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 a
lliances which have joined us in our mission. (pictured right: Officers of Save Our Village: Diane Bentivegna, VP; Cristina Prieto-Maroney, VP., Robert Femminella, President).
lliances 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:
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 representati
ves 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)
ves 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 importa
nt 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 repre
sent 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)
nt 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 repre
sent 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...
