LONG ISLAND RAILROAD MATTERS EFFECTING THE VILLAGE OF NEW HYDE PARK
Village of New Hyde Park’s Long Island Rail Road Task Force
Members:
Larry Montreuil – Chairman
Rich Pallisco, Ed Powers, Diane Bentivegna
Third Track Project will Have a Major Effect on Village of New Hyde Park’s Roads and Homes
They’re back…….
The LIRR Main Line Expansion Project (Third Track)
After almost 10 years, the LIRR has decided to resurrect their plans to install a third track along the Main Line. On January 5th, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his support of this project without speaking to or giving any advanced notice to local elected officials along the impacted areas on the Main Line. Although degree of impact may vary community to community, the Third Track Project will impact every community along the Main Line, from Bellerose to Hicksville.
As residents who lived through the proposed Main Line Expansion Project ten years ago can attest to, challenging the MTA and the LIRR was no easy feat. However, the Village Board stood shoulder to shoulder with residents, neighbors along the Main Line, and local elected officials to oppose the MTA and the LIRR with their third track expansion plans. Until detailed plans are announced by the LIRR, the Village Board maintains the same concerns it had ten years ago and the Village Board’s position remains firm:
– The Village Board does not see any benefit from the Third Track Main Line Expansion Project for the Village of New Hyde Park.
– The Village Board does not agree with the LIRR’s claim that reverse commuting needs have increased so significantly to warrant this expensive and invasive project.
– The Village Board is opposed to any plan that will bring additional freight through our community, particularly the shipment of LPG, municipal waste, hazardous chemicals, and radioactive waste from Brookhaven Labs.
– The Village Board is opposed to any plan that requires the confiscation of private residential, commercial or public property through Eminent Domain.
– The Village Board is opposed to any plan that will increase noise pollution and rail vibrations in our community.
– The Village Board is opposed to any plan that will negatively impact the flow of traffic through the Village, particularly at or around 2nd and 3rd Avenues at New Hyde Park Road, South 12th Street, and Covert Avenue.
– The Village Board is opposed to any plan that does not properly address the at-grade crossings, and would prefer their elimination in a manner that is acceptable to the community.
– The Village Board is opposed to any plan that will reduce any commuter parking.
According to the MTA, the Third Track Project is estimated to cost between $1 – $1.5 billion overall with over $7 million in design work alone. To date, Mayor Lofaro and Village Trustees have met or spoken with federal, state, and local elected officials; Village Mayors along the Main Line; President of the LIRR Patrick Nowakowski; and concerned citizens.
We hope you can attend this informational meeting on the Third Track Project. It’s important for everyone to be informed, and to get involved. Residents are also welcome to provide their comments to Mayor Lofaro via e-mail at Mayor@vnhp.org or by letter addressed to Village Hall, 1420 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY, 11040.