe, NYS Assembly (Fitzpatrick) Michelle McFaul, Hoffman Center Patrick McGloin, Nassau Hiking and Outdoors Club Moke McGowan, LICVB and Sports Commission Alex McKay, Northport Charles McKinney, Mineola, Nassau Co. Planning Dept. David McLaughlin, North Shore Land Alliance William McNaught, Orient Irwin Mendlinger, Nassau Co. Matthew Meng, East Norwich Civic Assoc. Sarah Meyland, Nassau Co. Planning Federation Ray Minzo, NYS Assembly (Herbst) Diane Moje, LINSHA PC (former) Amy Moody, Town of Brookhaven DEP Georgy Morgenstern, Nassau Co. Planning Dept. Alison Morris, WLNY TV-55 Rona Moyer, Nassau Co. Planning Dept. Robert Muller, Long Island Lighthouse Soc. Hon. Richard Murcott, Village of Muttontown, Mayor John Murray, Suffolk Co. Public Works/Highway Div. Margo Myles, Town of Huntington Planning Dept. Arthur Nastre, NYS Assembly (Walker) Franklin Neal, East Setauket Robert Nellen, NYS OPRHP Polly Neyssen, East Setauket Salvatore Nicosia, Suffolk Co. Legislature (Caracciolo) Christine Neilson, Oyster Bay Guardian John Norbeck, NYS OPRHP Elizabeth Nostrand, Suffolk Co. Legislature (Viloria-Fisher) Sally O’Hearn, Town of Huntington Highway Dept. Kathy O'Sullivan, Long Island Seaport and Eco Center Lisa Ott, North Shore Land Alliance Joseph Pagano, NYS Assembly (Fitzpatrick) Pete Palamaro, WLNY TV-55 Lee Parker, Village of Roslyn Estates Norm Parsons, North Shore Environmental Doreen Pennica, Nassau Co. Legislature (Mangano) Cathy Pierce, Todd Shapiro Associates for LICVB Glenn Pisano, Town of Brookhaven Chris Pushkarsh, NYS OPRHP Henry Quindark, LI News Tonight Barbara Ransome, Brookhaven Tourism Comm.; Village of Port Jefferson, Dep. Mayor Henry Rappuhn, East Norwich Civic Assoc. Sheldon Reaven, SUNY at Stony Brook Glen Reeve Margaret Reilly, NYS OPRHP John Renyhart, Long Island Museum Paula D. Rice, Huntington Fred Richtberg, Northport C. of C. Francine Rossi, Huntington C. of C. Richard Ryan, Oyster Bay Susan Ryan, Nassau Co. Parks & Museums Richard Rzehak, Centerport Frank Santomauro, US Army Corps of Engineers Bob Sargent, Village of Roslyn Estates Marie Sarchiapone, NYS OPRHP William Schaub, Civic Assoc. of the Setaukets Gwynn Schroeder, Mattituck, North Fork Environmental Council Valerie Scopaz, Town of Southold, Planner Delores Sedacca, Nassau Co. John Sepenosk, Southold Natalie Shafiroff, NYS OPRHP Elizabeth Shepherd, St. James Judith Shivak, Greater Smithtown C. of C. Craig Shores, Roslyn Nancy Shores, Roslyn Heights Historic District Ed Siegel, Bayville Hon. Victoria Siegel, Village of Bayville, Mayor Vincent Simeone, NYS OPRHP R. Sinckler, LI News Tonight Patricia Sisler, Port Jefferson Robert Sisler, Port Jefferson Donald Smith, Greenport Jim Smith, Newsday Kathy D’Amato Smith, Roslyn Heights P. Lenore Smith, Planting Fields Joel Snodgrass, SPLIA Elizabeth Sobel, Times Beacon Record Arlene Soifer, Nassau Co. Museum of Art George Solomon, Mattituck C. of C. Nancy Solomon, Port Washington, Long Island Traditions George Soos, Village of Roslyn, Deputy Treasurer Mary Ann Spenser, SPLIA Beth Sperber, Head-of-the-Harbor Environmental Conservation Board Michelle Stark, Suffolk Co. Dept. of Economic Devt. Lily Stolzberg, WLNY TV-55 Ruth Stone, SPLIA Peter Sverd, Village of Poquott, Attorney Alan Svoboda, South Shore Estuary Reserve Melissa Swanson, LICVB Adam Sweeting, WLNY TV-55 Carol Swiggett, Huntington Peter Sylver, LINSHA PC (former) Joe Talmage, WLNY TV-55 Harry Tenenbaum, NYS Dept. of Transportation Julius Tepper, DVM, Long Island Fish Hospital William Titon Jill Toby, LI News Tonight Beverly Tyler, Frank Melville Memorial Foundation Lisa Tyson, Long Island Progressive Coalition Katherine Ullman, Village of Sands Point, Trustee Katie Velsor, Bayville Gay Vietzke, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Jacob Von Hoefer, NYS OPRHP Arvind Vora, Suffolk Co. Dept. Public Works Amar Walker, LI News Tonight Edward Wankel, Suffolk Co. Dept of Economic Devt.. Clarence Ware, NYS OPRHP Louis Warner, Town of Oyster Bay, Supt. of Planning Ken Washington, Smithtown Township Arts Council Norma Watson, Setauket Walter Watson, Setauket Dennis Weiner, Village of Centre Island, Planning Board Anne Wesp, Centerport Harbor Civic Assoc. Larry Wexler, NYS DOT Lillian White, Greenport Robert E. White, Greenport Harry Whittelsey, Huntington Arts Council George L. Williams, Village of Port Washington North, Port Washington Historian Carolyn Wilson, Glen Cove Kathy Wilson, Oyster Bay C. of C. Jennifer Wilson-Pines, Village of Manorhaven Richard Wines, Jamesport David Winzelberg, New York Times Emanuel Wolf, East Hills Village CPR Frances Wolf, Village of East Hills Jeri Woodhouse, Orient Christopher Wreck, Suffolk Co. Planning Dept. Hon. Diane Yatauro, Nassau Co. Legislature Hilda Yohalem, North Gate Civic Assoc., Village of East Hills Jocelyn Zadrozny, NYS Assembly (Raia) Jolanta Zamecka, Holocaust Center & Children’s Memorial Garden, Glen Cove Aileen Zaslowsky Kimberly Zimmer, Stony Brook, New York Sea Grant Hon. Tom Zoller, Village of Cove Neck, Mayor … and anyone left out despite our best efforts to include all who participated! Table of Contents Forward ..........................................................................................2 Introduction to the North Shore Heritage Area ............................................5 Geographic Scope ...............................................................................6 The North Shore Heritage Area Management Plan .........................................6 The People of the North Shore ............................................................... 7 Our History: Just a Beginning ................................................................ 8 Current Conditions and How We See the Future .......................................... 9 The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Vision ........................................ 9 Purpose of the Management Plan.......................................................... 10 Overview....................................................................................... 11 Heritage Policies and Suggestions for Action ............................................ 13 Strategic Plan ................................................................................. 14 Implementation Plan ........................................................................ 16 Heritage Area Management Entity.......................................................... 17 Plan for Special Corridors, Waterfront Trails etc. ....................................... 18 Conclusion ..................................................................................... 19 Demographics .................................................................................. 20 National Heritage Area Integration ....................................................... 21 History: In National Context ................................................................ 25 Long Island North Shore Heritage Area ................................................... 26 Boundary....................................................................................... 27 Economic Benefit of Heritage Area ....................................................... 29 Visitor Economic Impact .................................................................... 31 Goals & Objectives ........................................................................... 34 Management Plan ............................................................................ 38 Heritage Policies and Actions .............................................................. 39 Preservation Policies ........................................................................ 41 Sustainable Heritage Development Policies ............................................. 46 Economic Revitalization Policies .......................................................... 52 Strategic Plan ................................................................................. 58 Concept Plan .................................................................................. 59 Preservation Concept ........................................................................ 60 Revitalization Concept ...................................................................... 63 Interpretation Concept ...................................................................... 66 Recreation Concept .......................................................................... 72 Strategic Summary ........................................................................... 75 Implementation Plan ........................................................................ 77 Summary ....................................................................................... 78 1 FOREWORD to the Long Island North Shore National Heritage Area Feasibility Plan For years, we as residents of the North Shore of Long Island have found ourselves struggling with questions of what defines us as a common people and what future we wished to bequeath to our children and generations yet to come. Once a land of sprawling potato fields, dense woodlands, and barren areas of scruffy pine trees, “Paumonok” (as it was known by local Indians and heralded by Walt Whitman) had been transformed into a thriving suburbia. As time went by, a distinct culture and identity emerged that made us proud to make the north shore of Long Island our home. Our beaches and recreational opportunities were second to none. To get away from the hectic pace of crowded urban life and find solitude and serenity within the confines of our well-manicured lawns and bountiful vegetable gardens held great allure. Safe, clean communities offered us places to worship as we chose to find refuge from the daily rigors of making a living. These amenities enticed many and brought more and more residents to our villages and communities. And, when we arrived, there were parks, historic sites, schools, museums, quaint whaling villages, and woods and shoreline of unsurpassed natural beauty to welcome us home. During this same period, we began to break away from the gravitational pull of the New York City megalopolis. Many of us decided to go it on our own by opening businesses catering to the needs of our neighbors. There were card shops and gift stores, restaurants featuring the most succulent bay scallops and clams found anywhere, boatyards and marinas providing access to some of our favorite pastimes. There were garden shops and florists, taverns and nightlife. The result was a vibrant economic community where aerospace and technology industries grew and took advantage of a skilled, knowledgeable and educated workforce not found anywhere else in the country at the time. Visitors and residents alike could enjoy the wondrous experience of Gold Coast mansions, the vineyards of an emerging wine region, or just a pleasant day’s leisurely stroll through a village downtown or that icon of modern commerce enthusiastically adopted by Long Island, the ubiquitous shopping mall. With this backdrop of suburban comfort and a maturing economy came tract homes and housing developments welcoming more and more people into our midst with elaborate road networks to move us around Long Island’s vast, sprawling acreage. Increasing commercial activities created more and more opportunity which, in turn, drove the demand to utilize available land and alter the face of our natural and historical landscape. We built it, and the people came. By the mid-1970s, professional planners, politicians and active local residents had begun to focus on the inescapable reality that we, as Long Islanders, live on top of the water we depend upon for our very survival. Our choices over how we use our land became more momentous when we discovered that the top aquifer containing our drinking water was becoming polluted. Long Islanders have united over the last three decades to do more to safeguard our environment so that we do not spoil this very essential resource. 2 Crucial as water is to our future, we came to understand it is not the only resource at risk as we continue to grow. Our rocky and unique North Shore beaches saw declines in shellfish and finfish populations. Historic buildings and structures which evoked our past were paved over to make way for more shopping centers or allowed to fall into disrepair because we had forgotten their significance. Bucolic natural landscapes where we could escape the stresses of urban and suburban life began to disappear at alarming rates. Evidence of the Native Americans who populated these lands before we arrived became increasingly rare. Traffic nightmares, once limited to the morning and evening commutes to and from the city, became everyday phenomena throughout Long Island. We felt our quality of life was deteriorating. The increasingly popular search for the “country life” threatened to obliterate the countryside! The forces that drew many of us to Long Island held the potential to attract so many more that we would overrun what we valued in the first place. In response, various interest groups formed: civic organizations, environmental activists, chambers of commerce, builders’ institutes, and tourism advocates, each voicing the concern that we might destroy the very things which defined us as Long Island. Increasingly, our voices raised in concern seemed to be coming into conflict with each other; the legitimate needs and interests of one at variance with those of another. Those advocating continued growth of our commercial and economic prosperity worried that others wished to “close the doors behind them.” The focus for some was on protecting the character of our villages and our environment from overdevelopment. Lines were drawn, and people of good will engaged in vociferous disagreement. It seemed unlikely that we could agree on what our communities and our economic future should look like. Out of this swirling controversy, a consensus developed among elected officials, local activists and environmentalists, as well as tourist and business interests throughout Long Island’s North Shore, that there was more that united us than divided us. From this consensus, the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area (LINSHA) was born. We believed that we could coalesce as a diverse, local group and that the LINSHA process could be a new way to protect and guide the “history of our future.” We agreed that a planning effort which sought to identify and celebrate the common thread that connected all of us regionally as North Shore residents gave us the best chance to sustain what we value most. And we concluded that it was possible to protect and preserve our past while maintaining a bright and vibrant economic future. That is why the North Shore Heritage Area is dedicated to preservation as the overriding theme of our efforts. Nothing in the study advocates a specific “bricks and mortar” project or insists on any particular course of action that would add to concerns of overdevelopment. The Heritage Area is not a proposed “super-agency” intent on forcing new projects through towns and villages by fiat. Rather, we are area residents reflecting the diverse views of our respective communities and organizations. Our vision has always been to work together to provide a “blueprint” for our future. 3 LINSHA offers a way for us to look at ourselves and define our unique culture. It suggests educational opportunities for us to understand the connections that unite us and to share with others our rich history and resources. Our proposal documents how the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is a “living museum,” which can be experienced and understood in new ways. As in any museum, curators must plan how best to display the abundant “works of art” and safeguard them for all the visitors yet to come. And so, to reach that lofty goal, we suggest coordinated signage, information kiosks, downtown beautification, protection of scenic “view-sheds,” and improved access to our coastline. We anticipate that the Heritage Area will foster such undertakings, advance the goals of the study through education, and enter into cooperative partnerships to display the “treasures” in our “museum.” We expect that this process will enable us to be good stewards of our resources and ensure their continued survival. We intend that divergent interests will find common ground and seek ways to coexist, cooperate for our shared future, celebrate the unifying themes which connect us, and steward our resources which define our unique heritage. This study offers suggestions and recommendations of other ways to invest in our future because we value our past. Though we seek cooperation and approval of this proposal for a National Heritage Area by all the 56 villages, eight townships, and one city (Glen Cove) in the LINSHA region, subsequent participation is wholly voluntary. In essence, we ask that you take advantage of what you like in the plan and leave the rest! We have endeavored to produce a proposal that reflects our lives and our communities. We hope that the concept will prove useful to all those within the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. It is our conviction that a deeper appreciation and understanding of our shared history and culture will build stronger agreement to protect and preserve the “hidden gems” of Long Island’s North Shore which truly reflect “Our Heritage.” Partnership between the New York State Heritage System and the National Heritage Program raises the profile of Long Island’s historic significance to a level consistent with America’s storied past. We are proud of Long Island. And we are proud to be united as a nation of citizens standing to protect both our past and our present for generations in the future. By: Ira Paul Costell For the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area March 20, 2012 4 Introduction to the North Shore Heritage Area The members of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area (LINSHA) Planning Commission represent people who live or work in Long Island’s North Shore area from Great Neck to Orient Point. Asked to work together as volunteers, they came up with a plan for preserving, protecting and showcasing the extensive cultural, natural and recreational resources that make our area unique. The New York State Legislature commissioned completion by December 2006. LINSHA Mission Statement The mission of the original LINSHA Planning Commission was to preserve, protect, and enhance the cultural, historical and natural resources which defines the North Shore of Long Island and to promote responsible economic development of the area compatible within the historical and natural environment. To fulfill its mission, intent has always been that LINSHA will continually evaluate, refine and implement its plans to include strategies and specific policy recommendations that concern the future of the unique historical, maritime and special environmental resources contained within the area. Through the coordination of cooperative and inclusive participation between private sector and government agencies, LINSHA works to provide a framework of resources as well as stimulating interest and excitement in the area. In 2012, the application for participation in the National Heritage Area system is a reasonable and logical extension of the LINSHA mission. This undertaking contributes to the process of sound planning and environmental protection. In this way, retention of the spectacular resources and unique character of the Heritage Area for the purpose of encouraging, promoting, and ensuring public appreciation of all we enjoy about Long Island's North Shore is ensured. We do this for all of Long Island, its residents, businesses and visitors, the people of New York, the United States, and for future generations yet to come. Many have helped to articulate a vision for the North Shore’s future. These include local governments, citizens, civic organizations, historical societies, environmental groups, and businesses sharing a concern for preserving and protecting what makes our region special and with a desire to intensify pride in our shared regional and national heritage. 