A Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Museum moved one step closer to being realized, thanks to a successful public facilitation process in March. Dan Burden of Walkable Communities, an internationally respected expert in place making and design, released a report summarizing the results from the process he led, giving Oyster Bay a strategic vision and sense of purpose.

The weekend discussion focused on what should happen at Firemen's Field. The museum was first proposed at 100,000 sq. ft., as a TR Presidential Museum and Research Center and parking garage, but in response to community input it has been reduced to 70,000 sq. ft. with a footprint of 35,000 sq. ft. needing 234 parking spaces. The research center and Theodore Roosevelt Association offices are expected to be located elsewhere in the hamlet.

More than 100 members of the community took part in the event to provide what Mr. Burden called "informed consent" by achieving a level of awareness and understanding of the issues, and then giving their consent to explore, test, refine and move forward.

Oyster Bay Civic Association President Bill Von Novak said, "Dan Burden's work here during those two days gave us all a potential blueprint to address the concerns of the people in our town. In addition I hope that his work will unite people in a discussion of the size and location of the TR Museum."

"Our coming together to speak with one another and to develop a common vision went a long way in shaping our town's future, " said Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce President Alex Gallego, in speaking of the event. Bill Sheeline, MSA president, added "Dan Burden's visit was a shot in the arm for our community and his report gives us a road map for how to proceed in a positive way on this and other projects in the future."

Burden, in his visit, found broad agreement on the desire to honor Teddy Roosevelt with an appropriately sized, scaled, and properly located museum in the hamlet. Near universal concern was also raised over the environmental, aesthetic, and safety deficiencies with the Firemen's Field site targeted for the museum.

The term "Sustainable Museum" was coined by Burden and architect Edward Erfurt, to describe a museum that meets the needs of present residents, visitors, and those wishing to honor Roosevelt, without compromising the ability of present and future generations to meet their quality of life needs.

Two primary recommendations came from the Burden visit and report. One is to call for a Steering Committee to advise the Theodore Roosevelt Association and other stakeholders on the museum and improvements of the Firemen's Field area.

Second is recruiting a "highly competent architectural team" to listen and respond to community concerns about the site and other critical issues in the community, such as traffic, managing parking, and accommodating annual festivals.

In the weeks ahead, the Oyster Bay Main Street Association hopes to announce, in cooperation with its partners, the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Oyster Bay Civic Association, members of the Steering Committee that Burden called for.

Main Street Association President Bill Sheeline said Burden helped "to find common ground for all of us to build on as we consider the Theodore Roosevelt Association's museum proposal going forward."

Those who would like to be considered for the Steering Committee or who have any feedback should contact the Oyster Bay Main Street Association at 922-6982 or oysterbaymsa@gmail.com.