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Health & Fitness

Rekindle Part Deux and Response to a Great Comment

A response to a comment on the article about revitalizing the old Pergament space.

I received a great comment on my first  from Ken Garvin, the project architect for the Chase bank building just across the street from the Pergament site.  You can see my original article and his full comment there.

Since my reply exceeded the allotted comment length, I’m posting it as an open reply to explain the vision some more. Here we go:

First, thanks for your reply! It was certainly unexpected but very welcome.

In developing Rekindle, I looked to establish a concept that would make the most efficient use of the property to sustain both today’s needs (namely, residential) and provide for tomorrow’s growth. 

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This is why I don’t see the full community benefit of building just a "Community Cultural Center" and/or a small residential function as I believe the total utilization and opportunity of the site would not be achieved. However, I agree with you that a community center component to the greater project would definitely be a great idea and enhance the site.

I also wanted to create a building that, although boasting the prominence and scale of a "Main Street" structure would likewise create a balance with the surrounding residential community in two ways: 

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1. Building up as opposed to out, therefore making efficient use of the vertical space while avoiding sprawl, but conversely creating more green and plaza space at the ground level for community use and enjoyment.

2. Utilizing an open, pedestrian-friendly, scaled-down base which would at street level complement the vertical part. As you can see the brickwork, wide sidewalks, green landscape and amenities at the retail base reflect the "Main Street feel" of classic Long Island downtowns.

Per the scale of the building, I’m not an idiot. Having been active in the community, I know that the complete version of Rekindle would probably not be welcomed with open arms by any civic association and community group within a good mile at least; or even the six story scaled down version which I specifically created to present a low-rise alternative.

Regardless, I know why. A lot of opposition comes from the NIMBY mentality that’s been hurting Long Island and our future more than it’s been preserving an outdated paradigm. I feel that many of our most endangered yet most valuable species on Long Island -- young residents and entrepreneurs (and most other people too) -- would agree that the future lies, if anything, in creating a balance between the 50s suburbs of Long Island and the 21st century prospects of the countless downtown/city areas within it.

This is why I designed Rekindle, to show that a balance is possible. I would hope that if my Rekindle vision ever becomes a serious proposal those opposing groups and citizens would at least be open to the idea of true and positive change and acknowledge the merits and benefits of revitalizing in such a way commercial strips and downtown areas such as those along Jericho Turnpike.

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