5 What is a Heritage Area? A heritage area is a voluntary grass-roots program with opportunities for shared support provided by a variety of public and private partners to preserve communities, guide resource protection, attract investment, enhance quality of life, and sustain economic revitalization. Geographic Scope As originally envisioned, the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area would generally be described as the North Shore from the Long Island Expressway or State Route 25 (whichever is further south), north to the Connecticut line in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, east to Orient Point. The Heritage Area could include towns and portions of towns in Nassau County (North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, including the City of Glen Cove) and Suffolk County (Huntington, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southold and a very small portion of the Town of Islip). The North Shore Heritage Area also could include 56 incorporated villages. As of December, 2006, 27 municipalities (shown in bold capital letters on page 19) passed a resolution in support of the LINSHA Management Plan and are considered to be the designated Heritage Area boundary. The others listed on Page 19 may elect to participate in the future by following the Guidelines for Heritage Area Management Plan Amendments found at the front of this document. The North Shore Heritage Area Management Plan All Heritage Areas designated by the New York State Legislature must have management plans. The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area was designated by the Legislature in 1998. Planning work began soon thereafter. We were charged with preparing a document that defines our goals and sets forth the means for implementing these suggestions. After final recommendation of the Management Plan by the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Planning Commission, the LINSHA Management Plan was submitted to the Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Following approval, the LINSHA Management Plan was adopted as state policy − that is, it is New York State’s policy to follow the recommendations in the Plan. 6 Current LINSHA Management Plan includes: The Heritage Area’s boundary An inventory of resources Goals and objectives Compatible uses we suggest be accommodated Properties which may need preservation through acquisition A program for encouraging appreciation of resources and accommodating sustainable visitation An estimation of associated costs The benefits of carrying out the plan Techniques for preservation An organizational structure A schedule for implementation All of the features of the LINSHA Management Plan are consistent with the publicprivate partnerships that exemplify National Heritage Areas. The People of the North Shore The Heritage Area is complex, geologically, historically, demographically, and physically. A good way to interpret the area’s countless resources, with the aim of preserving and protecting those resources, is through our stories. National Historic Landmark “Old House” in Cutchoque, built in 1649; asserted to be "one of the finest surviving examples of English domestic architecture in America" Long Island’s North Shore residents have been, and in many ways remain, seafarers, naturalists, builders and visionaries. We’ve lived by the water and harvested its resources. We’ve always been dependent on our coastlines and forests and made efforts at good stewardship. In all cases, we were defined by our landscape even as we further defined it. 7 One way to reintroduce ourselves and our visitors to Long Island’s north shore heritage is by presenting thematic “neighborhoods” in which we have lived: The Gold Coast The American Dream The Maritime Coast The Pine Barrens The Harvest Coast Click here for Neighborhood Concept Map. These neighborhoods are not strictly geographic, but the Management Plan does offer general locations for exploring them as heritage themes. The LINSHA management plan identifies these categories of people and places as a means toward interpreting the Heritage Area, which we hope will foster continued preservation and protection efforts. An underlying principle of the plan is that if we learn about our heritage and come to appreciate and value it, we will become increasingly better stewards of our intrinsic resources. The LINSHA Planning Commission hopes these ideas for interpretation will bring about positive actions by residents and visitors alike. Our History: Just a Beginning The North Shore of Long Island is one of the longest-settled places in North America. Its first migrants, attracted by the temperate climate, were Native Americans. By the 16th century, Native Americans were joined by Europeans. Native Americans located the best places to live and the Europeans took their lead. Whether they were Connecticut Yankees from across Long Island Sound or the new New Yorkers transplanted from a growing New Amsterdam, those of European descent and culture had almost completely overwhelmed Native Americans and their way of life by the 19th Century. Our region played a central role in the formation of the fledgling nation. Nathan Hale, the Connecticut patriot who had “but one life to lose for [his] country,” was on a spy mission here when he was captured and executed by the British. Several years later, George Washington again turned to Long Island’s patriots to outwit the British. In 1778, a group of young men and women formed what would become known as the Culper Spy Ring. It operated clandestinely until 1783, when the Revolutionary War was won. The story of the Spy Ring has all the intrigue of a first-rate spy story: assumed names, code words, invisible ink, secret drop boxes, even a laundry-line signal involving a ladies’ petticoat and white handkerchiefs. The ring had astonishing success, and was able to answer Washington’s specific questions regarding British troops and their movements. As president, Washington visited Long Island to thank his spies, traveling a route that generally parallels the Scenic and Historic Route 25A Corridor. It is now a designated New York State Heritage Trail. 8 The diversity of the people who settled here was shaped, in no small measure, by the action of ice and water on the topography of the shoreline of Long Island Sound. The North Shore’s western harbors and bays provided abundant natural resources to support Native Americans, protection for later whaling and shipping communities, and, yet later, provided playgrounds for pleasure craft. The fertile soils of the east end, deposited by retreating glacial ice, created an agricultural paradise. Rural charm and rustic beauty have made the North Shore’s east end and North Fork a sought-after second home destination; now it is home to our constant struggle between development pressure and preservation of farming. Current Conditions and How We See the Future At the dawn of the 21st Century, the North Shore of Long Island is home to well over one million residents. Yet this area retains coherent character and legacy, earning it a special place in the State of New York. The region north of the ice tide’s terminal moraine − now defined by state Route 25 and the Long Island Expressway (from Great Neck to Orient Point and north to the border of Connecticut) − has been designated the first New York State Heritage Area on Long Island. The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area abounds in natural, cultural and historic resources that are important to us and illustrative of our stories. Yet we have not successfully understood and interpreted their importance so they could be preserved. To reverse that trend, we wish to tell the stories of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area to protect, inform about, and enhance the beneficial use of the region’s intrinsic resources. These efforts, in turn, can enhance our region’s economic vitality. The Heritage Area proposes to reinforce our mission to: Reconnect us with our past and with one another as we reach into the future Help preserve and celebrate our cultural, historic and natural resources Discover the traits and character we hold in common. The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Vision Today, North Shore communities are proudly moving toward the LINSHA vision to: Reuse, rehabilitate and revitalize to meet the demands of development, Preserve open space, habitat and agriculture for this and future generations, Increase the number and value of our cultural, historic and natural resources, Develop opportunities for economic expansion through preserving and growing traditional ways of life in maritime communities, Refocus on the downtown as the center of life in our communities, and Turn back toward Long Island Sound as a source of pride and sustenance, supporting both our economy and ecosystems. 9 To tell and enjoy our stories and enhance our area’s identity and sense of place, we think it best to foster preservation and revitalization. Communities can choose to do so by: Increasing visual and physical access to Long Island Sound, Preserving traditional maritime communities and the industries unique to those communities, and Increasing understanding of the fragility of ecosystems and our dependence on sustaining them. To preserve quality of life, we must protect and restore the waters of Long Island Sound. Coastal resources are a critical feature defining the Long Island North Shore Region. National Historic Landmark, 1883 Oyster Sloop Christeen, Purpose of the New York State Management Plan The existing LINSHA plan articulated our formative vision for the Heritage Area and gives it a framework for its organization. It illustrates how our stories bind us and creates themes across the entire stretch of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area, across water and land, as well as through time. This Management Plan has positioned LINSHA to develop sophisticated publicprivate partnerships that will benefit localities, the region and a stronger nation as a National Heritage Area. 10 Overview of the Long Island North Heritage Area System The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area (LINSHA) is the first New York State Heritage Area on Long Island. There are 18 state-designated Heritage Areas in New York, encompassing more than 400 communities. The state’s heritage program incorporates civic, private and public partnerships and is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. As originally envisioned, the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area would generally be described as the North Shore from the Long Island Expressway or State Route 25 (whichever is further south), north to the Connecticut line in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, east to Orient Point. The Heritage Area could include towns and portions of towns in Nassau County (North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, including the City of Glen Cove) and Suffolk County (Huntington, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southold and a very small portion of the Town of Islip). The North Shore Heritage Area also could include 56 incorporated villages. As of December 8, 2006, 27 municipalities (shown in bold capital letters on page 19) passed a resolution in support of the LINSHA Management Plan and are considered to be the designated Heritage Area boundary. The others listed on Page 19 may elect to participate in the future by following the Guidelines for Heritage Area Amendments found at the front of this document. 11 Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Location Benefits of Being in a Heritage Area A new interest in and respect for heritage has been sparked and heritage tourism has been developing as a trend for the last 20 years. Cultural, historic and natural resources attractions are among the fastest growing destinations for recreation in the nation. We in New York State are finding that visiting historic sites is the fastest growing of all of our outdoor recreational activities. Nationally, culture and heritage are included in 65 percent of trips and the prime motivator of 30 percent of travel. The LINSHA consultant’s analysis of current Long Island North Shore Heritage Area visitors and residents shows that Long Islanders and our visiting relatives frequent historic sites, cultural resources, and areas for passive recreation, such as parks and places for biking. We already enjoy extensive cultural, historic and natural resources, yet could use and further intensify our interest to promote preservation and stewardship of these assets. Economic activity could showcase our resources and instill and maintain regional pride in our heritage. By diversifying the experiences of current visitors and residents - focusing on preservation and sustainable heritage development, where development occurs, and on existing growth industries we can enhance our region’s economic vitality. 12 Goals and Objectives The LINSHA Planning Commission mission was three-fold: The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Management Plan promotes preservation. The Management Plan presents revitalization strategies and identifies ways to expand the economy of North Shore communities. The Plan presents methods to ensure that development, as it inevitably proceeds here, focuses on our heritage and is sustainable (as in “sustainable heritage development”). The Plan’s Goals and Objectives point out potential areas of conflict and identify ways to mitigate them, while providing a unifying framework that celebrates our similarities and differences. GOALS The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area goals are to: Protect Connect Package Promote Partner Understand and manage growth for the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Develop a unifying identity for the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Identify experiences residents and their visitors will enjoy and recommend to others Increase visitation by our friends and neighbors and decrease the seasonality of our tourism, all within sustainable limits Create opportunities for profit, reinvestment and economic growth Heritage Policies and Suggestions for Action The LINSHA Management Plan’s heritage policies and suggestions for action together are its “backbone” and serve as primary implementation tools. The policies and actions incorporate our stated mission of preservation, sustainable heritage development, and economic vitality in the Heritage Area. The policy components are: Preservation Purpose: To create access, attractions and recreational opportunities that help protect and increase in number, value and understanding the region’s cultural, historic and natural resources Sustainable heritage development Purpose: To manage change so that economic, environmental and social conditions of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area are maintained and even enhanced. Also, to strive to ensure that development related to heritage is authentic in implementation and interpretation. Economic revitalization Purpose: To incorporate sound planning for economic vitality, economic expansion, 13 job creation and community renewal. We hope the suggested actions direct and inspire us as stakeholders and responsible parties. What is Sustainable Heritage Development? Sustainable Heritage Development is a revitalization strategy that enhances local quality of life through activities − preservation, conservation, recreation, interpretation, and community capacity building − that demonstrate respect for the people, the place and the past The Management Plan identifies three levels of potential actors and implementers: 1. LINSHA management entity 2. Public and non-profit sector 3. Private sector Strategic Plan The LINSHA strategy is to incorporate systems and organization for the future direction of the Heritage Area. We include preservation, revitalization, interpretation and recreation. To develop the strategy, the LINSHA consultants conducted an inventory of heritage and scenic resources within the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. By mapping the resources, the consultants and planning commission saw areas sharing similar qualities and characteristics emerge. Our Neighborhoods The plan refers to areas that share similar characteristics as “neighborhoods,” or rooms in a “living museum,” for the purpose of interpreting the Heritage Area. The Plan’s strategy is organized around these neighborhoods. The neighborhoods are: Gold Coast — the western-most North Shore neighborhood; mansions and millionaires once abounded American Dream — the western interior of Long Island’s North Shore Heritage Area, near rail and road corridors Maritime Coast — the coastal center of the Long Island North Shore Pine Barrens — the eastern interior of Long Island’s North Shore Harvest Coast — the North Fork The “neighborhoods” are established and recognized themes, from which to start conversations about how Long Island North Shore Heritage Area will ultimately be characterized. Residents and visitors can identify the neighborhoods as a guide in experiencing and interpreting the rooms of this “living museum” which make up the Heritage Area. They are the geographic and physical contexts within which the LINSHA program’s implementation concepts could be realized. Preservation Preservation is our overriding