FAREWELL...

The Board members of Save Our Village have devoted a year of their lives to researching the third track issue that will dramatically change New Hyde Park forever. Following countless hours researching this extremely complex issue, we then enlightened those who were interested as to the results of this diligent research. We persevered in our attempts to educate the public at large about the widespread consequences should this project come to fruition. At this point in time, our efforts have reached the pinnacle of what a group of civic-minded individuals could ever hope to accomplish under such difficult circumstances.

On February 19th, 2008, we met with Helena Williams, President of the LIRR. At this meeting, our concerns, hopes and fears were given a voice, and we realized that our time in this quest as a small civic group had reached the saturation point. Having then informed the NHP Mayor Dan Petruccio of the issues and possible solutions which we have discussed, we placed the fate of our village regarding the third track issue squarely and finally with the Village Board.

As President of Save Our Village, I would like to thank everyone who joined with us throughout our difficult journey. Board members, Diane Bentivegna, Roseann Farina, and Cristina Prieto-Maroney have dedicated countless hours and expended great energy over the past twelve months in order for us to accomplish our mission. I am very proud to have worked with these people, and I consider them very dear friends. The decisions now rest in the hands of the LIRR and the public officials who represent the individual towns and villages. We wish the Mayor and Trustees of the Village of New Hyde Park the courage and fortitude to meet the difficult challenges ahead, keeping the best interests of the citizens of New Hyde Park first and foremost.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Femminella,
President, Save Our Village

Save Our Village: A Year In Review

As Save Our Village continues to address the issues raised by the MTA's Mainline Corridor - Third Track Project, it has come increasingly evident that our supporters cherish our Long Island community and they support those who seek to preserve its suburban quality of life. In addition to presenting our community with an educational seminar, "Citizens vs. the Threat of Eminent Domain," Save Our Village listens to the concerns of our supporters and disseminates well-documented research by mail and by posts on this blogspot. We also continue to examine all the evidence, compile documented research, and work with experts in the fields of engineering and environmental science to prepare for the upcoming DEIS public hearings. Additionally, Save Our Village continues to explore alternatives to the MTA/LIRR's proposals so that we are prepared to offer viable solutions to the problems inherent in the current plans. We are grateful for the genuine support of all our supporters as well as the support of neighboring community alliances which have joined us in our mission. (pictured right: Officers of Save Our Village: Diane Bentivegna, VP; Cristina Prieto-Maroney, VP., Robert Femminella, President).

With respect to community advocacy, it has been our belief that the issues raised by the MTA's proposals trump all political affiliation and all other philosophical differences that may keep us apart since the future stability of our community and lives of several families and small businesses are literally on the line! With this in mind, we have remained apolitical in our outreach and have made an appeal to ALL local, state and federal government representatives - regardless of their political affiliation. In brief, some of these government leaders include: the New Hyde Park Village Board of Trustees, Councilman Angelo Ferraro, the NHP-GCP School Board, the NHP Fire Department, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Nassau County Legislator Rich Nicolello, NY Assemblyman Tom Alfano, NY Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, NY State Senator Dean Skelos, NY State Senator Craig Johnson, and US Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy. Although some responded to our appeal with varying degrees of commitment, and others have embraced our nonpartisan spirit more than others, we believe they all share our serious concern about the future challenges we face as a Long Island community.

Across the year-long journey we have traveled, Save Our Village has learned that this railway expansion project is one part of a much larger vision being planned for Long Island's future. The social changes and economic demands of the growing Long Island region have become formidable catalysts for change. We have reluctantly concluded that one such inevitable consequence of these catalysts is the fact that more trains will be traveling along the mainline - and through the Village of New Hyde Park - regardless of the third track! Moreover, substantial evidence is mounting which seemingly indicates that the MTA/LIRR's capital project is moving ahead:

