Brainstorming re EPCAL

Whither EPCAL???

As Riverhead mobilizes to defeat  the Ghermezians' legal effort to regain their discredited contract to take over EPCAL, we have an opportunity to think creatively about the best use of  our shared resource of 1600+ acres of land.    One thousand acres need to be permanently protected because of their unique environmental characteristics.  The remaining 600 acres of developable land is available for job creating expansion of the industrial core, new sustainable companies, not-for-profit institutions, cultural and sports centers, recreational activities, green energy production, etc.

EPCAL Watch believes the Supervisor and Town Board need to create a transparent public process to develop a comprehensive integrated plan for EPCAL, issue requests for proposals, and evaluate prospective projects.    In the near future a broadly representative EPCAL's Future commission should be named to become the focal point for open discussion and recommendations.

The role of EPCAL Watch at this stage is to provide a forum for community groups and inspired individuals to make public their dreams and goals, formulate concepts, and compare what each other wants to happen at EPCAL.  A  grass roots process will involve the whole community in a creative process to feed ideas for projects and priorities into an EPCAL's Future Commission and responsible town authorities.

Following are unvetted ideas that have already emerged.  Add your own in the comment box at the bottom of this page or by sending them to jmcauliff@gmail.com.  Inclusion means only that an idea seems worthy of consideration and discussion.  It does not mean it is endorsed by EPCAL Watch. Hopefully the list will stimulate individual or group creativity.  Civic associations, HOAs, social organizations, religious institutions, fraternal groups, etc. all have a role to play.

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Robert Gass-EPCAL ideas-2023

 

The future of EPCAL presents a monumental opportunity to lift up Riverhead as a beacon of sustainability and community-focused development. The potential exists to create an innovative hub of green technology, agriculture, eco-living, conservation, recreation, and transportation that sets a new standard for responsible growth. This is a chance to take a historic step forward in building a cleaner, locally-powered, more connected future that benefits all residents. By embracing bold and inclusive visions that maximize quality of life, environmental health, and prosperity for generations  to come, Riverhead can become a model for sustainable community building that inspires far beyond its borders. The decisions made today will resonate for decades. With courage, creativity and care for this place we call home, a brighter dawn awaits.

1.    Sustainable agriculture research campus and urban farming plots - Could include greenhouse facilities, organic farming, aquaponics, renewable energy powered vertical farms, and agriculture tech startups. Provides jobs and healthy local food. This campus would serve as an innovative hub for urban agriculture research and demonstration. The acreage provides ample space for greenhouses, vertical farming operations, aquaponic facilities, livestock grazing areas, and more.

Researchers and entrepreneurs could test and showcase emerging technologies like renewable energy powered vertical farms, autonomous agricultural robots, hydroponic crops grown with precision nutrition monitoring, and advanced greenhouse automation.

There would also be community garden plots and training programs to give residents hands-on urban farming skills. The campus could partner with schools on STEM education programs focused on sustainable food production.

On-site farm-to-table restaurants and weekly farmers markets would provide healthy local food access while minimizing transportation miles. Composting operations would recycle organic waste for renewable fertilizer.

This campus would create agricultural and research jobs, engage students, produce fresh local food sustainably, demonstrate viability of emerging ag-tech, and enhance community education.

 

2.    Eco-village mixed use development - Highly energy efficient homes, offices, shops powered by geothermal, solar, etc. Showcase green building practices and low-impact living. Surrounded by nature trails and preserves. This would be a model community focused on sustainable living and minimal environmental impact. It could combine residential areas, offices, shops, and amenities for a walkable mixed-use village.

Homes and buildings would utilize the latest high-efficiency designs, renewable energy like geothermal and solar, EV charging stations, eco-friendly materials, and smart resource metering.

Nature trails, gardens, and green recreation spaces would surround the village. Preserved wetlands and forests would also buffer development.

With work and entertainment in the same community, this minimizes transportation needs and emissions. It also fosters local community building.

The eco-village would be a globally recognized demonstration site for green building and low-impact living techniques. It would provide sustainable housing and promote small community revitalization.

 

3.    Green energy production - Solar farms, wind turbines, biofuel facilities, etc. Help power surrounding areas through renewable sources produced right in town. The open acreage is ideal for building substantial solar farms to generate emissions-free electricity. This could help power Riverhead sustainably for years to come.

Wind turbines could also harness plentiful wind resources. And the site could support production of biofuels from purpose-grown crops, agricultural waste biomass, and other renewable organic feedstocks.

In addition to the environmental benefits, these facilities would create green energy jobs for construction and ongoing operations. They offer revenue opportunities by selling power to utilities and neighboring communities.

The renewable energy infrastructure complements sustainable development onsite and helps pave the way for a fossil fuel free future, while positioning Riverhead as a leader in the green economy.