theme. LINSHA primarily is a program for the 14 preservation of the cultural, historic and natural resources of the North Shore of Long Island. Our program focuses on both the natural and built environments, including: Water — coastlines, beach views, water access Sites and structures — landmarks, estates, historic sites Historic Centers of Maritime Activity Natural areas Revitalization Our revitalization concept suggests applying creative land use regulations to: Protect structures and districts Guide new construction Protect and enhance existing features Focus new development when it occurs Increase economic vitality Assure development is sustainable and attentive to our heritage (“sustainable heritage development”) Our revitalization concept focuses on: The built environment, including downtowns, maritime communities and commercial centers Natural environmental features, including access points and open space Destination development, including the possibility of creating a single focal point or attraction for interpretation and celebration of our Heritage Area. Interpretation In this plan, interpretation of our heritage themes begins with the museum “rooms”; our “neighborhoods,” and their related characters and traits. Our stories can be told by place − the characteristics of our neighborhoods, the tales of individual places (points in the landscape), and the interwoven narratives where such places form dense clusters. Another approach we take toward interpretation is by linking themes. Thematic linkages connect the places in our region, across neighborhoods and across time. This plan presents the North Shore’s heritage themes through our people: Seafarers — Whalers and Sailors: Those who arrived by water and built an economy with what they found. Builders — Preachers and Patriarchs: They blazed the trail to access, conservation and sustainable heritage development. Naturalists — Birders and Beachcombers: Those who’ve celebrated the natural resources of our area and fought for its preservation Visionaries — Poets and Patriots: Our dreamers and leaders who have crafted the vision for our future and led their compatriots to it. 15 Recreation The Recreation Concept includes use of public lands for active and passive enjoyment, and a system of diversified access, including waterborne transportation. We focus on existing and enhanced parks. Implementation Plan Our Implementation Plan has the following components: Heritage Strategies Funding Sources Marketing Plan Next Steps Heritage Strategies Heritage Strategies are suggestions for long-range implementation tactics. They reflect the Policies and Actions of the Management Plan and address each of the four areas of the Strategic Plan: Preservation Revitalization Interpretation Recreation The strategies show the linkages and alliances that we can make to realize a sustainable future for our Heritage Area and identify funding sources and preliminary costs. Marketing Plan Our marketing program is intended to increase awareness and understanding of the cultural, historic and natural resources of the Heritage Area. We incorporate interpretation to specifically target our own residents and the visitor groups most likely to enjoy our activities and amenities. Funding Sources We anticipate a variety of funding sources as a tool for heritage destinations, organizations and government. They should include traditional public grant-making sources with lesser-known and private sources. Technical assistance and capacity building for nonprofits and communities will provide for growth, sustain through transitions, and preserve communities. 16 Next Steps Many of our communities are already engaged in community appreciation projects that foster a sense of place and a common “starting point” in preservation, revitalization, interpretation and circulation. What is needed is the regional appreciation that will place Long Island in the appropriate context of its national importance. This near-term strategy will foster a rally to preserve and protect Long Island’s treasure while reinforcing economic sustainability. Near-Term Actions Promotional needs: Outreach programs to target the elected and appointed officials who will embrace Heritage Area strategies Printed materials that illustrate the benefits Distribution and communication systems. Promotion will ensure buy-in and support for the plan and complement the public input and outreach programs already conducted as part of the New York State planning process and State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process. Heritage Area Management An independent, not-for-profit entity with an employee and a board of directors to guide LINSHA activities, evaluate accomplishments is already in place with set organizational policies. Public and partners have been engaged through extensive and ongoing networking. The future of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is as a resource for communities. It acts as a clearinghouse for information, an advocate and a coordinator of activities. Because the organization is new, it is not bureaucratic,, and it is flexible and proactive. It is, regrettably, not yet financially sustainable as an independent entity. Creative funding through income generating programs and dependable dues paying members are highly recommended. Adequate, consistent funding for is critical to the implementation and eventual success of our Heritage Area. Purpose of National Heritage Area Participation: Provide leadership to support, advance, coordinate and implement goals and objectives as well as initiatives that are consistent with promotion of parks, preserves, and the preservation of cultural, historic and natural resources. 17 Plan for Special Corridors Click here for Concept Map Among the land and water routes that link together the places of our Heritage, perhaps none is as prominent as the Scenic and Historic Route 25A corridor. The future of this road has been a matter of pressing concern for many stakeholders and stakeholder groups. Already, portions of the route have been transformed into landscapes more evocative of late 20th century consumerism than of its compelling history. We want to preserve what remains of the heritage of the road and restore its character. To specifically address the future of the entire length of the road, from Great Neck to its terminus in Calverton, we recommend undertaking a comprehensive corridor plan. This plan will address the inventory of intrinsic resources along the route and propose a strategy for their preservation, restoration and beneficial use. Further, through the corridor management plan process, we can help build support for the eventual nomination of the road as a New York State Scenic Byway, National Scenic Byway, and All-American Road. To obtain these designations we would need such a plan that includes recommendations for stewardship, appropriate tourism development, marketing and promotion, and interpretation and identification of financial resources for plan implementation. Support the Blueway Trails and Improved Water Access Long Island Sound is our Heritage Area’s central, defining element. Our plan includes access to the water in its goals and objectives and its policies and actions. Additionally, our Recreation Concept supports a waterfront trail along the length of the shoreline where possible. Blueway trails connecting multiple municipalities, not-for-profits and businesses are currently in development. A waterfront trail is a system for visual and physical access to the water of Long Island Sound and the Peconic Bay. It is aimed at providing walkers, hikers and bicyclists an opportunity to follow the water’s edge as much as possible. It is one of our priorities to support such a trail. Where physical access is not possible, we hope to provide for visual access. 18 Conclusion The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is a management system designed to organize the phenomenal diversity of people, places and connections into a comprehensive and understandable whole. The system condenses abstract and dispersed heritage concepts into identifiable themes and the connections that link them together. Ultimately, this is a plan and strategy about celebrating the people of the North Shore of Long Island and their place as a way of developing and sustaining it for this generation and generations to come. Through this management plan and strategic plan approach, a roadmap is presented that the people of the North Shore of Long Island can use to create new ways to choose a “history of the future.” Without this program, they risk continued destruction of important resources related to their heritage, the deterioration of their quality of life, and the elimination of the richness of the land and sea. The Implementation Plan for the Heritage Area brings the Plan itself together into a cohesive whole, yet it need to address the “big picture” of its place in our National Heritage. Strategies outlined here are crucial first steps. Through marketing opportunities and other promotions, participation as a National Heritage Area can strengthen our communities at every level. This Plan provides a framework for a preservation and economic revitalization strategy to contribute to a sustainable future for the North Shore of Long Island, for New York State and for the Eastern Region of the United States. The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is a vital, vibrant coastal expanse of extraordinary diversity and rich history. Coupled with its millions of residents and visitors, it is uniquely positioned to garner attention and appreciation. 19 Demographics As of December 8, 2006, 27 municipalities (shown in bold capital letters below) passed a resolution in support of the LINSHA Management Plan and are considered to be within the DESIGNATED HERITAGE AREA BOUNDARY. The others listed below may elect to participate in the future by following the Guidelines for Heritage Area Amendments found at the front of this document. CITY OF GLEN COVE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN TOWN OF HUNTINGTON TOWN OF ISLIP TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD TOWN OF OYSTER BAY TOWN OF RIVERHEAD TOWN OF SMITHTOWN TOWN OF SOUTHOLD VILLAGE OF ASHAROKEN VILLAGE OF BAXTER ESTATES VILLAGE OF BAYVILLE Village of Belle Terre Village of Brookville Village of Centre Island Village of Cove Neck Village of East Hills VILLAGE OF EAST WILLISTON Village of Floral Park Village of Flower Hill VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK Village of Great Neck Estates Village of Great Neck Plaza VILLAGE OF GREENPORT Village of Head-of-the-Harbor Village of Huntington Bay Village of Kensington VILLAGE OF KINGS POINT Village of Lake Grove Village of Lake Success Village of Lattingtown Village of Laurel Hollow Village of Lloyd Harbor VILLAGE OF MANORHAVEN Village of Matinecock Village of Mill Neck Village of Mineola Village of Munsey Park Village of Muttontown Village of New Hyde Park Village of Nissequogue Village of North Hills Village of Northport Village of Old Brookville Village of Old Field Village of Old Westbury Village of Oyster Bay Cove Village of Plandome Village of Plandome Heights Village of Plandome Manor Village of Poquott VILLAGE OF PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE OF PORT WASHINGTON NORTH VILLAGE OF ROSLYN VILLAGE OF ROSLYN ESTATES Village of Roslyn Harbor VILLAGE OF RUSSELL GARDENS VILLAGE OF SADDLE ROCK Village of Sands Point VILLAGE OF SEA CLIFF Village of Shoreham VILLAGE OF THE BRANCH VILLAGE OF THOMASTON Village of Upper Brookville VILLAGE OF WILLISTON PARK 20 National Heritage Area Integration Overview ADDING THE LONG ISLAND NORTH SHORE HERITAGE AREA TO THE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA SYSTEM Long Island’s North Shore would benefit from coordinated and comprehensive protection of its historic, cultural, heritage, and natural resources. Connecting Federal and State resources with our existing system of routes, trails, waterways, parks, greenways, view-sheds and streetscapes would enhance sustainability and educate and enrich people of all ages. Promoting Long Island’s North Shore via the internet, print publications, social media, television, radio, community gateways, site sign graphics and kiosks will enhance preservation that celebrates American heritage which benefits economic development and the education of both visitors and residents. The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is a New York State designated Heritage Area statutorily created by NY (Parks Rec. & Hist. Preserv.) Law § 35.03(1)(p). LINSHA, Inc. is tax exempt under New York State and Federal Laws – i.e., LINSHA is a “501(c)(3)” not-for-profit corporation with current assets and operations. Partnership between the New York State Heritage System and the National Heritage Program raises the profile of Long Island’s historic significance to a level consistent with America’s storied past. A Long Island National Heritage Area designated by Congress in 2012 would be the newest region to receive recognition for its historic, cultural and natural resources. Stretching from Great Neck to Orient Point, Long Island’s North Shore is home to the Oyster Bay and Target Rock Federal Wildlife Refuges as well as the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention. Long Island’s earliest documented communities were comprised thirteen distinct Native American Tribes who thrived off of rich coastal resources. The same resources gave rise to precolonial and early English settlements. America’s first genuine hero, Nathan Hale, landed on Long Island during the Revolutionary War. While enduring the longest occupation in history by British troops, Long Island was the site of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring operations, pivotal in obtaining intelligence that helped our nation’s first leader prosecute the war. During the 1800’s, Quaker settlers who were staunch abolitionists participated in the Underground Railroad. An application for National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom participation has been completed and is currently pending determination. 21 Later famous for homes of the Gilded Age, Long Island’s North Shore became the Gold Coast that attracted the Gatsby Era’s most successful and celebrated families and personalities. Several hundred estates and mansions remain intact today held in both public and private hands. In striking contrast, Long Island was also the site of some of the nation’s first suburban planned neighborhoods: Great Neck and Levittown were known as bedroom communities for their proximity to employment in metropolitan New York City. Long Island’s North Shore includes: National Historic Landmark Sites Fort Corchaug Archaeological Site, Southold Old House, Cutchogue Christeen (sloop), Oyster Bay William Sidney Mount House, Stony Brook John Philip Sousa House, Port Washington Certified Local Governments City of Glen Cove, Nassau County Village of Great Neck Plaza, Nassau County Village of Greenport, Suffolk County Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County Village of Roslyn, Nassau County Village of Sands Point, Nassau County Special Features Deep water harbors and beaches Fisheries and aquaculture Over a dozen lighthouses (count depends upon marine boundaries) Farms Vineyards High-tech manufacturing Cultural diversity Arts Higher education and research institutions Over 2,000 cultural, historic and natural resource venues have already been inventoried and indexed on the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area interactive website. Designation of the Long Island North Shore Area (LINSHA) as a National Heritage Area serves as a stewardship tool to engage residents in preserving the best features of life on Long Island. By raising the profile of the treasures in our backyards, Long Islanders are encouraged to support preservation, promote tourism and create jobs. 22 LINSHA already has a New York State Approved Heritage Area Management Plan that reveals our rich collection of resources. Within the strategic framework of the National Heritage Area system, collaborative partnerships and leveraged investments may build on the Plan and be the key to Long Island’s continued economic and cultural success. Long Islanders enjoy what is called a “sense of place.” Let’s celebrate it. 23 National Heritage Areas in New York State As of 2012 (Two entirely within New York State, two partially) Niagara Falls National Heritage Area National Heritage Area stretches from mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Youngstown and Lewiston. The region nationally significant historical sites. Designated by Congress in 2008, the Niagara Falls the western boundary of Wheatfield, New York to the Ontario, including the communities of Niagara Falls, is home to natural wonders, rich cultural traditions and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor covers 524 miles in upstate New York, including four navigable waterways: Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca; sections of the first Erie Canal; and over 200 municipalities adjacent to the canals. This waterway played a key role in turning New York City into a prominent center for commerce, industry, and finance. Besides being a catalyst for growth in the Mohawk and Hudson valleys, these canals helped open up western America for settlement and for many years transported much of the Midwest's agricultural and industrial products to domestic and international markets. Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership includes the linked navigable waterways and adjacent lands of Lake Champlain, Lake George, the Champlain Canal and portions of the Upper Hudson River in the States of Vermont and New York. This region was the homeland of native people of Algonquin and Iroquois descent and has played an important role in the establishment of the United States and Canada. It has served as a route of exploration, military campaigns and maritime commerce. The history and resources of the region offer opportunities for outstanding interpretation and recreation. Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area which stretches from Troy to New York City, contains a rich assemblage of natural features and nationally significant cultural and historical sites. The period from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War is well represented and complemented by individual sites such as FDR's Springwood, Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill, Lyndhurst, and Vanderbilt Mansion. The valley retains the scenic, rural character that inspired the Hudson Valley School of landscape painting and the Knickerbocker writers. Recreational opportunities abound in local parks, protected open space, and greenways. By adding a Long Island North Shore National Heritage Area, our role is established in connection to the Nation as a whole by more fully integrating the comprehensive story of the State of New York. A significant component of the mosaic begun by the areas listed above is presently missing. Addressing the gap in the picture helps us experience and protect the assets which unite us as a Nation. 