Thank you, Senator Craig Johnson!

Robert Femminella (SOV President) and Diane Bentivegna (SOV Vice President) had the pleasure of meeting with NY State Senator Craig Johnson and his Chief of Staff, Rafe Lieber on July 18, 2007. During their lengthy and productive discussion, Senator Johnson was presented with an introduction to SOV’s mission as well as a detailed agenda of issues which included a request to obtain an extension of time for the public to comment on the NYSDOT's LITRIM Facility Project so that mainline communities in Western Nassau would have an opportunity to give voice to their concerns about its impact.

Thanks to Senator Johnson’s immediate intervention, the deadline for public comment has now been extended to September 24, 2007. During this critical period in New Hyde Park’s history, SOV New Hyde Park embraces Senator Johnson’s positive support and the work he continues to accomplish on behalf of all the people who reside along the LIRR’s mainline corridor in the 7th District, including those who live in New Hyde Park. As SOV New Hyde Park grows in number, it has learned that establishing direct and collaborative relationships with governmental agencies has been helpful in enhancing the public’s confidence and trust in the services they provide to their constituents. SOV New Hyde Park appreciates this collaborative relationship with Senator Johnson as it continues its work to preserve the suburban quality of life in New Hyde Park.

SOV strongly urges all Western Nassau residents, including those in New Hyde Park, to call, email, or write to elected representatives about their concerns. Additionally, SOV urges all citizens to write directly to the NYSDOT to voice their opposition to this project because it puts the New Hyde Park community, in particular, at serious risk. Send comments directly to LITRIM Project Team, NYSDOT, Region 10, NYS Office Building, 250 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, New York 11788 , (631) 952-6654, E-Mail: longislandintermodal@jacplanning.com.

News Update - July 18th

SOV President Robert Femminella and Vice President Diane Bentivegna attended a lengthy and informative meeting with State Senator Craig Johnson (7th District) and two of his staff representatives on July 18th. Many issues related to the LIRR Mainline Corridor Improvement Project, the three At-Grade Crossing Elimination Projects proposed in New Hyde Park, and the impact of the Long Island Truck-Rail Intermodal Facility Project (details below) were discussed. Please be advised that all SOV supporters and sponsors will be updated with specific details in our monthly newsletter sent via email and/or snail mail.

Urgent!

For those who speculate about the real motivation that drives railroad expansion projects along the mainline corridor, we urgently recommend that you view the link below to the NYSDOT’s website regarding the proposed Long Island Rail-Truck InterModal (LITRIM) facility project which was launched after an extensive study. This project seeks to enhance the use of rail to deliver goods throughout Long Island. As a matter of fact, it seems 4000 tons of freight will be transported by the already existing LIRR mainline - an estimated amount which does not even include the use of a third track! Its funding was secured through the NYSDOT and other agencies. The proposed site of the former Pilgrim State Hospital was found to be the best possible location based on its access to the LIRR, accessibility to the Long Island Expressway, and its central location near the core of Long Island’s main developed areas.

The NYSDOT’s website goes into great detail about the LITRIM Project Background, its Draft Environmental Impact Statement, and other important details which we urge all residents who live along the mainline corridor to read:
https://www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/regional-offices/region10/projects/long-island-intermodal/li-truck-project-iframe

In light of the recent freight train derailment on July 6th in Queens (please refer to the details in the post below), this significant increase in freight traffic along the LIRR 's mainline will potentially result in increased risk to the communities along the railway. Please let your voice be heard! Call, email, or write your elected representatives and let them hear your concerns. The deadline for public comment is July 25, 2007.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray
516-489-5000
helpline:
www.townofhempstead.org/content/home/contact.html#helplineform

North Hempstead Town Supervisor J. Kaiman
516-869-7700
http://www.northhempstead.com
email:
kaimanj@northhempstead.com

NYS Senator Craig Johnson
516-746-5923
http://www.nyssenate7.com
email:
johnson@senate.state.ny.us

US Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy
516-739-3008
http://carolynmccarthy.house.gov/
contact form:
www.house.gov/writerep/

US Senator Charles Schumer
212-486-7693 or 631-753-0978
http://www.senate.gov/~schumer/SchumerWebsite/contact/webform.cfm

US Senator Hillary Clinton
631-249-2825
http://clinton.senate.gov/email_form.html

Did you know?

On July 6, 2007 a serious railway accident occurred involving freight cars owned by the New York and Atlantic Railway. Police and other officials had to evacuate several blocks surrounding the accident site where a train carrying 33,000 gallons of propane gas derailed in Queens. Thankfully, officials said that no hazardous material leaked from the train and the evacuation was a precautionary measure. The accident occurred near Otto Road in Glendale on tracks owned by the freight company - about half a mile from the Maspeth site where another train derailed in January of 2007.

It is important to note that freight trains on Long Island are operated by New York & Atlantic Railway on tracks owned by the LIRR. The proposal of a 3rd track along the LIRR's mainline corridor increases the capacity for greater freight traffic to pass through the suburban neighborhoods that lie within the corridor - like New Hyde Park. SOV New Hyde Park remains opposed to LIRR's Third Track Project due to the inherent negative consequences it could potentially impose on our community. Increasing the capacity of freight traffic along the railroad justifies our immediate concern about the increased potential for freight derailments and other accidents.

Are our village, town, and county government agencies prepared to address the immediate consequences of a potentially catastrophic event in our neighborhood - within the immediate proximity of our homes, schools, houses of worship, and businesses? Although SOV New Hyde Park continues to explore this important issue, we encourage all residents who live along the mainline corridor to make their concerns known to those who have influence on issues related to the health and safety of our communities. Please email, snail mail, and call your representatives!