Back to The Institute for Sustainable Development		Rethinking Development on Long Island: Local Long Island Solar installation by Quad State Solar Photo By Jonathan Lane The key to sustainable development on Long Island is the revitalization of its communities and its ecology. We must put an end to the "mega-malling" of Long Island by rebuilding villages and bioregions that are economically vibrant, ecologically productive, and socially equitable. This cannot happen without an effective expansion of democratic processes and community empowerment. In working towards community empowerment and sustainability we must acknowledge that we cannot define the prosperity of a community by the living standards of the wealthiest but by that of the vast majority. This majority includes people of many different races, religions, ethnicities, and income levels. To meet the needs of Long Island's diverse population it is imperative to have people from many different communities involved in region-specific and Island-wide projects that focus on ecology and social justice. Acknowledging the need for diverse involvement, The Institute hopes to work with community groups across the island. We intend to facilitate Island-wide efforts through an Institute Coordinating Committee involving universities and local community groups. The Institute is based at the C.W. Post and Southampton campuses of Long Island University. In order to address the unique needs of Long Island, the C.W. Post campus will focus on the suburban landscape of Nassau and Western Suffolk. Southampton College will address the unique needs of the East End's Peconic Region.