24 History The New York State Heritage Areas system evolved from the New York State Urban Cultural Park System. Statewide, there are 15 established Heritage Areas with two additional areas in the planning stages, encompassing more than 400 communities. The program incorporates civic, private and public partnerships and is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Created by the New York State Legislature in 1977 as the Urban Cultural Park System, the Heritage Area System was renamed in 1994 to include larger regional areas. When the New York State Legislature amended the law to add regional Heritage Areas, and renamed the program, it was recognizing the program’s success. The Heritage Area System is designed to be a grass-roots program with opportunities for technical support provided by State agencies and other partners. It is intended to preserve living communities, enhance quality of life and attract investment, guide resource protection and sustainable economic revitalization. There are 17 State-designated Heritage Areas. In addition to the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area, they are in: Albany New York City Sackets Harbor Seneca Falls Buffalo Ossining Schenectady Syracuse Kingston Rochester Saratoga Springs Whitehall Hudson-Mohawk (Cohoes, Colonie, Green Island, Troy, Waterford Town/Village, Watervliet) Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor (Oneida, Herkimer, Montgomery, Fulton, Schenectady, Schoharie, Saratoga, and Albany Counties) Susquehanna (Binghamton, Endicott, Johnson City) Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor 25 Long Island North Shore Heritage Area The purpose of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is to promote economic revitalization through the protection, promotion and beneficial use of the natural, cultural and recreational resources of the area. This is the first New York State-designated Heritage Area on Long Island. The State Legislature created it in 1998. A boundary amendment was passed in July 2000. Longterm goals of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area as expressed by the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area are to: Identify, conserve and promote natural, cultural and historic resources. Foster public understanding, appreciation and use of these diverse resources. Maintain and improve recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Focus economic revitalization efforts on tourism, adaptive re-use of historic structures and enhancement of community character and quality of life for residents and visitors. Short-term goals of the program are to: Articulate a vision for the Heritage Area. Focus public attention on existing and potential resources in Long Island and ways in which the Long Island Heritage Area can protect, promote, and encourage their beneficial use. Prepare, guide and coordinate regional activities in the Heritage Area. Boundary The boundary for the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area has two purposes: To define an area high in potential for preservation, revitalization and interpretation; To define an area for study. 26 The legislated boundary for LINSHA is as follows: The heritage area within the counties of Nassau and Suffolk encompassed by (i) beginning at the point where state route twenty-five intersects the border between Queens and Nassau counties, then south to include the municipal boundaries of the Village of Floral Park, then east along said route to the intersection of route four hundred ninety-five, then east along route four hundred ninety-five until said route crosses the municipal boundary of the Town of Riverhead in the Peconic River, then east along the municipal boundary of the Town of Riverhead to Flanders Bay, then east along the municipal boundary of the Town of Riverhead through Flanders Bay and Great Peconic Bay where it meets the boundary of the Town of Southold, then east along the southern boundary of the Town of Southold to the eastern terminus of the Plum Island Lighthouse, then north to the border of the states of New York and Connecticut, then west along said state border to the border between Nassau and Westchester counties, continuing to the southwest to the border between Queens and Nassau counties and then southeast to the point of origin(.) Click here for the Boundary Map. The boundary follows the LIE and not town boundaries, so it includes a small piece of the Town of Islip at Lake Ronkonkoma where the Islip Town Line crosses the LIE. This amounts to roughly 6.2 square miles with seven percent of the Town population. Its intrinsic resources have been included with those of Smithtown. The recommended boundary is consistent with the existing legislated boundary with several exceptions and modifications. They are: Rather than following State Route 25 to the Southold line, the Initial Boundary follows the Peconic River from the LIE east from the point it crosses the Peconic River. In this way, the entire North Fork, which has its own distinctive character, is included within the study boundary. The boundary follows municipal boundaries in Peconic Bay, rather than the shoreline as the shoreline can change. The boundary is within Great Peconic Bay, offering additional opportunities to preserve and promote the maritime character of the communities upon its shores. The boundary runs east to Plum Island using the Plum Island Light, an historic Long Island lighthouse, as its eastern terminus; it does not include Plum Island as Plum Island is not accessible. In this way, the Orient Point Light is also included within the study area. The rationale for the modified study boundary is: Two options exist for the eventual logical expansion of the Heritage Area. No discussions have taken place on an official level for either concept; both would require planning and collaboration among various partners. The north and south shores of Long Island could eventually be combined to comprise a Long Island Heritage Area. By maintaining the present boundary as the north half of the island facilitates the addition of a south shore plan in the future. By the same token, the existing Heritage Area shares a cultural and historic connection with Connecticut, to the north. The establishment of a bi-state Long Island Sound Heritage Area is dependent upon the existing boundary at the 27 Connecticut line. The heritage area is a study area to plan the preservation of heritage features in order to attract economic activity, investment and visitors. It is not a specific tourism area. The preservation zone needs to include the remainder of the zone as a support area or hinterland and as part of the area to be enhanced, preserved and revitalized. Improvement of all areas within the study area will rely on the development of design standards for buildings, sites, signage and streets. Design standards should be based on the character of the area to promote a continuous series of themes throughout the heritage area. The Long Island Expressway is a natural divider of Long Island and therefore is efficient as the primary defining line for the north and south study areas. As originally envisioned, the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area would generally be described as the North Shore from the Long Island Expressway or State Route 25 (whichever is further south), north to the Connecticut line in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, east to Orient Point. The Heritage Area could include towns and portions of towns in Nassau County (North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, including the City of Glen Cove) and Suffolk County (Huntington, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southold and a very small portion of the Town of Islip). The North Shore Heritage Area also could include 56 incorporated villages. As of December 8, 2006, 27 municipalities passed a resolution in support of the LINSHA Management Plan and are considered to be the designated Heritage Area boundary. Others may elect to participate in the future by following the Guidelines for Heritage Area Amendments found in the bylaws and at www.linsha.org. Economic Benefit of Heritage Area Cultural, historic and natural resources attractions are among the fastest growing 28 destinations for recreation in the nation and in New York State. A new interest in and respect for heritage has been sparked. In New York State, visiting historic sites is the fastest growing of all outdoor recreational activities. Nationally, culture and heritage are included in 65 percent of trips and the prime motivator of 30 percent of travel. The analysis of the current visitors and residents of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area shows a demand for recreation based on cultural, historic and natural resources, including historic sites and areas for passive enjoyment including parks and biking, among others. Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is particularly well suited for recreation and leisure activities based on its cultural, historic and natural resources. The focus of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Management Plan is to foster an atmosphere in which partnerships and linkages are made to realize local, community and regional goals. Specific capital improvements have not been identified or recommended as part of the Plan because these opportunities are best identified and developed by local and regional stakeholders working together. The economic revitalization benefits of the Heritage Area lie in diversifying the experiences of current visitors and focusing upon the related areas of preservation and sustainable heritage development along with the focus on existing growth industries. Heritage Area Boundary As the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area becomes increasingly evident, increased use of heritage destinations by residents and visitors can be expected to increase employment in tourism and visitor industries. The Long Island Sports Commission and the Nassau County Sports, Entertainment and Tourism Commission have been successful in bringing in sports-related activities and with them, higher paying related jobs. An advantage this sector brings to the regional economy is the increase in quality of life that spectator and participatory sports bring to the region. Economic benefits associated with preservation in the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area include: Increase in visitor expenditures which in turn increases sales tax generated Downtown and maritime community renewal and revitalization Preservation and expansion of the vibrant North Fork agricultural economy Creating an emphasis on cultural, historic and natural attractions in the Heritage Area also requires that the target market be defined and a plan for reaching the target audience be developed. The following sections describe the target audience and recommend strategies for reaching them. The Heritage Area is a way to help residents and visitors — both domestic and international — connect with the places and people that have shaped this nation and its people. Recent economic and world political conditions have persuaded travelers to stay closer to home. But the heritage tourism trend has been developing for almost 20 years and as the fears of global unrest recede and the economic picture brightens, heritage 29 tourism continues to grow. While data is not currently gathered on the specific leisure activities of Long Islanders or of Heritage Area residents, their demographic profile and travel patterns indicate they also comprise the market for recreation and leisure time activities based on cultural, historic and natural resources. The challenge is to re-engage Heritage Area residents in taking possession of and pride in their heritage and their cultural, historic and natural resources. Target Audiences The development and enhancement of activities and attractions for cultural and heritage understanding and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is indicated by the demographics and habits of the visitors to Long Island, of the residents and by the array of heritage and cultural institutions and recreational facilities that they currently support. Visitors to and residents of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area can be characterized as belonging to one of three major groups: Residents and visitors who will visit to stay with friends and relatives and not do much related to outside activities. Those who will visit for a fairly narrowly defined set of activities centering on cultural, historic and natural attractions. An older and more affluent subset of this group is interested in personal indulgences including shopping and dining; this subset travels in spring and fall. The younger and less affluent subset is traveling as a family with children, is less interested in these indulgences and travel primarily in summer. Those who will experience as much as they can and show an interest in almost anything, particularly eclectic and novel experiences; they travel year round. This group falls close to the existing Long Island travel profile, both demographically and in terms of travel habits. Both of these travel groups likely to participate in activities fall close to the average LINSHA resident demographic. Day trips by residents of LINSHA are a potential source not only of economic activity, but also of important political support for heritage-related projects and investments. Further, they are a ripe market for off-season activities, helping to sustain visitor employment centers year round. Given these three target groups, the challenge for Long Island North Shore Heritage Area’s lies in engaging them all on some level, that is: Getting the attention of people who are currently not inclined to participate in any activities or visit attractions Providing interest and enticement so that those who are inclined to participate in almost anything so they will take on new interests and challenges Providing enough diversity of activities and attractions so that an already engaged group will deepen its interest in and support for the whole 30 Visitor Economic Impact While the visitor and recreation sectors are not necessarily able to wholly support preservation efforts, they can be used to make significant contributions to preservation, both economically and by raising awareness of the need for protection and preservation. A culture and heritage focus to visitor activities can also serve as an economic benefit to the Heritage Area in the following There are currently roughly 3.1 million overnight leisure visitors coming to Long Island. These visitors are spending an average of 4.1 days per trip on Long Island. Average daily expenditure per visitor is $65 for a total economic impact of $954 million in direct expenditures, according to data from the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. For the purposes of this analysis, it is assumed that 50 percent of visitors’ expenditures take place within the Heritage Area. Based on this assumption, the economic impact of overnight leisure travel on the North Shore is: 31 Economic Activity Potential Cultural and Heritage Visitors 2006 Data $477 million in direct overnight visitor expenditures $1.1 billion direct payroll and $1 billion indirect payroll 53,000 direct jobs and 33,000 indirect jobs According to the Long Island Wine Council, there are approximately 1.3 million visitors to the North Shore’s wineries annually Cultural and heritage visitors stay an average of 1.1 days longer than Long Island’s current overnight leisure traveler, for an average of 5.2 days. Cultural and heritage visitors spend more per trip than average travelers, about $120 a day, almost twice the current average expenditure of Long Island visitors. The following tables show the potential impact of developing a cultural and heritage visitor industry on the current visitor base of the Heritage Area. The assumptions for expenditures are based on current daily expenditures for the “current picture” and on average daily heritage visitor expenditures for the “heritage scenario.” Economic activity is also generated by participation of local residents. The analysis employs a conservative assessment that 10 percent of the 299,290 LINSHA resident households that closely match the target audience profiles and further assuming day-trip expenditures with a range of $35-$100 per family. 32 2006 Data Daily Expenditure Low Average Person Days $35 $65 7,350,000 $257,250,000 High $100 $477,750,000 Heritage Scenario $735,000,00 0 Daily Expenditure Low Person Days 7,644,000 Average $100 $764,400,000 High $120 $140 $917,280,000 $1,070,160,000 Resident Profile Daily Expenditure Low Average High Households $35 $65 $100 29,929 $1,047,515 $1,945,385 $2,992,900 Source: peter j. smith & company, inc. This table illustrates that by extending their stays 1.1 additional days, a 4 percent increase in visitors and an additional potential $287 million in economic activity could be generated if visitors spent an additional $35 per day, $20 per day less than the average heritage tourist. 