From the Desk of Senator Craig M. Johnson: Don't Tread On Us

The following testimony from Senator Craig M. Johnson was read into the record of a Jan. 24, 2008 meeting of the New York City Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission at Hofstra University:

Thank you members of the Commission for hosting this meeting in Nassau County. As you know from previous testimony I have given, I am opposed to Mayor Bloomberg’s Congestion Pricing plan, as I believe it will place an undue burden on the residents of Long Island who commute into Manhattan.

I have already stated my reasons for this, however I have a new set of concerns that greatly reinforce my opposition. Today I speak from the heart. It is my understanding that Congestion Pricing is now being tied to one or more of the MTA / LIRR’s proposed capital projects insofar as revenue realized from the pricing plan will offset some of the costs of the Third Track, which affects many communities that I represent.

It simply comes down to this – you want to impose a commuter tax on Long Island residents and in-turn fund a project that has been so far justified by what seems to be a new explanation each week.

First it was to handle increased freight, then it was to handle a non-existent reverse commute, and now the current reasoning is that a passing lane is needed for increased ridership from east to west – an HOV lane of sorts for the railroad.

To follow the flip-flopping is maddening for anyone who may be affected by this. And yet -- this continues to press on, tying one poorly vetted idea to another as it relates to community impact. You will do nothing here but shift congestion from New York City to Nassau County. You will turn our neighborhoods into parking lots. And, you will choke the flow of traffic and destroy what remains of our suburban quality of life if you do not take local concerns into account.

If I may coin a new term, we are witnessing the birth of “dumb growth.” You are robbing Peter to pay Paul. The problem is, Paul will not be satisfied until Peter is not only broke, but buried under a mountain of traffic and train tracks.

I implore you to listen to the residents who care so much about their neighborhoods. Please listen to the local elected officials who know their communities and care about their future direction. Again, please take local concerns into consideration and the negative impact these plans can have before you move forward. Thank you.

Statement by Senator Craig M. Johnson on Proposed Legislation to Notify Localities of the Rail Transportation of Hazardous Materials

"This is common sense legislation that should be passed as soon as possible. While communities and first responders need to be prepared for anything that comes along our rails, the fact that this type of dangerous material can be transported through our neighborhoods at any time of the day or night should give anyone within the range of the train lines some serious pause. With several other rail expansion projects already in the planning stages, the potential to increase the capability to transport this and other types of freight through our communities is both very real and, in certain instances, very dangerous.

The MTA/ LIRR should address this situation, even before such legislation is made law, by providing iron-clad guarantees to residents that this unfettered access will be restricted; by mandating that freight companies start to notify them and affected localities now of the transport of any hazardous material; and by limiting such transports to times of day when first responders can best deal with the fallout of any accidents involving this material."
Senator Craig Johnson, January 13, 2008

Thank you, Assemblyman Alfano

Since March 2007, we have been contacted by many distressed citizens in New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Mineola, Carle Place, Westbury and Garden City about the proposals set forth in the MTA’s “LIRR Mainline Corridor Improvement Project.” We believe that one of the major goals this project, coupled with the LI Truck-Rail Intermodal Facility Project in Suffolk County, is to increase the railroad’s capacity for transporting more freight along mainline corridor. This belief, in fact, has been confirmed by many business organizations such as the Long Island Association, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, and the Long Island Mid Suffolk Business Action. An increase in freight rail traffic, which includes the transport of all kinds of materials, including hazardous materials, results in permanent undesirable effects – effects which can potentially threaten the quality of life, safety and security of all citizens who live, and go to school, and work or just travel through our neighborhoods. (picture on the right: Assemblyman Alfano and NYS Senator Hannon, co-sponsors of the new railway security bill with NHP Fire Chief John Davello)

As a matter of fact, on November 30th, Save Our Village posted an alert to residents about Brookhaven National Lab and its plan to transport radioactive soil along the mainline. We learned that this radioactive cargo must be disposed of at a special containment facility in Utah. Inherent in that message was the implication that there was some kind of health risk associated with this radioactive soil which prompted its removal from Brookhaven Lab.

According the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Any activity that produces or uses radioactive materials generates radioactive waste. Various processes in industry, defense, medicine, and scientific research produce byproducts that include radioactive waste. Radioactive waste can be in gas, liquid or solid form, and its level of radioactivity can vary. The waste can remain radioactive for a few hours or several months or even hundreds of thousands of years. Because it can be so hazardous and can remain radioactive for so long, proper disposal is essential to protect the health and safety of the public and the quality of the environment including air, soil, and water supplies. Radioactive waste disposal practices have changed substantially over the last twenty years. Evolving environmental protection considerations have provided the impetus to improve disposal technologies. Designs for new disposal methods must meet environmental protection and pollution prevention standards which are much stricter than were foreseen at the beginning of the atomic age.” (picture on the left: Robert Femminella, President, SOV)

