The Covid-19 crisis has confirmed for me that human density is the enemy of Long Island and (over)development (much like the vision for new “transit-oriented development” here on Long Island) is a detrimental trend that will permanently and negatively impact the future health and safety of Long Island.
Long Island, as a region, had more coronavirus cases than the second-most affected state in the country. More Nassau County residents have been diagnosed with and died of coronavirus than any other county in America outside of New York City, Johns Hopkins University data shows. The county has tried to slow the spread of the coronavirus by closing its schools, shutting down its nonessential businesses and urging its residents to stay home almost around the clock.
But let’s face it. A distinct obstacle remains to preventing new cases: the increasing trend towards shoulder-to-shoulder density right here in the suburbs. More people and increasingly smaller spaces have helped to spread the virus — along with packed LIRR cars and proposed “hive-like” apartment buildings that are being sold as new forms of alternative housing. All they do is form an ever-widening circle of infection. It is obvious that the crush of people will be a vulnerable target of viruses in the future, too.
The Coronavirus also confirmed for me that the LIRR Expansion Project was a tragic consequence of living in denial of the facts – facts that have been largely documented by the scientific community for several years. Over the last few months, more and more employers have concluded that investments in advanced technology are a far more efficient and economical use of their capital. They are questioning their demand for increasing their physical plant, especially when considering the implications of skyrocketing rents for their businesses to thrive successfully. In addition, the quarantine-factor of Covid-19 has enabled employees to prove they are far more reliable and cost-effective when working from home (at least part of the week).
It is important to note that a key piece of the MTA’s response to the social-distancing strategy includes an appeal to major employers to help ease the rush-hour pressure by staggering work hours and workdays and allowing for remote working. Based on the evidence, the biggest risk to commuters remains the close contact they are forced to make with other LIRR riders in confined areas. Why do we need a rush hour at all? Clearly, we are at a crossroads regarding our region’s commuting culture. The question remains: Will we make decisions based on the evidence? Or, we will deny the facts and travel down that road? We, the people, must demand nothing less than informed decision-making at every level of government.
The use of advanced technology in the workplace must be part of the 21st century vision for a thriving American society – from the smallest village to the global stage. In addition, all levels of our educational system must begin to make technology the highest priority when it comes to preparing our children and future generations to meet this new critical demand.
I find it noteworthy that NYC dwellers are now increasingly seeking refuge in the suburbs -as they currently exist – because they also have concluded that density is the enemy. They seek suburban living because it has traditionally valued green space and low-density structures. Until recently, that is. Why is that? When people across Long Island and our nation are flocking to parks, beaches, preserves, etc. it indicates that the human connection to our natural world is an absolute critical need for us to maintain our mental health and well-being.
The same goes for the new retail opportunities being proposed as “revitalization plans” and new “vibrant downtowns,” especially along the LIRR corridor. Many of these stores are now in serious free-fall (heck, they were already challenged prior to the pandemic). Forward-thinking people concluded long ago that this is a woefully misguided trend because most people just do not shop that way anymore.
Of course, our close proximity to New York City plays a role. NYC is a regional economic hub that draws about 60 million people annually in international commerce and tourism. Before the airports were virtually shut down due to the virus, more than 3,000 planes landed in New York airports. It is clear to those who are tracking the evidence that density was likely the largest reason why the virus hit NYC and spread virulently to neighboring counties – including ours. And that is the milieu we are trying to emulate?
It is tragic that it may take a pandemic to convince some politicians to wake up. Do the developers who gain huge profits by exploiting our open spaces count more than ‘we the people?’ It seems so. Do some research. Environmentalists and epidemiologists have been warning for years that diminishing natural habitat — bulldozing and developing our open spaces — is a critical error because it brings wildlife much closer to human beings and it hastens the transmission of diseases (i.e. zoonotic viruses ). In short, when humans are around, there appears to be more risk of virus spillover. And, in all likelihood, scientists have been warning that we’ve been underestimating the true danger of this happening. Covid-19 is just the beginning.
So, what’s next? Do we sanitize the American and global landscape – kill all the wildlife and cement every square inch of our nation to stop this deadly trend? Apparently so, right? Humanity has wiped out 60 percent of animal populations since 1970. The huge loss is a tragedy in itself but, according to the world’s leading scientists, it also threatens the survival of civilization.
Covid-19 is not the exception to the rule anymore, friends. Perhaps the next virus may be known by a different name, but there will be another deadly disease on the horizon that will be a consequence of our misguided behavior if we do not heed these warnings.
Yes, we are doing this all to ourselves. If we want a healthier world and a safer future for our kids, we must demand evidence-based decision-making and we must continue to vehemently oppose the continued exploitation of our open spaces – from the smallest village to the global stage. Our children deserve nothing less.
Diane Bentivegna
New Hyde Park,
