The Unity Party's position has always been to oppose the LIRR third track. We are deeply concerned with the impact this project will have on our village. The LIRR's proposed Main Line Corridor Improvements Project faces numerous environmental obstacles that must be satisfactorily addressed during the planning and construction phases. The potential negative impact of a project of this magnitude can devastate communities along the LIRR Main Line Corridor from Bellerose to Hicksville. In these uncertain times, any negative impact could take years - if not generations - to overcome. The Unity Party is against any proposal that would have a negative impact on the environmental, economical and quality of life attributes that the Village of Floral Park provides.

Unfortunately, the mayor's irrational and irresponsible actions have once again maligned a group of concerned citizens for their attempt to obtain facts and hold an open forum where all points of view can be heard and discussed. It is truly unfortunate that the mayor would send letters to community leaders telling them not to meet with the LIRR to discuss their concerns.

The Floral Park Unity Party has heard concerns from residents that many questions regarding the LIRR's proposed project have not been answered. We scheduled a meeting with the Long Island Rail Road and representatives of various organizations in Floral Park to discuss the MTA/Long Island Rail Road's proposed Main Line Corridor Improvements Project. LIRR President Dermody agreed to attend and be part of this round-table, open question/answer session. We sent invitations to our mayor and village board, our local school board, presidents of each of our civic groups, president of the Floral Park Mother's Club, PTA presidents, school board/association presidents, Floral Park Chamber of Commerce president, etc. Due to space considerations we requested each organization send no more than two representatives. We also sent out e-mails to those on our own e-mail alert list inviting commuters and residents to attend.

This was to be an important opportunity to ask the LIRR the questions regarding their proposal. It was our hope and understanding that questions and concerns would have been answered and addressed by the LIRR during this meeting.

This meeting would have provided the opportunity for organizations and individuals to submit, for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), their comments to the LIRR on any new issues or concerns that come up during this meeting before the Aug. 31 deadline.

Mayor Phil Guarnieri sent out letters to every local village organization telling them that meeting with the LIRR would "undermine our achievements." He also told them not to attend the meeting. He claimed that the meeting was "nothing more than an opportunity for the LIRR to take advantage of our community by using a divide and conquer strategy." The Unity Party disagrees vehemently with the mayor's position and actions regarding this meeting.

The mayor also sent a letter to LIRR President Dermody, claiming such a meeting hosted by the Unity Party for the invited organizations would be "inappropriate" and "insulting." The Unity Party's position is clear. "Open communication is critical for an informed public and discussions, which include opposing points of view, should be encouraged."

The mayor's rhetoric has been negatively affecting our property values and is completely baseless and without fact. It is time to discuss the facts and get straight answers so that appropriate actions may be undertaken.