Mineola Mayor Jack M. Martins received accolades while participating recently in a regional planning seminar during which he presented a case study of Mineola's efforts to redevelop and revitalize its downtown area.

During the two day "Mayors' Institute on Community Design" conference hosted by the Regional Planning Association (RPA), held on the Adelphi University campus, seven mayors from communities across Long Island presented individual case studies of challenges facing their communities. After each presentation the participants, including the other mayors present as well as professional design and planning experts, would break down into working sessions. During these sessions, each village's plan was critically analyzed, suggestions for improvements were offered, and positive concepts were highlighted.

Many of the participants congratulated Mineola for its progressive approach to revitalizing its downtown and for its commitment to successfully completing its Comprehensive Master Plan. It was noted that very few villages on Long Island have an up-to-date master plan in place.

"The conference was a great way to receive input from planning experts and from representatives of other communities," stated Mayor Martins. "It's great to be recognized as a forward-thinking community that is taking control of its future."

Mayor Martins noted that concepts we often hear and read about such as "smart growth," "workforce housing," and combating urban "sprawl" which other communities are struggling to implement have already been incorporated into Mineola's Master Plan.

"It is clear that Mineola is not only looking to protect and enhance our own future, but we are now becoming a model for responsible suburban planning for other communities," Mayor Martins added.

The Regional Planning Association is an independent not-for-profit organization that improves the quality of life and economic competitiveness of communities throughout the tri-state area through research, planning, and advocacy. RPA has been conducting their Mayors' Institute conferences for approximately seven years, but the Adelphi conference June 8-9 was the first ever in New York.