 

4.    Eco-industrial park - Businesses located together cooperate to reduce waste and share resources. Closed-loop systems drastically cut environmental impact. This park would cluster manufacturers, businesses, and facilities in a layout designed to maximize resource efficiency and dramatically cut waste.

Neighbors would share resources, byproducts, and infrastructure. For example, one facility's waste heat gets piped to another's building. Or a manufacturer takes another's byproduct as a raw material input.

Renewable energy like solar and geothermal could power the whole park. A microgrid optimizes energy distribution.

Companies jointly invest in reclamation systems. Water gets reused multiple times. No wasting resources or pollution externalities.

The close proximity and resource sharing means far less energy and emissions for transportation. Overall environmental footprint plummets.

This park fosters innovation in closed-loop processes. It provides locational efficiency and collaboration benefits. The model showcases viability of eco-industrial principles.

 

5.    Conservation research center - Scientists study local ecosystems and species. Wildlife rehabilitation facilities care for injured animals. Nature education programs. This center would provide facilities for scientists to study the area's natural assets, ecosystems, and species. Lab space, wildlife habitats, and nature reserves offer plenty of access.

Experts can analyze regional impacts of climate change, urbanization, invasive species, and other pressures. Findings inform sustainable policies and practices.

There could be a wildlife rehabilitation clinic to care for injured animals and prepare them to return to native habitats when healthy.

Nature education programs, interactive exhibits, and observation areas engage the public on conservation. Trails let people experience habitats firsthand.

The center would create research jobs, support environmental science education, provide wildlife rehabilitation services, and deepen understanding of local ecology for better decision-making.

 

6.    Sustainable recreation complex - Hiking and biking trails, kayaking, indoor rock climbing walls, etc. Get people active outdoors while protecting ecosystems. This complex meets recreation demand through facilities like hiking and biking trails, kayak/canoe launch points, rock climbing walls, ziplines, and more - all with minimal environmental impact.

By offering recreation onsite, people have less need to drive elsewhere. Trails and water access get people appreciating nature.

Environmentally sensitive design would protect habitats, by using permeable surfaces, avoiding light pollution, redirecting trails away from nesting areas if needed, etc.

Indoor rock climbing walls give people, especially youth, exciting physical activity without substantial land footprint. Guided eco-tours teach recreation ethics.

The complex promotes healthy lifestyles and showcases recreation harmony with conservation. It also caters to eco-tourists and boosts sustainable economic activity.

 

7.    Green tech accelerator hub - Support early-stage startups focused on renewable energy, clean transportation, recycling innovations, etc. This facility would provide lab, prototype fabrication, and office space for early-stage startups focused on renewable energy, clean transportation, recycling innovations, and other green tech.

Shared access to equipment, infrastructure, and collaborative spaces fosters innovation. Mentorship from scientists, business veterans, and investors helps firms thrive.

Startups receive training on bringing clean technologies to market. Regular demo days to investors, local officials, and potential strategic partners.

The accelerator fosters the green economy through supporting promising companies in areas like solar materials, battery storage, smart grid software, electric vehicles, and carbon capture tech.

As firms grow, they create skilled green jobs. Successful startups continue operations locally wherever feasible, ultimately yielding tax revenues.

 

8.    Eco-tourism attractions - Zip lines through forest canopy, interpretive nature walks, conservation exhibits, etc. Draw visitors to sustainably experience natural assets. Nature trails, conservation exhibits, and activities like zip lines through the forest canopy would draw eco-conscious visitors to the site.

Interpretive hiking tours could showcase local ecosystems and habitats. Kayak eco-tours access wetlands or see birds along the riverfront by sustainable means.

Responsible design like elevated paths through sensitive marsh areas and limitations on visitor numbers protect habitats while allowing access.

Indoor exhibits educate on regional natural assets, wildlife, sustainable practices, and the site's cultural history. Wildlife observation areas give safe proximate animal viewing.

Attractions provide revenue opportunities while promoting appreciation of natural resources and conservation. They enhance sustainable tourism rather than mass tourism.

 

9.    Light rail public transit hub - Connects EPCAL to surrounding areas while minimizing traffic and emissions. Also bike share rentals. A light rail station connecting EPCAL to downtown Riverhead, nearby towns, LIRR stations and beyond would maximize transportation access while minimizing traffic and emissions.

The hub integrates rail, bus transfer, rideshare pickup, bike share rentals, EV charging - enabling seamless low-impact connectivity.

Dense onsite development with a mix of offices, housing, shops by the station makes the transit highly convenient and utilized. This also fosters walkability.

The hub anchors a regional rail network to reduce automobile dependence, congestion, and pollution as the area grows. The environmental and quality of life benefits are substantial.