33 Goals & Objectives The mission of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is preservation of cultural, historic and natural resources, sustainable heritage development and economic revitalization. The Heritage Goals and Objectives provide a benchmark for evaluating the progress of the implementation of the Plan. The Goals and Objectives guide fulfillment of the legislative intent of the establishment of the Heritage Areas program and the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area: preservation of the cultural, historic and natural resources of the region; encouragement of their beneficial use and enjoyment; encouragement and accommodation of visitors and promotion of sustainable economic revitalization. The purpose statements that guide the Goals and Objectives for the Plan are: Protect — Understand and manage growth for Long Island North Shore Heritage Protect — Understand and manage growth for Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Connect — Develop a unifying identity for the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Package — Identify experiences people will enjoy and recommend to others Promote — Increase visitation and decrease seasonality within sustainable limits Partner — Create opportunities for profit, reinvestment and growth for the economy 34 GOAL 1: Protect Incorporate strategies for preservation, revitalization and interpretation of the cultural, historic and natural resources of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area into all aspects of development and management of those resources for visitors and residents Objectives To create awareness about the need and benefits of implementing a sustainable heritage development strategy for the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area To build sensitivity and respect for local values and traditions To develop a basis for identification of resources that should be protected to ensure there is an orderly means for assuring the legacy of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area persists To develop tools for action to protect endangered heritage resources and traditions including those related to Native Americans, African-Americans and Hispanics of the North Shore of Long Island To ensure access to the resources of the Long Island North Shore so that they may be better understood, protected and celebrated To develop tools for action to protect and enhance the natural resources and environment of the Long Island North Shore To increase understanding and implementation of the principles of sustainable heritage development in economic and tourism development GOAL 2: Connect Devise strategies to create a cohesive whole of the communities of the Long Island North Shore, bringing their futures together Objectives To promote participatory processes at all levels of planning throughout Long Island North Shore Heritage Area To foster understanding among the stakeholder communities of the Heritage Area, including those of minority groups, and craft opportunities to celebrate their similarities and differences To propose economic and community development projects related to Long Island North Shore Heritage Area throughout the Heritage Area To encourage local, regional and national collaboration and strategies for adding value and preventing and mitigating negative impacts of increased development To encourage the establishment of communication networks to facilitate an open exchange of views and opinions throughout the Heritage Area To encourage development that is responsive to the goals and objectives of the Management Plan GOAL 3: Package Identify the core themes that tie the Heritage Area together and develop opportunities for cooperation and coordination among stakeholders to integrate these themes OBJECTIVES To assist and encourage the identification and interpretation of themes relevant to 35 the diverse people of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area To forge strong linkages between Long Island North Shore Heritage Area and existing cultural organizations and activities To integrate recreation, education and interpretation within the Heritage Area “experience” To identify facilities, attractions and events aimed at “off” or “shoulder” season growth GOAL 4: Promote Identify ways encourage to advance public understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultural, historic and natural resources of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. OBJECTIVES To devise strategies to develop a welcoming attitude. To develop a concise and cohesive “brand identity” for Long Island North Shore Heritage Area To identify ways for visitors and residents to participate in preservation of cultural, historic and natural resources related to the heritage of the Long Island North Shore To develop channels for feedback and dissemination of positive experiences and personal stories 36 GOAL 5: Partner Identify tactics to found and foster unique partnerships, identify new collaborators, programs and initiatives and to obtain the long-term commitments from all stakeholders necessary to sustain the cultural, historic and natural resources for visitors and residents OBJECTIVES To raise awareness about ways that visitor-related development can benefit Long Island North Shore Heritage Area and be sustainable To forge public and private partnerships, financing and investment opportunities for sustainable long-term economic stability and growth To identify a clear implementation strategy with creative tools to be developed and employed To develop measures to maintain and improve the quality of life within the Heritage Area and to benchmark results 37 Management Plan Introduction The tradition of life on the waters of Long Island Sound is the heritage of the people of the North Shore. The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area has been formed to preserve and revitalize this legacy. The management element of this Plan provides a system to guide preservation and revitalization. Implementation of the management approach for the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is a means of helping the region preserve its living communities, enhance the quality of life for its residents, encourage economic expansion and foster natural resource protection. In addition to the management approach, the Plan offers a strategy for preservation, revitalization, interpretation and circulation. The strategy, combined with the management approach and Implementation Plan, complete the Management Plan for the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. The purpose of the management approach is to provide a system and method to coordinate preservation, economic revitalization and sustainable heritage development in the Heritage Area. It is a standard for measuring the implementation of the Plan and a tool for the examination of proposed projects and programs within the region, as well as to determine their eligibility for incentives related to the Heritage Area. The Heritage Policies and Actions guide development and establishment of programs and activities related to the Heritage Area. They are also a tool for evaluation of projects and programs proposed for the Heritage Area. The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Planning Commission and the entity designated for the management of the Heritage Area; local and regional planning entities; local, county, state and federal agencies; private sector entities; individuals and others can use the Policies and Actions as a set of guidelines for forming conclusions and positions on the appropriateness and desirability of specific proposals. The Heritage Strategies provide context and recommendations for getting started with a clear direction based upon the foundation laid by the Goals and Objectives and Policies and Actions. Taken together, the Goals and Objectives, Policies and Actions and Strategies form the core for action of the management element of the Plan. The management element defines the Heritage Area and the aspirations for the future of the region. In the following sections of the Plan, the strategy for the realization of the future is described. An Implementation and Marketing Plan provide specific focus on recommendations, costs, partnerships and funding. 38 Heritage Policies and Actions The policies and actions are a central component of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. They serve as an implementation tool and provide direction and context for the attainment of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area mission of preservation, sustainable heritage development and economic revitalization. These three elements are the cornerstones of the policy framework. This section of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Management Plan articulates the broad goal for each of the three elements. Within each of the three elements, policies are set out for each of the five standards of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Management Plan: Protect Connect Package Promote Partner Each policy is followed by actions that should be taken to implement the policy at three levels: Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Management Entity — the entity or organization with the primary responsibility for implementing the Plan and managing the Heritage Area. Public and Non-Profit Sector — Counties, towns and villages partnering with such organizations as environment management councils, civic organizations, historic and cultural organizations, for example. Private Sector — Business and industry. The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Management Plan has been approved by the entities and agencies involved. Now the policies need to become the backbone for communities as they seek to further identify and refine their roles in Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. Preservation Policies Click here for a Preservation Policy Ilustration. Long Island North Shore Heritage Area celebrates the stories of the region’s people, past, present and future. These stories are woven into the tangible intrinsic resources of the Heritage Area. A set of policies for the preservation of the cultural, historic and natural resources of the area will ensure that the stories of the past are inventoried and preserved and that methods and guidelines for the identification and preservation of the stories of the people of the present and future are similarly preserved. The U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines should be incorporated into this preservation strategy for Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. The policies for preservation in Long Island North Shore Heritage Area are intended to 39 help foster public excitement and interest in the stories of the region’s people and to actively engage them in their interpretation, preservation and enjoyment. Within the context of the preservation goal, adaptive reuse strategies should be in place to identify new and appropriate uses for sites and structures. The policies for preservation incorporate access, attractions and recreation to help increase the number, value and understanding of the cultural, historic and natural resources related to the stories of the people of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. 40 Preservation Policy — Protect Develop and adopt guidelines for the identification and preservation of cultural, historic and natural resources of the Long Island North Shore Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Assist in dissemination, interpretation and implementation of preservation standards Develop historic themes incorporating significant periods, themes and areas and develop goals and priorities to guide the actions of local communities Coordinate local efforts among local, state and federal agencies Develop strategies for reuse of vacant and underutilized historic structures Public and Non-Profit Sector Local governments should seek Certified Local Government status to gain access to grants, technical assistance and training for preservation Engage volunteers and professionals to serve on boards and to identify, inventory and nominate significant resources and areas and to serve as stewards of the natural and built environment Identify areas that may be appropriate for higher density development, redevelopment and special mixed-use districts Use the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to mitigate negative impacts of proposed developments on the environment Local communities should engage in local planning so that each has an updated comprehensive, open space, conservation and preservation plan, and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, etc., as appropriate Protect high quality landscapes as defined by Long Island Sound Historic Centers of Maritime Activity and other significant properties Identify and evaluate techniques and processes for preserving and conserving historic structures and landscapes through strategies incorporating environmental preservation and management, sustainability, aesthetics, eco-tourism maximizing savings and highlighting benefits, as proposed by the North Shore Environmental Heritage Project of Stony Brook University’s Dr. Sheldon Reaven. Private Sector Use environmentally friendly systems and processes and conserve resources Act as good stewards of significant cultural, historic and natural resources Engage visitors in support of efforts to implement sustainable heritage development Seek opportunities for creative rehabilitation and adaptive re-use Seek opportunities for appropriate use of open space 41 Preservation Policy — Connect Develop a series of themes related to periods of historic, maritime and cultural significance, natural resources and development patterns assist in understanding of the resources to be preserved. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Work with local and regional experts to document the significant concepts, time periods, areas and events that form the contextual framework of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area as described by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards (www.cr.nps.gov) Assist in the creation and expansion of regional approaches to natural resource management and preservation Public and Non-Profit Sector Encourage local municipalities to use land-use controls to preserve individual and groups of historically and culturally significant resources Cooperate to establish and interpret historic themes at a regional level Incorporate preservation strategies within other local planning efforts Create historic districts and take appropriate steps to protect the historic resources therein Provide visual and, where possible, physical access to significant scenic resources related to the maritime heritage of the North Shore Private Sector Forge relationships with preservation groups and agencies so as to be familiar with their goals and incorporate and accommodate them whenever possible Explore creative low- and no-cost ways to provide tangible support to preservation activities: i.e. land swaps, incentives for volunteer activities, etc. Take advantage of technical assistance available early in development so as to assure new construction and rehabilitations are carried out consistent with local, regional and state preservation policies for buildings, natural and archaeological resources and districts Preserve the fabric of the historic landscapes and settled areas by removing inappropriate or discordant structures and materials and using appropriate siting, scale, form and materials in new construction Incorporate regional awareness in planning, investment and promotions 42 Preservation Policy — Package Develop education, recreation and interpretive “experiences” that will further understanding of the need for preservation and engage the public in the enjoyment of and participation in preservation. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Link existing programs and activities among the cultural, historic and natural resources of the Heritage Area Build partnerships with local providers to strengthen linkages between sites, either through materials — guidebooks, CD-based tours, etc. — or through signature and gateway developments designed to provide focus and context Incorporate way-finding elements and central interpretive areas in all aspects of “experience” development Public and Non-Profit Sector Form regional alliances to complete recreational land- and water-based trail-ways as an opportunity to interpret and celebrate the cultural, historic and natural resources of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. Enhance recreation opportunities by improving connections and access to public lands Develop outdoor recreation activities to raise awareness of the importance of water quality and preservation of natural resources and to increase their use and enjoyment to benefit the quality of life in the Heritage Area Encourage the establishment and interpretation of significant and important environmental areas Private Sector Employ sustainable and “green” business and building practices and inform suppliers and customers about these approaches to raise awareness and appreciation of resource conservation Accommodate outdoor recreation and cultural, historic and natural resource protection programs including those proposing visual and physical access Promote development of commercial activities directly related to the enjoyment of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area, including, for example, outdoor outfitters, kayak and boat liveries, cafes and shops in rehabilitated and renovated historic structures, etc. Employ sound land use and siting principles e.g. clustering buildings in inconspicuous locations and/or away from shorelines to maintain visual and physical access to the shorelines 43 Preservation Policy — Promote Inform residents and visitors about the importance of and need to preserve the cultural, historic and natural resources of the North Shore through educational, recreational and interpretive programs. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Develop programs and presentations regarding preservation of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area appropriate for dissemination in traditional educational contexts (schools), less traditional contexts (Internet, adult education and Elderhostel), higher education and to membership organizations and groups. Develop a presence for the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area within the Heritage Area to promote and support the activities related to education, preservation and interpretation Develop consistent messages affirming and reinforcing preservation, education and interpretation of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Promote exploration and enjoyment of the North Shore’s natural areas including the water and natural areas as themes for enjoyment and interpretation Assist maritime communities in their efforts to promote their resources and encourage greater coordination and cooperation among them Public and Non-Profit Sector Support and accommodate efforts to develop activities, programs and events that celebrate local traditions for enjoyment of residents and visitors Promote participation in educational and interpretive programs by local residents and “tourists in their own back yards” Participate in interpretive signage and way-finding programs Private Sector Tour packages incorporating educational and interpretive programming will appeal to target cultural and eco-tourism travelers Provide company histories and information about and access to landmark company buildings and properties Support activities, programs and events by underwriting and encouraging volunteerism Assist in efforts to preserve and enhance visual access to the shore from watersides and landsides 44 Preservation Policy — Partner Form strategic alliances between government, business and individuals to foster, support, monitor, implement and sustain preservation, conservation, rehabilitation and revitalization practices. