Leaders from seven communities opposing the Metropolitan Transit Authority/Long Island Rail Road's (MTA/LIRR) Main Line Corridor Improvements Project, which entails the construction of an additional track and the elimination of several on-grade traffic crossings, met recently at Floral Park Village Hall to discuss future plans to oppose the $800 million project. Other community leaders from Mineola, Westbury and Carle Place have also announced their opposition.

The group thanked Senators Kemp Hannon, Michael Balboni and Dean Skelos and other public officials who are assisting them in opposing the proposal, which they deem "costly, unnecessary, disruptive and a waste of taxpayer money." The group opposes the additional track from Queens Village to Hicksville but supports elimination of on-grade traffic crossings.

In a joint letter recently sent out to constituents, Legislators Richard Nicolello and Vincent Muscarella stated, "My position is that the third track should be withdrawn and the grade crossing eliminations should proceed as a separate project. Moreover, the MTA/LIRR must take immediate action to redress the health and safety issues caused by their failure to meet their obligations to maintain the stations." Both legislators also sent a letter to Peter Palamaro of LIRR Public Affairs voicing their opposition.

For more information, visit www.fpvillage.org.