 

10.  Airship transport docking station - Zero-emission airships moving people and cargo with small ground footprint and far less noise than jets. Riverhead could become a hub for a new generation of innovative airships - shaped like planes but operating more like ships.

Modern airships utilize advanced aerodynamic hull design and hybrid gas/electric propulsion for much greater efficiency and control than blimps of the past.

They offer big advantages in point-to-point cargo and passenger transport with minimal infrastructure needs - able to land and takeoff from open flat spaces like runways or fields.

Airships have a very small noise footprint compared to jets or helicopters, reducing noise pollution. They also have minimal local emissions.

The large but light vessels cause little ground impact or disruption if properly designed mobile mooring structures are utilized rather than fixed terminal buildings.

Riverhead could partner with an airship startup to build docking/mooring facilities. This offers a unique transportation link for cargo and passengers with far lower impact than alternatives.

As the technology matures, airships may become a viable and sustainable mode of regional transportation - especially for bulkier or time-insensitive cargo. With its long runways, EPCAL is ideally suited to pioneer this vision.

The airship facilities would create logistics jobs and tax revenue. The novel service would also draw interest and visitors to the town, while catalyzing development of a promising clean transportation technology.

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Creation of a Village for Dementia Victims

According to the World Health Organization, there are over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia in 2020. This number will almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050. Much of the increase will be in developing countries.

As we have seen during the Covid pandemic, our seniors were not treated well and deserve better than ending up in nursing homes which are dehumanizing, and where they are cut off from society.
In Europe (The Netherlands, France and England) a new way to approach the problem of caring for dementia has been the creation of villages that cater specifically to the needs of these patients, allowing them to live a life as close to normal as possible.

I attach three articles describing these places.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/03/realestate/dementia-villages-senior-living.html

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/dec/30/dementia-village-in-warwick-is-a-pioneer-in-person-centred-care

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/jan/28/landais-village-alzheimers-dax-france-john-morden-centre-london-appleby-blue-elderly

I think that could be a wonderful way of using some of the EPCAL space. It would serve a social purpose, bring jobs to the town and could be conceived as environmentally friendly (solar powered houses, facilities).

You can easily imagine a beautifully designed walkable village with a town square, with shops (grocery store, cafes, hairdresser, restaurant, and other essential shops), with communal spaces for events (concerts, parties...), spaces for workshops (choir, handiwork of all kinds, music and singing lessons), park space for nature walks, an indoor pool (solar heated) for exercise and fun, an outdoor pool for the summer (also solar heated), a gym, a day care center (some people with dementia do very well with young children).

The entire village is staffed with people who get trained to handle dementia patients whether he/she is a waiter at the cafe, a cleaning person, a gardener or a physical therapist.

The sky's the limit when it comes to imagining what such a place could be.

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Wind Power or Solar?

The best collection of sources comparing sources of energy is a wikipedia page that has a couple of very useful lifecycle charts.  (click here) 

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life-cycle_greenhouse_gas_emissions_of_energy_sources

Land based wind has the virtue of preserving most of the natural ground cover as can be seen from these videos from Ireland.  

https://youtu.be/w4MVSP3Ugh0

https://thetalesoftinyboots.com/galway-wind-way-in-galway-wind-park-walks-in-galway/

Potential noise levels and effects on migrating birds must be evaluated.

                                                                                                                                                          

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A Shinnecock Nation Casino

It is worth discussion with the Shinnecock Nation about the parameters of a potential casino project at EPCAL.   The historic obligation to displaced indiginous populations does not fall only on Southampton and the limited space available on the reservation.

A possible example if a tribal based facility is Mohegan Sun in Connecticut: 

Mohegan Sun is an American casino, owned and operated by the Mohegan Tribe on 240 acres of their reservation, along the banks of the Thames River in Uncasville, Connecticut. It has 364,000 square feet (33,800 square meters) of gambling space.  

It is in the foothills of southeastern Connecticut, where 60 percent of the state's tourism is concentrated. It features the 12,000-seat capacity Mohegan Sun Arena, home of the Women's National Basketball Association's Connecticut Sun. It houses a 350-seat Cabaret Theatre, the 300-seat Wolf Den, and 100,000 sq ft (9,300 m2) of meeting and function room space, including the Northeast’s largest ballroom and 130,000 sq ft (12,000 m2) of retail shopping. ...

Mohegan Sun employs around 8,000 local employees, bringing in $1.07 billion in revenues in 2018.  Concerts and boxing events bring further temporary employment and revenues. The casino also submits about 25% of its revenues from slot machines to the State of Connecticut. However, this impact has not been without costs to the tribe and local communities. The Mohegan Tribe is $1.6 billion in debt while local communities have complained about increased local costs for services associated with casino-related traffic, crime and social welfare service demands.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohegan_Sun