Is there hope for revitalization on Long Island?

Long Island has occasionally created some chapter in history that has paved the way for others to copy. The building of Levittown following the end of World War II was an example of the Island showing how to conduct a post-war recovery.

The creation of the Long Island parkway system made the growth of its two counties possible and set an example for others. Without the vision of Robert Moses, there wouldn’t be a Northern or Southern State Parkway and, love it or hate it, how would we function without a Long Island Expressway?

Next month will mark the 30th year since the death of Robert Moses, whom the world recognized as the true “master builder.” Almost anywhere you travel in the bi-county area, you are bound to find some public improvement that was the creation of Mr. Moses.

But on Long Island, as in most parts of New York state, there is no longer a possibility that any master builder will emerge to save the sluggish economy. Unemployment is at an all-time high in the construction industry, and there are no massive public-works projects under consideration.

If some builder announces that he wants to construct work-force housing to attract young families, his project will be shot down at a public hearing by an angry crowd that is happy with the status quo. There is no better example of mindless opposition than the recent hearings in Huntington Town over a residential proposal in South Huntington.

Anyone who has ever been to South Huntington will tell you that it is a logical candidate for some type of revitalization. The first proposal for new construction was shot down because of its size. When the developer AvalonBay proposed a sharply smaller size that would conform to zoning laws, there was a continuing cry of opposition.

At present, plans are being formulated to hold a referendum on the construction of a new arena to replace the Coliseum, the ancient home of the Islanders hockey team. Everyone who has ever set foot inside that building will tell you it is a dumpy and unattractive facility that is no credit to Long Island.