Over 250 Gordon Heights residents gathered together on March 4th to kick-off a visioning process for Gordon Heights with surveys, design tables and a review of community hopes and horrors.

Visioning coordinator Tawaun Whitty was quoted in the March 2nd Long Island Advance "Now it's our turn for progress. It's time for our community's appearance to match its rich history."

A primary message from residents was that they want to positively infuse the existing development with a clear sense of place, rather than tear their community apart in the name of ecomonic development. They want effective lighting, safer streets, better public transportation and access to commercial districts, affordable housing for single mothers, and a multi-use community center

Major concerns revolve around putting energy into a vision that may never be realized. Residents fear not being able to fund or get developer buy-in on their vision. The Town, however, appears committed to making sure that Gordon Heights gets the funding and attention it desires.

Councilwoman Connie Kepert has worked to negotiate substantial economic benefits package through the proposed Caithness Power Plant. Another thing making this particular effort unique is that the Town of Brookhaven has gone beyond the standard inclusion of planning department members to also involve representatives from the parks, housing, economic and community development departments.

This process has just begun. Check back for news and information on upcoming events.