• First, President Bush's recommended budget for 2009 proposes $219 million for the long awaited LIRR East Side Access Project which would connect the LIRR to Grand Central Terminal. These plans all for the Mainline and the Port Washington line to run from Queens to the new LIRR terminal beneath Grand Central. There is also $277 million allotted for the completion of the Second Avenue Subway line. Both budget recommendations were received positively by NYS representatives.
• Secondly, other federal and state transportation appropriations will be reviewed by the MTA Capital Program Review Board in the near future. These long awaited funds will bring the MTA's proposals closer to fruition.
• Thirdly, railroads will see a big financial boost, under recommendations from a Congress-appointed commission to fund much-needed transportation infrastructure improvements. The National Surface Transportation Policy and Review Study Commission said in its report to Congress earlier this month, "the nation needs to invest between $225-$340 billion to upgrade the nation's surface transportation system to sustain strong economic growth."
• Fourth, a NY State Panel recently recommended that NYC Mayor Bloomberg's Congestion Price Plan be adopted. It is our understanding that the funds raised by congestion pricing are being tied to one or more of the MTA/LIRR's proposed capital projects insofar as the revenue realized will be used to offset some of the costs of the Third Track Project.
• Fifth, sections of the third track have already been prepared and/or installed along the mainline corridor: the Herricks Road elevated track already has a third track, a section of land beneath the Mineola Blvd. overpass has been reserved for the third track, the new Roslyn Road track line has a section reserved for the third track, and the third track has already been installed east of Nassau Blvd. - in Garden City, in Garden City Park, and in Mineola.
• Sixth, plans for the LI Truck-Rail Intermodal Facility Project (LITRIM), a mega freight yard in Suffolk County, are well underway. This plan, along with the Third Track Project, is expected to increase the railroad's capacity for transporting more freight along the 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. The LIRR asserts, however, that the goal of the Third Track Project is to "improve service reliability for its customers."
• Seventh, the NYC Economic Development Corporation confirmed in Oct. 2007 that the Cross Harbor Rail Freight Tunnel Project is moving ahead. Restarting this project is considered " a commitment to promoting rail as an alternative to trucking and to change the way we move freight in the NY area." The proposed tunnel would run from Jersey City, under NY Harbor to Brooklyn. The rail line would then continue through Bay Ridge, Borough Park, parts of Flatbush, and then on to Queens, where cargo would be transferred to trucks for delivery into the city or points north and east (which is Long Island). Again, the LIRR asserts that the goal of the Third Track Project is to improve service reliability to its customers. Those pushing the project believe "this project will be beneficial to New York as jobs are created when freight is diverted from truck to rail."
• Lastly, legislation was recently introduced to the NY Assembly in February, 2008 which seeks to make certain that local municipalities are notified about the transport of hazardous materials on the rails. After many years of freight transportation along the mainline, this new rail safety legislation, which specifically targets freight traffic along the LIRR, implies some level of preparedness for the increased freight rail capacity which is inherent in the Third Track Project. Freight trains on Long Island are operated by NY and Atlantic Railways which leases the tracks owned by the LIRR.

In recognition of this evidence, along with countless hours of outreach to citizens, citizens' groups and government representatives, the issue of railroad expansion has brought Save Our Village to a vast divide! Some continue to proclaim their absolute opposition to the MTA's proposals. Others have voiced opposition to certain parts of these proposals (i.e.: opposition to the Third Track Project, but support for the crossing elimination projects). And, there are still others who believe that the overwhelming evidence indicates the inevitable nature of the situation and we are left with only one recourse - to vigorously negotiate with the LIRR until our demands are addressed and/or met. Regardless of category, Save Our Village asserts that it is just not enough to say we are opposed to the third track anymore! The time has come for action - CITIZENS' ACTION. Valuable time is passing and we need to work together to show that we are one voice for New Hyde Park - a nonpartisan voice which demands that the MTA/LIRR step up to the plate and acknowledge the concerns of countless citizens by genuinely exploring viable alternatives to their original proposals. Once again, Save Our Village favors the best plans which inflict the least collateral damage to homes, neighborhoods, small businesses, and the Long Island region.

