Hello SBRA Members,

We got some great news regarding the Long Island Greenway but some support is needed ASAP.
See below for the letter from Danny Gold, Project Manager for the Long Island Greenway.

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Dear LI Residents,

Click here to view the Newsday article announcing that Suffolk County, in partnership with Trust for Public Land, has been awarded a substantial Federal grant of $16.4 million to build the first section of the Long Island Greenway. This 12-mile segment, connecting Bethpage State Park to Brentwood State Park, will serve as a demonstration project, bringing us a significant step closer to realizing our vision for the entire greenway. Suffolk County is supplying the required $4M matching funds to the project bringing the construction funding total to $20.4M

However, we’re concerned that naysayers will call and email the Huntington Supervisor with their complaints, and we need to counter this with positive responses

Please email: Supervisor Ed Smyth (esmyth@huntingtonny.gov) and Deputy Supervisor John McCarron (JMcCarron@huntingtonny.gov) emphasizing the benefits of the trail and, in your own words. Please bcc me on your note to Huntington so we can know how many people reached out.

Include points such as:

• I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the Long Island Greenway project in Huntington. This initiative is a fantastic idea and will bring numerous benefits to our community.
• Economic Enhancement: The trail will drive economic benefits for our town by attracting visitors and increasing the use of local businesses.
• Transportation Corridor: It will create a vital transportation link connecting residential areas with downtowns, parks, trails, bus stops, and LIRR stations. This will help reduce car traffic and improve accessibility.
• Walkable Communities: The Greenway will promote walkable communities, offering free and accessible transportation options for those without cars.
• Health and Safety: It will provide a safe and trusted space for walking and bicycling, encouraging active and healthy lifestyles. This is especially important as Suffolk County has the highest pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in the state.

By mainly using the off-road utility corridor, the Greenway will significantly enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety. I strongly urge you to support this transformative project and help make the Long Island Greenway a reality.
We particularly need Huntington residents to email the Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor so please encourage people you know within the Town to support our email campaign.

And, thank you, as always, for your unwavering support.

Danny Gold
Project Manager, Long Island Greenway
Trust for Public Land
632 Broadway, Suite 902
New York, NY 10012
danny.gold@tpl.org
914-610-0138