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Work to ensure key communicators and potential boosters — including media, elected officials and community leaders — are informed about Long Island North Shore Heritage Area and its preservation activities Focus attention and action on endangered sites and structures Develop benchmarks to monitor progress on key action items and communicate activities Build a “communications infrastructure” to communicate successes and challenges and issue calls to action Public and Non-Profit Sector Communities should be encouraged to develop and implement strategies for preservation and/or acquisition of threatened and endangered resources Local municipalities and preservation organizations should work to identify state and national register-eligible buildings and nominate them to appropriate lists Encourage networking among preservation-minded organizations Cooperation should be fostered among agencies and groups to restore existing and create new coastal views as described by the Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program Private Sector Explore opportunities for cooperative ventures that will result in preservation and rehabilitation projects Lend leadership expertise to local and regional preservation agencies and public boards and commissions Actively participate in the distribution of information about preservation, rehabilitation and revitalization to employees, suppliers, customers and members of the public Work with public sector partners to preserve and enhance traditional maritime industrial commercial uses and employment opportunities 45 Sustainable Heritage Development Policies The North Shore of Long Island is and has been under persistent development pressure. Population and residential expansion, both of primary and secondary residences, commercial expansion and tourism growth have increased environmental degradation and threats to cultural, historic and natural resources. These threats have created or contributed to institutional competition and isolation as government and industry perceive they are in competition with one another over land-use issues, access, density and development privileges. The sustainable heritage development policies for Long Island North Shore Heritage Area are intended to increase communication, understanding, cooperation, activism and buy-in by stakeholders of all sorts, residents, visitors, government, business and others. The sustainable heritage development policies help develop a new attitude about human activity as it impacts the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. Through a sustainable heritage development approach, the Plan recognizes the desirable aspects of growth and seeks to enhance the quality of life in the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. Sustainable heritage development is “development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable heritage development means that there will be change but that change should maintain and even enhance the economic, environmental and social circumstances of an area. 46 Sustainable Heritage Development Policy — Protect Develop and implement programs and projects to demonstrate strategies and tactics that can be employed at all levels to interpret the need for and benefit of preservation programs. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Develop demonstration programs for priority projects to incite action and education about the need for preservation Identify projects that have already been done by regional or local organizations and use their success stories as examples Develop demonstration projects highlighting practical applications of sustainable heritage development and coordinate their application Assist in the Nature Conservancy’s efforts to promote and advocate for removal of invasive plant species Public and Non-Profit Sector Non-profit organizations and interest groups promoting historic, cultural and natural resource preservation should work to develop their own sets of priority projects and success stories Historic and archaeological inventories should be completed for each community throughout the Heritage Area in keeping with the standards developed by the Secretary of the Interior Encourage the reintroduction of native Long Island plant species and appropriate and accurate introduced species as an interpretation element at parks, public properties, natural area access points, and historic sites. Private Sector Serve as a preservation partner by investing in syndicated historic tax credits for historic preservation Rehabilitate and occupy historic structures rather than raze and replace Protect and restore habitats through sustainable land-use practices Protect and enhance working agriculture as a cultural identity and important economic activity through open space and farmland protection Encourage the use of Long Island propagated, native nursery stock in order to improve the sustainable heritage development of the region’s natural habitat and native species 47 Sustainable Heritage Development Policy — Connect Foster increased communication, understanding and collaboration throughout the Heritage Area to support local policies and actions consistent with the Plan while building a cohesive approach to sustainable heritage development throughout the Heritage Area. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Develop a clearinghouse of information on a variety of topics relevant to Long Island North Shore Heritage Area including case studies, examples of local regulations that support sustainable approaches to land use, etc. Develop databases and mapping of current and potential future land uses and land use regulations throughout the Heritage Area to encourage a coordinated regional approach to land use Public and Non-Profit Sector Take advantage of opportunities to exchange information and ideas with similar organizations across political boundaries Work to ensure consistency of land use regulations across political boundaries Increase understanding about the importance of the maritime contribution to community character in the Heritage Area by making working waterfronts visually accessible Increase understanding about the importance of the maritime contribution to community character in the Heritage Area by making working waterfronts visually accessible Collaborate to ensure that trails and open space systems are connected to encourage outdoor recreation and alternate means of transportation to assist in the alleviation of traffic congestion Private Sector Support the implementation of new land use standards and regulations that reinforce sustainable heritage development and preservation of structures, sites and natural areas Support and incorporate sound agriculture, aquaculture and forestry practices including integrated pest management (IPM) organic farming and other measures which reduce the impact of food production on natural resources 48 Sustainable Heritage Development Policy — Package Increase understanding and education about sustainable heritage development and its importance to the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area through the integration of interpretive and informative programs for visitors and residents. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Incorporate sustainable heritage development models such as those developed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and other national and international agencies in planning and implementing visitor policies and guidelines (http://www.world-tourism.org/) Employ educational and participatory measures to inform, engage and involve the public in all aspects of historic preservation planning in Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Participate as a partner in development of interpretive programs regarding restoration of the Long Island Sound ecosystem Public and Non-Profit Sector Develop recreation programs and activities for a variety of audiences that incorporate a variety of themes interpreting sustainable heritage development, such as the need to enhance water quality through watershed protection Develop programs to monitor environmental and resource preservation and enhancement showing the outcomes of these programs Private Sector Incorporate programs to increase sustainable heritage development and monitor quality and production in agriculture, aquaculture and forestry Take advantage of opportunities to communicate corporate sustainable heritage development policies and programs to customers 49 Sustainable Heritage Development Policy — Promote Encourage developments consistent with the sustainable heritage development ethic and discourage proposed projects that are incompatible with sustainable heritage development. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Take full advantage of Internet-based and new technologies to connect heritage and recreational opportunities Monitor pending permit applications and site plan reviews throughout the Heritage Area and encourage developments consistent with sustainable heritage development Take actions that will discourage developments that are inconsistent with sustainable heritage development and make constructive suggestions for ways they can become appropriate Work with public sector partners to find ways to promote responsible, sustainable economic revitalization projects Promote implementation of programs that will help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution Public and Non-Profit Sector Support efforts to streamline and facilitate permitting processes for projects consistent with the policy framework of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Restore landscapes through the reintroduction and maintenance of indigenous vegetation Adopt and implement environmentally friendly “green” building and zoning codes that encourage the efficient and sustainable use of the land Private Sector Incorporate voluntary practices that meet or exceed standards of sustainable heritage development and promote the benefits to business customers and consumers Provide training for “front-line” personnel and those employed in guest services Cross-promote local goods and services by buying locally produced goods and services 50 Sustainable Heritage Development Policy — Partner Identify roles and responsibilities of implementing a sustainable approach to development and management among local and regional, government, private, non-profit and business sectors. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Partner with public and private sectors on strategies to identify and mitigate threats related to transportation, physical infrastructure, land and water management and visual access and appearance Assist public and private sector players in understanding and undertaking their roles as partners in the implementation of plans such as Historic Maritime Community Plans, Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs, and Regional Coastal Management Programs Participate in efforts to maintain and improve Long Island Sound water quality by acting as an advocate on behalf of the Sound Participate in efforts to implement the policies set forth in the Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program, Long Island Sound Historic Centers of Maritime Activity and other pertinent programs and plans Public and Non-Profit Sector Communities can be encouraged to employ land use regulations, planning and economic incentives to drive sustainable approaches to development Local planning should incorporate sustainable heritage development and sound resource management The policies set forth in the Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program, Long Island Sound Historic Centers of Maritime Activity and other pertinent programs and plans should be implemented throughout the North Shore Private Sector Amenities to support increased economic and visitor activity adjacent to centers of activity will attract target audiences Target development to areas where it can be accommodated by existing infrastructure Cooperate fully to implement the policies set forth in the Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program, Long Island Sound Historic Centers of Maritime Activity and other pertinent programs and plans 51 Economic Revitalization Policies Click her for a map illustrating the Revitalization Concept. Economic expansion and the development of new entrepreneurial opportunities — including those related to tourism development and visitor services — must be accommodated within a strategy for preservation and sustainable heritage development. Creating opportunities for profit, investment and reinvestment, job development and growth is a cornerstone of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area strategy. Implementing preservation strategies takes passion and time but it also takes money. Investments in preservation and sustainable heritage development must make economic sense. They should provide for the creation and retention of quality jobs and developments and provide a return on investment. The economic revitalization policies for Long Island North Shore Heritage Area will result in projects and investments that are appropriate in scale and intensity. These policies are specific enough to guide local decisions but at the same time general enough so that they can be applied and interpreted throughout the Heritage Area consistently and suitably. Last, economic revitalization policies incorporate local capacity issues and focus on enhancement of community character and quality of life for residents. 52 Economic Revitalization Policy — Protect As a strategy to protect and rehabilitate significant sites and structures associated with the heritage of the North Shore make every effort to adaptively re-use existing structures and develop revitalization proposals for existing districts and neighborhoods Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Engage local, regional, state and federal agencies and organizations to develop incentive packages to expedite and facilitate rehabilitation and reuse for revitalization Maintain a clearinghouse of endangered properties and rehab opportunities Develop marketing materials and data to recruit investment and jobs related to heritage to enhance the quality of life for residents Public and Non-Profit Sector Communities can participate in downtown revitalization by implementing State policy directing government agencies to locate in downtowns Tools can be developed to help protect and guide the rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings and landscapes to assure a timely and successful outcome, including property acquisition strategies Communities should be encouraged to implement zoning and design guidelines to protect structures and districts Incentives for preservation and sensitive, accurate and appropriate adaptive reuse can be developed and implemented at the local level Communities can implement land-use regulations that focus on currently settled areas such as existing waterfront communities as described in the LIS Coastal Management Program rather than on open space and farmland Private Sector Tax credits and other benefits are associated with the historic rehabilitation of individually listed and district properties for redevelopment Develop marketable, feasible re-use strategies to save historic structures and promote sensitivity in their rehabilitation Use creative funding strategies such as Business Improvement Districts to finance downtown redevelopment Focus development and redevelopment efforts on currently settled areas such as existing waterfront communities as described in the Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program 53 Economic Revitalization Policy — Connect Promote regional collaboration in economic and community development throughout the North Shore. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Encourage a regional approach to economic revitalization embracing issues of housing availability and affordability and business attraction and development Assist in the identification of entrepreneurial opportunities related to enjoyment of the region’s cultural, historic and natural resources Convene forums to assist business development and reinforce sound business planning practices to help increase entrepreneurs’ chance of success Increase public understanding and enjoyment of the resources by working with local stakeholders to organize festivals and other events that highlight the heritage of the North Shore Public and Non-Profit Sector Develop incentives for entrepreneurs to encourage and support founding of new heritage-related businesses Increase awareness of goods and services that are locally produced through regional information networks and purchase goods and services from regional providers Encourage new maritime economic and recreational activity by strengthening linkages between Historic Centers of Maritime Activity and alternate transportation uses between them Strengthen inter-modal transportation within the Heritage Area and between the heritage Area and other points including Connecticut, Manhattan and the South Shore Private Sector Lend expertise and support to entrepreneurs, regard them as “competitors”, rather than competitors Increase sustainable heritage development of local businesses and decrease the volume of goods imported by purchasing goods and services produced within the region where possible Collaborate on strategies to conserve energy and explore alternative energy sources as described by the Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program 54 Economic Revitalization Policy — Package Develop mechanisms for increasing and improving the amount, quality and distribution capacity of information regarding Long Island North Shore Heritage Area so that visitors and residents can plan and extend their North Shore “Experiences”. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Cooperate with other entities to develop brand identifying mechanisms including logos and visual images for use in all Long Island North Shore Heritage Area materials and standards for use of the brand identifiers by businesses including visitor and entertainment venues but also extended to goods produced in the region Work with the travel and promotion industries to develop “Experience” packages relevant to identified themes and market segments. Maintain and enhance LINorthShoreHeritageArea.com, including possible online launching of an interactive inventory database Public and Non-Profit Sector Develop signage systems following interpretive program guidelines Collaborate to adopt consistent signage, printed materials, logos and other means of communicating a cohesive message Develop strategies for increasing visitorship from within the Heritage Area, increasing understanding, enjoyment and quality of life for residents Private Sector Participate in branding and experience marketing through use of common logos and labels Participate in regional partnerships to expand and improve heritage venues for visitors including historic sites and structures, museums, inns, shopping, etc. Develop and promote new guided and self-guided tours incorporating options for tours by air, water, coach, bike and on foot and including themes related to the heritage of the North Shore 55 Economic Revitalization Policy — Promote Develop mechanisms to increase understanding, excitement and satisfaction with the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Experience to generate repeat business and to reach the widest audience within and outside of the North Shore. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Develop devices to communicate the role of the local population in economic revitalization as it interacts with visitors and offers an informed and friendly countenance to increase visitor comfort and satisfaction Gather and maintain a database of personal stories and endorsements of satisfied visitors Develop benchmarking methods to gauge visitor comfort and satisfaction Public and Non-Profit Sector Maintain and enhance the quality and number of services available including visitors’ aid and comfort stations, information centers, etc. Enhance the quality and increase the number of heritage, cultural, and natural resource interpretive and recreation opportunities including preserves, museums, galleries, etc. and support the continued viability of existing entities Increase visitor satisfaction by offering no- and low-fee interpretive and recreation activities Private Sector Develop a welcoming attitude Anticipate unmet needs of visitors by developing services such as restaurants, shops, comfort stations, etc. available to the public and by making them accessible and operated during hours when they will be most useful Promote development of water-dependent and water-related entrepreneurial opportunities in waterfront/shoreline areas 56 Economic Revitalization Policy — Partner Develop alliances and collaborations to create and expand economic opportunity, job growth and increase the quality of life for all residents of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. Actions Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Develop a clearinghouse of economic revitalization incentives Assess the effectiveness of economic revitalization incentives and advocate for the regional adoption of the most effective programs Assist heritage-related non-profit organizations and small-businesses in identifying ways to develop critical skills including hospitality, visitor management, fundraising, promotion, grantsmanship, etc. Public and Non-Profit Sector Collaborate on a regional approach to identifying appropriate sites for necessary but less desirable land uses and industries Encourage traditional maritime industrial and commercial uses for economic revitalization and tourism as described by the Historic Centers of Maritime Activity Provide incentives for the expansion and retention of employment opportunities in growing industries such as health care, high tech and sports, entertainment and tourism Private Sector Expand the capacity of regional agriculture and aquaculture production and its economic sustainable heritage development by creating programs such as community-supported agriculture Work with educational institutions and trade organizations to develop maritime industry workforce to engage in traditional maritime activities such as boat building, marina management, charter rentals, marine biology, etc. Manage the harvest of marine resources so as to assure they are not depleted to sustain commercial fishing, shellfishing and other marine and fishing resources 57 Strategic Plan Introduction The Heritage Experience for the North Shore of Long Island is the “product” of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. The Management Approach defines this product, establishes the geographic boundaries of the product, the goals and objectives for the Heritage Experience as well as the policies and actions that guide the preservation, sustainable heritage development and economic revitalization in the Heritage Area. The strategic portion of the Plan is a means of defining the future of the product. That is, it is a system for first understanding and then preserving, revitalizing and interpreting the cultural, historic and natural resources of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. It is a way of looking at the Heritage Area as a whole, a spatial total rather than a linear series of events. It is a program for understanding the dynamic history of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area from its geology and formation to its present and on into the future. A strategic approach defines the future of the Heritage Experience and the concepts for the Heritage Experience. The strategy is a coordinated program to identify “centerpiece” elements of the Heritage Experience, to build the concepts around them and to provide linkages and way-finding among them. Centerpiece elements are focused on areas of higher heritage “density” — that is, areas with greater numbers of heritage resources. The neighborhoods areas define Long Island North Shore Heritage Area and form the basis for the strategic concept. 58 LINSHA Concept Plan The LINSHA Concept Plan is a pattern overlying the Heritage Area. It provides a framework for four related concepts: Preservation Revitalization Interpretation Recreation The LINSHA Concept defines the framework for building the heritage infrastructure for Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. The fundamental elements of the strategy are Corridors Gateways Anchors Destinations The elements were defined through an analysis of the density of intrinsic resources in the Heritage Area combined with a spatial approach incorporating issues such as accessibility. The elements of the strategy overlay the geography of the Heritage Area organizing it into a system. 59 Preservation Concept The Preservation Concept for Long Island North Shore Heritage Area includes the conservation of the region’s cultural, historic and natural resources. It includes the structures, sites, traditions, waterways and natural areas in the Heritage Area. The preservation concept focuses on the physical areas of: Long Island Sound estuary and its bays, harbors and tributaries Coastline, Beach Views & Water Access Environmentally Sensitive Areas Landmarks, Estates & Historic Sites Sites for Protection & Acquisition Sites for preservation include sites for protection and public acquisition as specified by the comprehensive, open space and waterfront revitalization plans of the communities on the North Shore. General and specific sites recommended for acquisition and preservation by regional planning efforts are also included: Long Island Sound Historic Centers of Maritime Activity Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program Pine Barrens Society Endangered Sites New York State Open Space Plan (recommendations incorporated into the New York State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan — SCORP) Sites for acquisition and preservation also include sites that have been specified by members of the public during the public input process for this Management Plan as well as members of the Management Plan Committee and Planning Commission. Progress has been made in acquisition and preservation in several cases. 60 Coastline, Beach Views & Water Access BEACH PORTAL CONCEPT — Photo simulation shows how physical and visual access can be incorporated with interpretation for a beach portal. The Long Island Sound is the unifying characteristic of the North Shore of Long Island and the rationale for the establishment of the Heritage Area. Restoration of existing and creation of physical and visual access to the water and the protection of significant landscapes are priorities specifically addressed by the Long Island Sound Historic Centers of Maritime Activity and Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program. Scenic views and beach access points from the inventory of intrinsic and scenic resources are included. As a matter of policy, the entire coastline of the Heritage Area is included. Environmentally Sensitive Areas Environmentally sensitive areas for preservation and restoration include: The Pine Barrens, specifically the Core Preservation Area Nature Preserves Wildlife habitat including piping plover habitat New York State Department of Environmental Conservation designated wetlands Improvement of access of these areas can increase understanding of the importance of their preservation. 61 Wetland Boardwalk Concept – Photo simulation suggests one way to increase understanding of environmentally sensitive areas through access and interpretation. Landmarks, Estates & Historic Sites Sagamore Hill, the home of Theodore Roosevelt, is the only National Historic Site within Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. The National Park Service manages it. The Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site is the only state-designated place. However, there are numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places as well as those listed on local registers. Gold Coast mansions are also identified as opportunities for preservation and public access. Some of these mansions are already preserved and open to the public as museums, such as the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and the Nassau County Holocaust Museum at Welwyn Preserve. Other mansions are a central element in a park, such as Coe Hall at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park and Caumsett State Historic Park. Still others are accessible visually, but have limited or no public access, such as a magnificent Webb Institute of Naval Architecture and the Merchant Marine Academy. Continued identification of important sites, including structures and natural areas such as Hallockville Museum Farm and the new Jamesport State Park, and their preservation, restoration and access is important to the preservation of the character of the North Shore. 62 Revitalization Concept The revitalization concept for Long Island North Shore Heritage Area focuses on two distinct district types: Built environment, including downtowns, commercial centers and streetscapes and Natural environment, including trails, overlooks and parks A third focus of the Revitalization Concept is a redevelopment opportunity in the Calverton/Riverhead area. This destination has the potential to be a focus for all of Long Island. The Built Environment The revitalization approach for the built environment throughout the North Shore includes policy approaches outlined in the Policies and Actions that support implementation of land use, zoning and design standards to protect structures and districts and to guide new construction. Downtowns Re-use strategies for historic downtown buildings, including new and expanded mixed-use districts combining commercial and residential uses, creative leasing strategies and downtown business funding strategies reinforce the revitalization of the North Shore’s historic downtowns. Downtown strategies also include exploiting opportunities to interpret and celebrate the cultural and historic traditions of the North Shore through festivals and in historical society museums and public libraries located in downtowns throughout the region. Additional revitalization opportunities can be realized for entrepreneurs as they anticipate the needs of the public visiting these interpretive centers. These include shops, restaurants and comfort. Commercial Centers and Streetscapes Throughout the North Shore, linear commercial centers and inappropriate traffic corridors are unattractive and congested. These can be addressed through streetscape treatments and designs that calm the traffic and restore the appearance of the historic streetscapes. To decrease inter-center traffic, commercial centers can be connected through their parking lots and interior access corridors can be provided. Appropriate screening with vegetation can increase the attractiveness of the streetscapes. As these centers age and are redeveloped, strategies to make their appearance more consistent and appropriate with the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Experience should be employed. In some areas, these linear commercial centers function as the central business district for their local populations. As they are redeveloped, these 63 centers’ functions can better reflect their standing in the community and adopt uses more consistent with the needs of their communities. PROTECTION & CONNECTION CONCEPT —This photo simulation shows a way jurisdictions and private sector can work together to link open space, economic and recreation opportunities. Natural Environment Throughout the North Shore Heritage Area there are opportunities to restore and revitalize public access points for physical and visual access to the Long Island Sound, inland waterways, trail systems and the region’s parks. These can include some public amenities to minimize human impact on the areas, habitat restoration, wetland preservation and restoration, dark sky programs, native vegetation and tree plantings along roadways, burial of overhead utility lines, etc. Linking open space systems across jurisdiction boundaries creates opportunities for safe, attractive trail systems, guides appropriate uses and can provide economic opportunities, creating open space magnets for residents and visitors. 64 Destination Long Island North Shore “Destination Long Island North Shore” would be strategically located between the north and south forks of the eastern end of Long Island. The destination should be located in the Riverhead/Calverton area. It provides access and interpretation for visitors and serves as a way of managing visitor flow and volume. Long Island’s North Shore is the birthplace of the fight against the pesticide DDT, the Environmental Defense Fund and of the Pine Barrens. The Pine Barrens, a giant aquifer protection and open space reclamation project is adjacent to the former Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant at Calverton, now an Empire Zone and site of proposed developments including a theme park. This is a strategic location that can one day serve as a focus for the future of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area as well as of the heritage of the entirety of Long Island. There is potential to preserve, revitalize and provide economic revitalization opportunities in this area. Destination Long Island North Shore should reflect the continuity of the history of Long Island as a human settlement, as well as of its efforts to reclaim and restore itself despite burgeoning population. One element of Destination Long Island North Shore could be a “green” New Town. International competitions could be held to design the most cutting-edge state-of-the-art environmentally friendly all-inclusive community meeting all the needs of its residents. 65 Interpretation Concept The interpretation concept is based upon the comprehension of the entire North Shore Heritage area as a giant living museum, encompassing the vast diversity of the stories of the people of the region. The museum incorporates five rooms or neighborhoods that characterize and celebrate the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area: Gold Coast, American Dream, Maritime Coast, Pine Barrens and Harvest Coast. But the stories of the people also cut across the neighborhood areas of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. These are the themes that tell the tale of how the people defined and were defined by the landscape. These stories are points and clusters within the neighborhoods. They are depicted by their names, “The Seafarers,” “The Builders,” “The Visionaries,” and “The Naturalists.” These are conceptual representations that highlight certain museums and interpretive facilities. The LINSHA inventory is a large catalog of museums and historic houses open to the public. (See www.linsha.org) The themes provide the point-to-point experience of interpretation. A themed tour of, for example, the Visionaries, would provide a guided route map showing destinations for the Poets and Patriots theme of the Visionaries. It could include, for instance, a visit to the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, where an interpretive center and guided tours are available; and it could also include a stop at an overlook on Long Island Sound where pirates plied the waters hundreds of years ago. 66 Anchors Each of the Neighborhoods has a corresponding anchor that serves as a centerpiece to the Interpretation concept. The anchors are museums, interpretive centers and educational centers. They are located within or are associated with existing facilities. Their character is defined by the neighborhood in which each is located; they also serve as heritage program points for the entire Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. Concept locations for the five anchors are: Gold Coast — Glen Cove-Oyster Bay area American Dream — Huntington Center in or near Walt Whitman Mall and Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site Maritime Coast — Port Jefferson waterfront Pine Barrens — Within the Pine Barrens area in Brookhaven Harvest Coast — Mattituck area 67 Heritage Identification Systems The interpretation concept for Long Island North Shore Heritage Area includes a system of identifiers or symbols for the themes and the neighborhoods. The purpose of these elements is to provide a consistent and cohesive “message” incorporating interpretation and way-inding in a variety of flexible settings and environments. The Heritage Identification Systems become inherent to the landscape. They should be placed in such a way that they are integrated attractively into the landscape and are accessible visually and physically. Any signage or wayfinding program should be consistent with the guidelines established by the New York State Coastal Resources Interpretive Program (NYSCRIP). A Neighborhood Identifier and Trail Marker can be applied throughout the Heritage Area in appropriate areas and at appropriate scales. They provide a clean, easily recognizable and suitable way to unify the Heritage Area and present its neighborhoods and themes. Heritage Neighborhood Identifier Concept Shape and graphic can be combined to make a legible wayfinding and informational opportunity for travelers. Unifying elements illustrated in this concept include typeface, color and materials provide a consistent and recognizable message to viewers. A familiar shape, for example a sail, could identify the Maritime Coast neighborhood. Heritage Interpretive Kiosk Concept A computerized kiosk is appropriate in a variety of settings and for a variety of purposes. It can be an interactive trip-planning device; at the same time, it can provide interpretive information through animation. A simple, clean design and “simply click to begin” operation shown in this concept make this element accessible and enjoyable. Kiosks could also be places to download GPS points and directions into handheld devices. Heritage Interpretive Stations The heritage identification systems provide a recognizable and enjoyable way to provide directions and information. They should excite interest in the neighborhoods and themes and delight visitors with the joy of discovery. These way-finding mechanisms link together the many interpretive stations throughout the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. These stations provide the focus for interpretation, they draw the visitor in and enrich and inform the Heritage Experience. The interpretive station offers a bold and compelling image. Without being gaudy, it demands attention and is enjoyed on several levels: It provides interesting information and at the same time, its design is appropriate to the environment and a pleasing visual experience. 