Needless to say, when we shared this documented research from the US EPA with our supporters, they were outraged, especially when they learned that their local government representatives were left uniformed of this serious operation, and thus, denied access to information regarding the appropriate disposal of this cargo – critical information that would be needed by first responders, if by chance there was an unfortunate accident on the rails. Not only did this place our policemen, firemen, and other emergency personnel at serious risk, but it also jeopardized their ability to protect so many residents who live along the mainline. (Picture on the right: Mayor D. Petruccio, New Hyde Park Village)

As representatives of the collective voice of so many citizens who live in communities along the mainline, Save Our Village wishes to positively recognize Assemblyman Alfano's acknowledgment of our concerns by sponsoring this crucial legislation. Demanding that companies inform local municipalities about the transport of hazardous materials will ensure that the necessary and proper precautions are taken to protect our neighborhoods.

TO REPEAT AGAIN!

In response to a recent published interview with LIRR President Helena Williams in a local NHP newspaper, Save Our Village wishes to clarify a statement expressed by Ms. Helena Williams, President of the LIRR:

1. Save Our Village New Hyde Park Association was extended an invitation to attend a MTA-LIRR public relations presentation hosted by Mr. Jerry Kramer in May, 2007. This presentation was also attended by members of the NHP School Board, NHP Fire Department, Parks Civic Association, the LIRR Task Force for the Village of New Hyde Park, Deputy Mayor Lofaro, Trustee Montreuil and his wife, Village of NHP Superintendent of Public Works (Mr. J. McCloat) and others. At this gathering, representatives of the LIRR-MTA presented an MS Powerpoint presentation of the proposed LIRR Mainline Corridor Improvement Project and entertained questions from the audience on the project. During this gathering, there were no discussions and/or negotiations of any kind about the proposals presented that evening.
2. The platform of Save Our Village New Hyde Park Association, Inc. is exclusively represented by its officers: Mr. Robert Femminella (President), Diane Bentivegna (Vice President), Cristina Prieto-Maroney (Vice President).
3. To this date, the officers of Save Our Village New Hyde Park Association, Inc. have NEVER communicated with any MTA and/or LIRR representatives, including Ms. Helena Williams, in a face-to-face "meeting", telephone conversation and/or any other forum of communication - ever! Any statement by Ms. Williams and/or any representative of the MTA - LIRR that suggests otherwise should be considered a blatant disregard for the truth.

SAVE OUR VILLAGE NEW HYDE PARK ASSOCIATION, INC. has always encouraged honest collaboration and a spirit of compromise to facilitate peaceful resolutions to problems. Sadly, our supporters are dismally disappointed that the MTA-LIRR and Ms. Helena Williams has chosen the path of misrepresenting the facts to promote their own goals (and profits!) at the expense of hardworking homeowners and taxpayers. First, it was the "reverse commute", and then it became "the billion dollar passing lane". Finally, the MTA-LIRR still proclaims "the project is not about freight" despite the demand for increased freight rail capacity by such business organizations as the Long Island Association, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, and the Long Island Mid Suffolk Business Action which resulted in the establishment of a new mega-freight yard in Suffolk County (Long Island Truck Rail Intermodal Project aka LITRIM Project)! We strongly urge Ms. Williams to retract her misstatement (i.e. "...meetings with Save Our Village") and take all the necessary steps to correct the record in the NHP press for the sake of restoring "good faith" relationships with the communities impacted by the LIRR proposals.

To repeat again:

Save Our Village's has ALWAYS favored the at-grade crossing elimination projects in New Hyde Park. As a matter of fact, we invite interested citizens to read the archive of blog posts (below) so that you may note our statements in favor of the NHP at-grade crossing eliminations on June 11th, Nov. 19th, and Dec. 19, 2007. We do, however, oppose the CURRENT PROPOSALS for these projects at Covert Ave., South 12th Street, and New Hyde Park Road because we believe the present plans jeopardize our economic stability, environment, and suburban quality of life. Save Our Village insists that the MTA-LIRR and all federal, state and local elected representatives of the mainline communities must:

1. explore alternatives which promote safety, reduce roadway congestion, and preserve our suburban lifestyle;
   
2. promote the best plan that inflicts the least collateral damage to family homes and properties, regardless of its cost
   
3. negotiate respectfully 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

With humble appreciation...

On the evening of Friday, January 4, 2008, Senator Craig Johnson of the 7th Senate District in New York presented the officers of Save Our Village New Hyde Park Association Inc. with an official proclamation in recognition for its "outstanding service to the Village of New Hyde Park community."

From its inception as a nonprofit and incorporated civic association, Save Our Village has worked hard to become an unbiased and nonpartisan voice for the residents of our community. We strive to provide our neighbors with accurate information and current resources about issues which can potentially affect our suburban quality of life on Long Island so that, as citizens, we can make informed and responsible decisions. (Please click on the image to read this document in its entirety.)

