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!