Planning Council chair upbeat about funds

The Long Island Regional Planning Council chairman said Tuesday he is "optimistic" funding can be found to keep the advisory group afloat.

"We are not actually blowing up at the end of this year, despite rumors of our demise," council chairman John Cameron said. "We do have sufficient funding to carry us well into next year."

Cameron said he hopes to announce the council's future funding sources within a month. The group is working to line up support from a variety of sources, including local government, foundations and private organizations, he said.

The 46-year-old council's financial crisis started this spring when cash-strapped Nassau County ended its $200,000 annual contribution. Nassau still provides in-kind services such as legal counsel, and department heads from both Long Island counties attend meetings.

Suffolk County continues to pay its $200,000 share, which had covered the $135,000 salary of the council's executive director. The remainder of the council's $500,000 annual budget has come from grants.

The director, Michael White, recently left the council to resume practicing law. His deputy, Cara Longworth, is serving as acting director.

The council's focus ranges from planning and development issues to demographic shifts, with its chief planner issuing reports analyzing the latest census data.

The council has also weighed in on significant development projects and has been a vocal advocate of expanding affordable housing and curbing school taxes. Cameron said he does not want the council's sustainability plan, which makes long-range recommendations on regional development, to "sit on the shelf." The next step, he said, is to educate the public about the plan.