Putting words into action, the officers of Save Our Village met with Mrs. Helena Williams, President of the LIRR and various representatives of the MTA/LIRR on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008. At Save Our Village's request, NY Senator Craig Johnson, his staff, and representatives of US Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy joined us at this meeting. (pictured right, Mrs. Helena Williams)

Our intention was threefold:

• to represent the needs and best interests of our supporters,
• to learn more about the details of the project directly from the source - the MTA/LIRR
• to take a respectful first step toward building a working relationship with those who seek to make permanent changes to our community.
  

During this meeting, Save Our Village brought important issues to the attention of those in attendance - issues of vital interest to our supporters. Just as important, we listened carefully to the MTA/LIRR's proposals in detail. It is important to note that Senator Craig Johnson supported Save Our Village's effort to seek the facts, and he repeatedly expressed his vehement opposition to the MTA/LIRR's current proposals throughout the meeting.

Additionally, a proposal was made to explore the opportunity for Mrs. Williams and the MTA/LIRR staff to directly address the citizens of New Hyde Park at a community meeting. Save Our Village agreed to inform New Hyde Park Mayor D. Petruccio of this proposal so that he and the Village Board could best decide the direction to take for outreach to our entire community.

It is important to note that the New Hyde Park Village Board of Trustees represents the citizens of our village, many of whom are Save Our Village's active supporters. The Village Board has the people's mandate to represent its interests, and the Village Board has the binding authority to negotiate with the LIRR. To do their job effectively, however, the Board must hear from "we, the people." Although many of us remain overwhelmingly distressed by the diverse statements made by those on both sides of this issue, it is our civic responsibility to tell our representatives what we want! Thus, we have reached out to Mayor Petruccio to inform him of these and other developments, and we trust that he and the Village Board of Trustees will give consideration to our findings. (pictured right, Mayor D. Petruccio)

We realize that these are challenging times, and Save Our Village's focus remains steadfast on our mission and our commitment to our supporters. We earnestly seek to work with all citizens, citizens' groups, and all elected representatives to address these issues in a nonpartisan manner and to vigorously represent the voice of our supporters - the hardworking homeowners and taxpayers of the Village of New Hyde Park in the critical months and years ahead...

From: Daily News - US/World News: Washington Bureau

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/02/05/2008-02-05_more_aid_for_transit_in_bush_budget_less-3.html

From the NY Times: October 2007

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/realestate/07lizo.html?scp=2&sq=Long+Island+Railroad&st=nyt

Your Voice and Your Commitment Counts, Long Island!

According the the most recent news updates, the MTA may be compelled to eliminate more that $1 billion from its budget for three of its most important "mega-project" proposals. These projects include the Fulton Transit Center, the Long Island Railroad link to the Grand Central Terminal, and the Second Avenue Subway. Originally budgeted at $15 billion in public money, the estimated cost of these projects could now exceed more than $16 billion. The MTA's CEO, Mr. Elliot Sander said, "While I continue to be committed to providing the transportation benefits and the purpose of each and every one of these transportation projects, we will likely need to trim them back to the maximum amount possible." Mr. Sander, MTA Chairman Dale Hemmerdinger, and MTA Capital Construction Co. President Mysore Nagaraja have cited rising construction costs and increasing costs for steel and concrete as major factors which contribute to the MTA's budget shortfalls. "If cuts are to be made, the goal would be to maintain the 'best transportation function' of the projects," Sander said. It seems although the plans for the Second Avenue stations will remain as stated, the plan to install a third track in an uptown section (which will allow trains to bypass railway problems) will likely be cut.
(Click on all images to enlarge)

Also important to note is the fact that the MTA-LIRR has recently submitted its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for its "third track project" to the Federal Transit Administration. [Citizens are encouraged to refer to the Dec. 7th post below to learn more about the capital project process.] This project, which is included in the comprehensive LIRR Mainline Corridor Improvement Project, has two proposed plans:

1. PLAN A proposes up to four grade crossing elimination projects and impacts 91 properties in New Hyde Park and Westbury.
2. PLAN B proposes two grade crossing elimination projects and impacts 82 properties in New Hyde Park and Westbury.

Presently, the LIRR refuses to release its proposals to the public and has referred all requests for information about the properties affected by the project to the Federal Transit Administration. Unfortunately, the FTA has yet to release copies of the LIRR's preliminary plans.

