New Hyde Park "Save Our Village" Association: URGENT NEWS BULLETIN!

Friday, November 23, 2007

URGENT NEWS BULLETIN!

Save Our Village recently noted several developments announced at a LIRR Meeting held on November 14th. For your convenience, we have linked a video of this meeting below:
http://www.mta.info/mta/webcasts/player.htm?id=071114_0930_lirr_300.wmv&mv=wmp-hires&src=archive

It is important to note that from the beginning SOV's official position has ALWAYS favored the at-grade crossing elimination projects in New Hyde Park. We, however, remain staunchly opposed to:

the original and current proposals recommended by the LIRR to eliminate these at-grade crossings
the use of eminent domain to eliminate these at-grade crossings

To reinforce our original and ONLY position on this issue, Save Our Village recognizes the environmental and safety issues which prompt the need for the At-Grade Crossing Eliminations Projects in New Hyde Park. We do believe that there are other ways to achieve these goals. SOV strongly recommends that the MTA-LIRR and all federal, state and local elected representatives who have influence regarding this issue:

vigorously explore other viable alternative plans which will promote greater safety and the reduction of roadway congestion;
responsibly endorse the best plans that inflict the least collateral damage to family homes and properties;
respectfully negotiate with all citizens who are directly and indirectly impacted so that they do not suffer unfair economic hardship and can remain residents within their chosen community.

Once again, Save our Village supports the vision of at-grade crossing eliminations in New Hyde Park. However, we will settle for nothing but the best plans to achieve this goal...regardless of the cost.

.:Who are the supporters of this association?:.

We are a group of concerned citizens from New Hyde Park who are committed to “saving our village” from the MTA’s and NYS Dept. of Transportation's current “LIRR Main Line Corridor Improvement Project” and its significant environmental, social, and economic effects on our village’s quality of life.

.:What issues are we addressing?:.

Two simultaneous tasks are proposed by this project proposal which will significantly impact our area by modifying the footprint of the Village of New Hyde Park.

- The Grade Crossing Separation Project eliminates 3 LIRR grade crossings in New Hyde Park. Covert Avenue and New Hyde Park Road will be re-graded to allow commuter and commercial traffic to pass under the existing railroad lines. The South 12th Street LIRR grade crossing will be permanently altered according to one of three proposed plans.

- The Third Rail Track Project calls for a third railroad line into the Village of New Hyde Park for the purposes of increasing railroad traffic through our village.

.:How do these issues affect our community?:.

- The condemnation and elimination of at least 27 residential homes and businesses has been proposed in the Village of New Hyde Park.

- In addition to forcing several homeowners and taxpayers out of our village, all New Hyde Park taxpayers will be additionally challenged with the serious burden of increased school and property taxes brought about by the resulting loss of tax revenue.

- The condemnation and elimination of at least 27 residential homes and businesses has been proposed in the Village of New Hyde Park. - In addition to forcing several homeowners and taxpayers out of our village, all New Hyde Park taxpayers will be additionally challenged with the serious burden of increased school and property taxes brought about by the resulting loss of tax revenue. - Permanent and undesirable effects can be triggered by these proposals: existing traffic routes will be modified which require the redirection of commuter and commercial traffic through our residential neighborhoods, cement retaining walls along roadways will change our suburban appearance and obstruct residents’ access to roadways, mandatory speed limits will be altered, another railroad line will be constructed closer to residential properties, and daily railway traffic will dramatically increase. These changes can cause significant noise pollution, air pollution and vibration, as well. As a result, the health and safety of those who live in our community will be seriously and permanently impacted.

.:What is the mission of this association?:.

We seek to support all NHP homeowners and taxpayers who are directly impacted by railroad expansion projects in our village. We strive to be a strong voice that clearly expresses their interests and represents their needs.

We seek to network with other towns and villages along the mainline corridor and to stand in solidarity with them on the issues related to railroad expansion. Additionally, we seek to encourage ongoing collaborative relationships with all communities in an effort to preserve our quality of life as Long Islanders.

We seek to work with all elected representatives and experts in the fields of environmental science, law, engineering, architecture and others as we explore and recommend viable alternative solutions to railroad expansion.

We seek to protect the future stability of our village by ensuring that all projects planned for our village, now and in the future, preserve our suburban quality of life.

.:What can you do?:.

This is a critical time for our community. Your support is urgently needed! If you are interested in learning more about the cause or for more information, please:

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