Long Island Community Planning Fellow Placement Opportunity

Over the past 15 years, the Recreation Department has devoted time and finances (through fund raising, grants, and CIPs) to physical improvements of the Community Center; installing a septic system and new doors, and upgrading the pottery studio, outside lighting, bathrooms, and roof to make the Community Center more accessible for the Long Island Community.  The building, however, still has several issues: the need for continued electrical upgrades and proper lighting; the lack of an appropriate kitchen; poor office space, an inefficient heating system, and a lack of comfortable spaces for youth and senior groups.  Final renovations are needed to make the Community Center a complete, functioning, safe, and efficient building.  The goals for our building are clear; but the Long Island Recreation Department lacks an individual with the skills to facilitate the necessary projects.

After the Fellow has become familiar with the Community Center, they will research funding sources to finance renovation projects.  The Recreation Facilities Director has currently applied for capital improvement funds from the town for the 08-09 fiscal year.  If approved at town meeting in May, these funds will contribute toward architectural services needed for the Community Center.

If the CIP funds are approved, the Fellow will assist the Community Center Comprehensive Planning Sub-Committee (a sub-committee of the Recreation Committee created to oversee Community Center needs) and the Facilities Director to hire an architect, organize the bidding process, and research supplemental funding options. In the case that the CIP funds are not approved, the Fellow will continue to supplement existing funds with grant research and fundraising efforts.

In addition, the Fellow will have the opportunity to be involved in several projects including, grant workshops for other island organizations (including the Recreation Department), building a strong Rec. Department fundraising committee, and developing volunteer opportunities in our programming division.

The Fellow will also continue to work with the Long Island Year-Round Housing Corporation on island affordable housing. This may include researching land trust and easement policies, working with volunteers to create selection criteria and land lease models, and researching funding opportunities for the sustainability of the projects.

As time allows, the Fellow may also be involved in historical preservation, helping to obtain software and hardware for archival projects and training volunteers in computer technology.