LIRR President Helena Williams recently admitted that the railroad's original premise for the project, the "reverse commute", was not true, and presently claims that the third track is need as "a passing lane" so that trains will not suffer from any "residual delay" heading to Grand Central Station through the East Side Access tunnel (which is expected to be completed in 2014).

Both Plans A and B specify the need to:

• eliminate the New Hyde Park Road crossing by a long and complicated process which will reconstruct a roadway beneath the railroad tracks (tracks which will include the newly installed third track), redirect vehicular traffic through residential neighborhoods and claim whole or parts of private properties via eminent domain.
  
• close Urban Avenue in Westbury to all vehicles where it intersects with the LIRR. All vehicles would be redirected across a bridge built from Bond Street, south of the tracks, to connect with Railroad Avenue, just to the northwest. A separate footbridge would be installed over the tracks at Urban Avenue.

Specifically in New Hyde Park:

• PLAN A - which eliminates 91 properties in NHP and Westbury via eminent domain - also includes the elimination of the Covert Avenue crossing and reconstructing this roadway below the railroad tracks via a long and complicated process similar to the NHP Road crossing elimination; this process will result in serious environmental and economic impacts to families in the area and the general community. It also proposes to eliminate the South 12th Street crossing by closing it to all vehicular traffic, with a footbridge built over the tracks there. This plan can also potentially reduce the NHP Fire Dept.'s access to homes and businesses south of the railroad tracks.
  
• PLAN B - which impacts 82 properties in New Hyde Park and Westbury via eminent domain - would leave Covert Avenue and South 12th Street open; quadrant gates are proposed at these crossings which actually increase gate down time and promote greater roadway congestion and environmental hazards.
  

COMMENTARY:

The MTA has finally admitted that its budgetary shortfalls and disaster-bound construction schedules place the future of its mega-projects in serious jeopardy. It has admitted that it has no funds left to build the Fulton Street Transit Center as it was originally promised to residents and business owners, as well. Since 2005, this project has caused massive chaos, closed subway entrances, dug up streets and sidewalks, and damaged neighboring stores and office buildings - with no end in sight! It has evicted viable stores, restaurants and businesses and tore down six buildings. Track work has disrupted subway service as far as Brooklyn! Clearly aware of its impending deficits, the MTA plotted to scale back its original grandiose proposals - and, sadly, this newly scaled back version seems to renege on many promises that it made to affected commuters, residents, and business owners. The MTA has finally admitted what $900 million (and counting) in public money for the Fulton Street Transit Center has bought the City of New York: a rodent-infested, vacant lot!

WAKE UP, LONG ISLAND...WAKE UP!!!

From our inception in March 2007, Save Our Village has always favored the crossing elimination projects in New Hyde Park. However, we are vehemently opposed to the aforementioned plans in the MTA's DEIS because they jeopardize our community's economic stability, environment, and suburban quality of life. We demand that the MTA-LIRR and all federal, state and local representatives hear our voice, explore viable alternatives and negotiate fairly with citizens in order to promote the best plan that inflicts the least collateral damage to residents and community.

How can the citizens who live, work, and travel through the communities affected by the proposed LIRR Mainline Corridor Improvement Project be assured that the budgetary shortfalls and disaster-bound construction schedules that plagued the Fulton Transit Center will NOT be repeated in our own Long Island communities? As Americans, we enjoy many rights and freedoms, but we also bear the responsibility to be active citizens so that our elected local, state and federal officials can appropriately represent our interests. New Hyde Park and all mainline communities will face serious challenges in the near future - challenges which potentially threaten our suburban quality of life , school and property taxes, and property values. These challenges demand our immediate attention. We must resolve to work together, along with our representatives, to protect and preserve our neighborhoods and entire Long Island region. We must make our concerns known to those who have direct influence on these matters and proactively work with our represenatives - they want to hear from us!

Please read Save Our Village's Dec. 7th post below to learn more about the representatives who need to hear your voice and be held accountable for their choices!