68 INTERPRETIVE AREA CONCEPT A concept for a trailhead redevelopment shows how a bold and attractive interpretive area can draw visitors in. Celebrating Neighborhood Character The five distinct neighborhoods that define and celebrate the character of the Heritage Area run with its geography. They were defined through a visual and land use analysis to determine areas of similar character. They are: Gold Coast, Maritime Coast, Harvest Coast, Pine Barrens and American Dream. Architectural trends characteristics of each neighborhood are derived from the following: The Gold Coast — Robber barons and philanthropists, enchantresses and outcasts alike escaped summer in the city and sought refuge from the heat in their palatial Long Island country homes. The Gold Coast is the western-most character area in Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. The Maritime Coast — The history of the North Shore was established here in the safe harbors and deep-water ports of the North Shore. The Maritime Coast is located in the center of the Long Island North Shore. The American Dream — Post-War affluence, highways, parkways and the Long Island Rail Road all played a part in making city working and country living available to more than the wealthiest Americans. The American Dream is located in the western interior of Long Island’s North Shore Heritage Area, near rail and road corridors. The Pine Barrens — A vast and fragile ecosystem of its own, the largest fresh water aquifer on Long Island was formed here by the retreat of the final glacial ice tide. The Pine Barrens are located in the eastern interior of Long Island’s North Shore. The Harvest Coast — Some of the most agriculturally productive land in New York State contributes to a diverse agricultural output. The Harvest Coast is located on the North Fork of Long Island. 69 The Themes The people who have left their imprint on it define Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. The stories of the people of the North Shore of Long Island sing the song of the past, the present and the future. Collectively, from Native Americans through the European settlers they identify the themes that are present throughout the conceptual museum and its virtual galleries. We may never know their names — though many are known to us — but we know them by their life’s work. The themes defined by the stories of the people cut across the places of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. These themes tell the tale of how the people defined and were defined by the landscape. These stories are points and clusters within the exhibit halls of the conceptual museum. The Seafarers The earliest seafarers were Native Americans. The Eurpoean Whalers and Sailors who landed here built an economy with what they found. The Whalers and Sailors resource clusters and points are located along the North Shore as well as the Great Peconic Bay. These citizens arrived by land and sea. They lived by the water and learned to harvest its goods and later to transport those goods to feed the fledgling United States and later, the world. On the east, they were Yankees crossing the Sound from Connecticut and Massachusetts. On the west, Dutch and French expatriates arrived by land and settled in communities like Glen Cove and Port Washington. Lifestyles and outlooks still differ between east and west. The Builders The Builders were the Preachers and Patriarchs who settled this place. Their points and clusters are prominent in denser populated areas of the western North Shore, with a significant resource area in the center. The first builders were the Indians whose long houses were the hubs of their communities. They were displaced, and their settlement across the North Shore was all but forgotten until recent efforts to reconstruct their heritage. As the Europeans moved in they dotted the landscape with a new kind of community hub: white clapboard churches. The Naturalists The Naturalists are the Birders and Beachcombers who blazed the trail to access, conservation and sustainable heritage development. They include the Native Americans who believed the earth belongs not to just one, but to all. Resource points and clusters for the Naturalists are located throughout Long Island North Shore Heritage Area with a large concentration at Brookhaven in the Pine Barrens. Throughout the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area are peaceful walking and biking 70 trails, undisturbed coastline and preserves for nesting birds and turtles. As the impacts of human settlement have been felt and understood, the quest to restore health to the ecosystem, to protect open space and fragile areas and to provide for greater enjoyment of these areas has gained momentum. The Visionaries The Visionaries are Poets and Patriots including courageous members of the Spy Ring and other men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation and the poets who urged them on and sang their praises. Resource points and clusters for the Visionaries are prominent in the western end of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. Small clusters are located in the extreme east at Southold and Greenport. The patriots used Long Island Sound to the full benefit, surreptitiously slipping over to Connecticut to transmit their secrets. The protected bays and inlets provided cover on their dangerous mission. The poets sang their patriot counterparts on. They sang of freedom and beauty. 71 Recreation Concept The Recreation Concept incorporates access and circulation highlighted by existing and enhanced parks and recreation areas. A system of corridors is complemented by gateways correlating to the neighborhoods and serving as primary access points. Click here for a map illustrating the Recreation Concept. SCENIC ROUTE CONCEPT — In this concept, traffic calming and improvement for the scenic route include attractive and eye-catching elements, including the interpretive marker. Access for recreation includes two east-west corridors. They are: Scenic Route — The Scenic Route is the heritage spine. It connects the points of highest heritage density following the path of highest scenic value. Waterfront Trail — The waterfront trail is a system for visual and physical access to the water of Long Island Sound and the Peconic Bay. It is a universal waterfront trail for walkers, hikers, boaters and bicyclists. The waterfront trail follows the water perimeter of the Heritage Area as much as possible 72 BYWAY PULLOVER CONCEPT — In this concept, a sandy curve is transformed into a passive scenic spot with signs and plaques, a boardwalk, distinctive interpretive sign and erosion control techniques. Neighborhood Gateways Gateways are the “jumping off” points for access, understanding and enjoying the cultural, historic and natural resources of the North Shore Heritage Area. These are opportunities for public/private partnerships or even private provision of a series of public services. Gateway facilities are defined by their locations, and can include any or all of the following: Interactive computer kiosk Playground Food Fuel Arts & Crafts/Gallery Local good & produce Outdoor market Local information, including sites of interest, economic revitalization opportunities and municipal incentives. 73 The Gateways are associated with the neighborhoods in which they are located. However, they are representative of all of the neighborhoods and of the Heritage Area as a whole. As elements of a strategy that includes preservation as its main activity, it is not envisioned that the Gateways would be new developments but instead expanded uses and attraction for existing facilities and programs, lending to the revitalization and reuse of buildings. The five Gateway Locations are: Gold Coast — On the Nassau-Queens border on Route 25A at University Gardens in North Hempstead American Dream — LIE Exit 49 on State Route 110 in Melville, Town of Huntington Maritime Coast — LIE Exit 56 on State Route 111, Wheelers Road in Happaugue, Town of Smithtown Pine Barrens — LIE Exit 68, County Route 46, William Floyd Parkway, Yaphank, Town of Brookhaven Harvest Coast — LIE Exit 73, Old County Road, Calverton, Town of Riverhead In addition, the three coast neighborhoods have water gateways. They are: Gold Coast — Glen Cove Maritime Coast — Port Jefferson Harvest Coast — Orient Point These water gateways facilitate movement into and out of the Heritage Area as well as within it via ferry and multi modal systems. In addition, the water gateways anticipate the potential for establishment of blueways. The Recreation Concept incorporates areas including: State parks County parks Arboreta Beach access Boat launches Trailheads and greenbelts Golf courses 74 Strategic Summary The strategic element of the Management Plan for the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is a dynamic tactic for advancing the region into the future. It shows how preservation, revitalization and interpretation can be implemented on the landscape of the Heritage Area. In addition to the strategy, the Plan offers a management approach for preservation, sustainable heritage development and economic revitalization. These, combined with the Implementation and Marketing Plan, complete the Management Plan for the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. The purpose of the strategy is to identify the thematic and character aspects of the Heritage Area and show how they can be developed to celebrate the diversity of the North Shore while at the same time providing a series of unifying elements. These opportunities were identified through an inventory of the intrinsic resources of the region and the affirmation and solidification of the boundary. The strategy is built on the foundations of the past and analysis of the present. It incorporates the goals and objectives and policies and actions into the physical landscape, defining and celebrating the region. It is a method of packaging the region as a whole and includes a four-pronged approach of preservation, revitalization, interpretation and circulation. The preservation concept for the region focuses on the development of preservation as the overall theme of the Heritage Area and a program for the preservation of its cultural, historic and natural resources. It incorporates sites for protection and acquisition. The revitalization concept for the Heritage Area focuses on the built and the natural environments. In addition, the revitalization concept proposes a focal point for Long Island North Shore Heritage Area as well as potentially for all of Long Island. The interpretation concept for the Heritage Area directly incorporates the stories of the people of the North Shore. It encompasses a spatial approach through the five neighborhood areas and a point-to-point approach through the four themes of Seafarers, Builders, Visionaries and Naturalists. Heritage neighborhood identifiers, trail markers and interpretive stations provide information and interpretation and assist in way-finding. The circulation concept incorporates a system of complementary gateways and corridors. It provides a means of access and interpretation. The circulation concept is a system for facilitating movement throughout as well as within the region. The strategic element of the Plan defines a holistic approach to attaining the future of the region. The aspiration and groundwork for the future were set in the Management element. The Implementation and Marketing Plan provides specific focus on recommendations, costs, partnerships and funding. 75 Implementation Plan Implementation has the following components: Heritage Strategies These are the implementation tactics incorporating the Policies and Actions of the Management Approach and addressing each of the four areas of the Strategic Approach. Marketing Plan This section builds upon the economic benefit of the Heritage Area and the target market for Heritage Area outreach. The marketing program should increase awareness and understanding and target residents and visitor groups most likely to enjoy the activities and amenities the region offers and to recommend them to others. The marketing program incorporates the interpretive concepts for the LINSHA. Funding Sources The matrix of funding sources can be used by heritage destinations, organizations and government. It includes traditional public sources and private sources. Also included are some sources of technical assistance and capacity building for non-profits and communities to help them realize their goals, cope with change and preserve their communities. Conscience Bay, Old Field Planning Next Steps These actions need to be taken by the communities in the North Shore in the near-term. They are strategies for bringing the communities to a common “starting point” in preservation, revitalization, interpretation and circulation. Individual communities can implement next steps; many of these actions can also be implemented multijurisdictionally by cooperating communities and on a regional basis. 76 Action Estimated Cost District Redevelopment Feasibility Studies $200,000 including environmental, archaeological and economic analyses IF REQUIRED Website Development $50,000 for redevelopment IF NECESSARY, $10,000 annual maintenance and updating Develop signage standards including materials, colors, etc. Nominate scenic and historic byways for state or federal nomination Corridor planning costs will vary Develop designs for informational plaques, kiosks, etc. Streetscape Improvements $100,000-$200,000 per 300 linear feet from planning through construction Summary Through strategies, demonstration of economic benefit, establishment of target market and marketing plan, this Implementation Program provides a clear direction for the future. The strategies anticipate the needs for implementation of the Heritage Area goal and objectives and policies and actions. The recommendations of the marketing show how and where residents and visitors can be reached with the message of the rich diversity of cultural, historic and natural resources on the North Shore of Long Island. The funding sources and Next Steps provide the “how” to the “what and who” of the recommendations. They also establish a place for communities and organizations to start, providing them with a handbook of sorts. Implementation of the plan can take place at the macro level, region-wide. But it is just as important that at the local or micro level there is direction and focus. 77 National Heritage Area Feasibility On January 9, 2009, The Congressional Research Service published “Heritage Areas: Backgrounds, Proposals and Current Issues.” “Over more than two decades, Congress has designated 40 National Heritage Areas (NHAs) to recognize and assist efforts to protect, commemorate, and promote natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources that form distinctive landscapes. Congress has established heritage areas for lands that are regarded as distinctive because of their resources, their environment, and the culture and history associated with these areas and their residents. A principal distinction of these areas is an emphasis on the interaction of people and their environment. Heritage areas seek to tell the story of the people, over time, where the landscape helped shape the traditions of the residents. In a majority of cases, NHAs now have, or have had, a fundamental economic activity as their foundation, such as agriculture, water transportation, or industrial development. Congress also has enacted measures authorizing the study of areas to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a heritage area.” The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area is ideally suited to be a National Heritage Area as described by the Congressional Research Service. Additionally, the benefits of heritage areas are considerable. Congress assistance for creating and sustaining a Long Island Heritage Areas will demonstrate commitment to the importance of protection of historic, cultural and natural resources, especially in this large and diverse region. Long Island is a region with significant “sense of place.” A National Heritage Area would unite our diverse population to increase pride in traditions and the environment. By fostering a spirit of cooperation and unity, and by promoting a stewardship ethic among the general public, a Long Island North Shore National Heritage Area can encourage cultural tourism, community revitalization, and regional economic development. LINSHA already has a New York State Approved Heritage Area Management Plan that reveals our rich collection of resources. Within the strategic framework of the National Heritage Area system, collaborative partnerships and leveraged investments may build on the Plan and be the key to Long Island’s continued economic and cultural success. Designation of the Long Island North Shore Area as a National Heritage Area will preserve the best features of life on Long Island. By raising the profile of our region to national stature, Long Islanders are encouraged to support preservation, promote tourism and create jobs. National Heritage Area status is a goal deserving our passion and commitment. It is a goal that will make a difference for the region of nearly two million people, as well as for residents and visitors many years in the future. 78
