08-19-2005, 10:58 AM
headlines
The third rail of LI transit
Don’t give in to NIMBYism on expansion of the Main Line
August 1, 2005
No other construction project could benefit the Nassau-Suffolk economy more than a third track on the Long Island Rail Road's Main Line. The additional track would cut commuting time in both directions and bring more workers and their companies to Long Island. It is a key to growth.
That's why the NIMBY games being played by three members of Nassau's Republican state Senate delegation are so dangerous to the economic health of the entire region. That they are being played by three senators known for being serious lawmakers, often unafraid to take on angry constituencies, makes their pandering tactics especially disappointing.
Deputy Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) decided to use his clout as a member of a powerful board that reviews mass transit projects to require additional approvals even after millions will be spent preparing for construction. He did this to placate Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City) and Sen. Michael Balboni (R-East Williston), through whose districts the Main Line traverses. Many home and business owners are concerned about the impact. So the lawmakers are under political pressure to slow down or even scrap the project. That would be terrible.
There's no question that the people who live along the existing tracks should be heard. The quality of their lives and possibly their property values could be affected. So the Metropolitan Transportation Authority must do everything reasonable to mitigate the impact. And it must make sure their legitimate concerns are addressed openly.
But this project is hugely important for the entire region and the MTA may not be able to make everyone happy. Too many times projects that could benefit hundreds of thousands are held up or altered in unsuitable ways because hundreds, period, managed to frighten lawmakers into adopting their cause. The lack of a service road the entire length of the Long Island Expressway is only one such example of how one powerful senator can change a project so that thousands are inconvenienced every day.
Skelos, Balboni and Hannon don't mind being excoriated for their actions. After all, their motive is to score political points with their constituents. We hope these guys realize how desperately Long Island needs to attract new workers and companies - and to find leaders willing to do what's right for the greater good, not pander for their own good.
Skelos, Balboni and Hannon should be cheered for their support of their constituents. The MTA are liars and will use the rail line to run freight to Hicksville. It will be like having a mini (3 on the Richter scale) earthquake going through our towns and damaging our homes several times a day and night.
Let the MTA spend the money on communication, maintenance, repair and a SECOND line in Eastern Suffolk.
Say "NO!" to a third rail line in Nassau.
The third rail of LI transit
Don’t give in to NIMBYism on expansion of the Main Line
August 1, 2005
No other construction project could benefit the Nassau-Suffolk economy more than a third track on the Long Island Rail Road's Main Line. The additional track would cut commuting time in both directions and bring more workers and their companies to Long Island. It is a key to growth.
That's why the NIMBY games being played by three members of Nassau's Republican state Senate delegation are so dangerous to the economic health of the entire region. That they are being played by three senators known for being serious lawmakers, often unafraid to take on angry constituencies, makes their pandering tactics especially disappointing.
Deputy Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) decided to use his clout as a member of a powerful board that reviews mass transit projects to require additional approvals even after millions will be spent preparing for construction. He did this to placate Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City) and Sen. Michael Balboni (R-East Williston), through whose districts the Main Line traverses. Many home and business owners are concerned about the impact. So the lawmakers are under political pressure to slow down or even scrap the project. That would be terrible.
There's no question that the people who live along the existing tracks should be heard. The quality of their lives and possibly their property values could be affected. So the Metropolitan Transportation Authority must do everything reasonable to mitigate the impact. And it must make sure their legitimate concerns are addressed openly.
But this project is hugely important for the entire region and the MTA may not be able to make everyone happy. Too many times projects that could benefit hundreds of thousands are held up or altered in unsuitable ways because hundreds, period, managed to frighten lawmakers into adopting their cause. The lack of a service road the entire length of the Long Island Expressway is only one such example of how one powerful senator can change a project so that thousands are inconvenienced every day.
Skelos, Balboni and Hannon don't mind being excoriated for their actions. After all, their motive is to score political points with their constituents. We hope these guys realize how desperately Long Island needs to attract new workers and companies - and to find leaders willing to do what's right for the greater good, not pander for their own good.
Skelos, Balboni and Hannon should be cheered for their support of their constituents. The MTA are liars and will use the rail line to run freight to Hicksville. It will be like having a mini (3 on the Richter scale) earthquake going through our towns and damaging our homes several times a day and night.
Let the MTA spend the money on communication, maintenance, repair and a SECOND line in Eastern Suffolk.
Say "NO!" to a third rail line in Nassau.