Your voice and your commitment counts, Long Island!
Contact Save Our Village New Hyde Park for more information about how YOU can make a real difference...

From Newsday: Feb. 1, 2008 issue

The following article appears in the Feb. 1st issue of Newsday and Newsday.com at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/transportation/ny-nycong015559930feb01,0,1099309.story

It appears evident that this state panel has recommended a plan which raises funds for MTA capital projects (i.e.: LIRR Mainline Corridor Improvement Project) while imposing serious economic hardship on Long Island middle class homeowners and taxpayers. Not only does this jeopardize our economic stability, but it also will raise the funds which puts our suburban quality of life at serious risk. Read the article below to learn more about the positions of several important representatives who have influence on decisions that will affect all of Long Island. Save Our Village wishes to extend its thanks to Newsday for covering this important issue in a manner that keeps Long Islanders informed with the facts.

State Panel Recommends Version of Congestion Plan

BY PERVAIZ SHALLWANI
Special To Newsday; Staff writer Laura Rivera and Albany bureau chief James T. Madore contributed to this story.
February 1, 2008

A state panel yesterday recommended a scaled-down congestion pricing plan that would charge commuters $8 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak hours but would permit free movement within the zone.

The plan, which would also increase metered parking costs and impose a $1 surcharge on taxis, is expected to generate $520 million a year and save on administrative costs over another version of the plan that set a larger congestion zone, according to the commission's findings.

Two members of the 17-person traffic commission voted against the proposal following months of contentious debate and public hearings. It is the first step in what is shaping up to be a combative legislative process. To be enacted, the plan must be approved by the City Council and the State Legislature, which must act before a March 31 deadline or risk losing $354.5 million in federal funds for improving mass transit.

Assemb. Richard Brodsky (D-Westchester), a commission member, blasted the alternative plan yesterday as a "regressive tax on the middle class. The commission took a bad plan and made it worse," Brodsky said in an interview. "It reduces the burden for people who live in Manhattan and increases it for people outside." (pictured left)

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who had championed a pricing plan that would have set the border of the congestion zone at 86th Street, said he accepted the alternative plan and urged both legislative bodies to act before the federal deadline. "The plan that the commission is recommending today meets our goals of reducing congestion, cutting carbon emissions and providing much-needed funds to improve mass transit for millions of New Yorkers," he said. "New York cannot afford to walk away from hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds and a guaranteed revenue stream for the MTA's capital plan." (pictured right)

Other proposed plans included charging $8 round trip on East River and Harlem River bridges, and restricting access to parts of Manhattan based on license plate numbers.

More than 60 percent of city voters polled by Quinnipiac University last month said they supported congestion pricing if all the money it generated were earmarked toward mass transit improvements.

Reaction among legislative leaders in Albany mirrored last year's divide, with the State Senate's Republican majority expressing general support, while the Assembly's Democratic majority continuing to have reservations.

"I believe the commission's work is not done," said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan), who asked whether tax credits would be given to low-income motorists who pay congestion fees and urged that all tolls be dedicated to mass transit improvements. (pictured, left)

Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R-Brunswick), an early supporter of Bloomberg's plan, noted the commission held 14 public hearings to gather residents' input before issuing recommendations. Bruno said, "Mayor Bloomberg began this process when he unveiled a thoughtful and ambitious plan to improve the quality of life in and around New York City, and we look forward to working with him as this plan moves ahead in the review process." Bruno and his Republican conference rely on hefty campaign contributions from the mayor to help maintain a slim, two-seat majority in the Senate, the sole remaining GOP power base in the Capitol. Lawmakers face re-election in November, when Democrats hope to wrest control of the Senate for the first time in more than 40 years. (pictured right)

Gov. Eliot Spitzer called for prompt action, saying, "the economic impetus behind congestion pricing is strong, as is the potential for cleaner air, improved public health, and a steady and predictable source of funding to support the MTA's capital plan ... The specifics of the plan will be discussed and debated, but the profound implications for our entire transit system are clear." (pictured left)

Staff writer Laura Rivera and Albany bureau chief James T. Madore contributed to this story.

Copyright © 2008, Newsday Inc.