On behalf of our growing list of supporters in New Hyde Park and surrounding communities, we wish to extend our sincere thanks to Senator Johnson, not only for his active demonstration of support, but also for his concern for the welfare of his constituency and his conscientious work on behalf of all the residents in the 7th Senate District in New York.

(Pictured from left to right: Cristina Prieto-Maroney, Vice President; Roseann Farina, Treasurer; Senator Craig Johnson; Robert Femminella, President; Diane Bentivegna, Vice President - click on the picture to enlarge image)

Thank you, Congresswoman McCarthy!

In the United States, there are several agencies assigned to transportation. Following the events of 9/11, a new federal agency, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), was authorized to ensure the security of highways, railroads, buses, mass transit systems and airports. Like other federal agencies, the TSA is subject to the laws passed by Congress. On March 8th, 2007, a bill called the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 (HR 1401) was introduced in the House of Representatives. It is important to note that this bill was passed in the House of Representatives as of March 27, 2007 and is presently being reviewed in the Senate.

Save Our Village is pleased to report that, once again, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy advocated to increase railway security nationwide by voting for HR 1401. By doing so, she actively demonstrates her understanding of the serious issues which impact the quality of life for so many residents living in "mainline" communities within the 4th Congressional District. Her vote supports measures which will improve the safety of rail and public transportation infrastructure as well as the establishment of grants for the local agencies which will provide security for public transit, increase security for railroads and training for railroad, public transit and bus employees. HR 1401 states that these security-related grants will be based on risk which ensures that New York will receive its fair share of the federal funding. Save Our Village positively acknowledges Congresswoman McCarthy's continued dedication to the health, safety and security of her constituents in the 4th Congressional District.

In brief, the proposed Rail and Public Transportation Security Act (HR 1401) directs the Secretary of Homeland Security for the Department of Homeland Security to develop and implement a plan called the National Strategy for Rail and Public Transportation Security. It requires the Secretary to assign each railroad carrier, public transportation operator, or bus private operator to a certain risk-based tier and to issue regulations that: (1) require each transportation provider to a high or medium-risk tier to assess their vulnerability to terrorism and to implement a security plan that addresses certain security performance requirements; (2) establish standards for such assessments and plans; and (3) establish a security program for transportation providers not assigned to a high or medium-risk tier. It also imposes civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply with the requirements of this Act.

Specifically, the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act includes:

Section 124 - directs the Secretary to issue regulations that require certain enhanced security measures for shipments of security sensitive materials

Section 126 - directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation to jointly assess likely methods of deliberate attacks against rail tank cars used to transport toxic-inhalation-hazard materials, including the degree to which these methods may be successful in causing death, injury, or serious adverse effects to human health, the environment, or public welfare;

Section 127 - directs the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to evaluate systems to detect nuclear or radiological materials on the rails to ensure that these systems are established and a deployment strategy is developed to detect such materials arriving by rail.

Section 130 - requires the Secretary to screen in-bound rail shipments to the United States for terrorists or weapons of mass destruction

Section 134 - directs the Secretary to assess, and report the results to Congress on, the safety and security vulnerabilities of placing high voltage electric transmission lines along active railroad rights-of-way.

Section 136 - directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to coordinate with state and local governments to minimize the need to transport toxic inhalation hazardous materials by rail.

Save Our Village extends its gratitude to Assemblyman Tom Alfano (21st Assembly District) and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (4th Congressional District) for their hard work and dedication.

Save Our Village encourages citizens to check this blogsite for further updates regarding proposed legislation which seeks to improve our safety and security.

Our voice has been heard...

On November 30th, Save Our Village posted an alert to New Hyde Park residents and neighboring communities about Brookhaven Lab and its plan to transport radioactive soil along the LIRR mainline corridor. Additionally, it has always been SOV's assertion that one of the major goals of the LIRR Mainline Corridor Improvement Project, coupled with the LI Truck-Rail Intermodal Facility Project, is to enable significantly more freight railway traffic to pass through the mainline corridor. This increase in freight traffic is a potential threat to the quality of life of all those citizens who reside in mainline communities such as Bellerose Village, Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Garden City, Carle Place, Mineola, Westbury and Hicksville.

We wish to positively acknowledge the effort of Assemblyman Tom Alfano (21st Assembly District) who has seemingly heard our voice and posted a statement in the Dec. 28th edition of the Floral Park Dispatch. Please refer to the link below to read Assemblyman Alfano's entire statement.
http://www.antonnews.com/floralparkdispatch/2007/12/28/news/alfano.html

In a conversation with Mr. Scott Cushing (Assemblyman Alfano's Chief-of-Staff) on January 4th, Save Our Village learned that "Assemblyman Alfano is currently drafting legislation which will demand that companies who transport hazardous materials along the rails must inform local municipalities so that they can take the necessary and proper steps to transport these materials in a safe and secure manner. We want to make certain that municipalities - both in incorporated and unicorporated areas, take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all communities." Save Our Village applauds Assemblyman Alfano's proactive response to this issue and we look forward to his updates regarding his progress with this legislation.