I am frustrated with the lack of information and apparent complacency of our elected officials regarding the initiation of freight trains on the Hempstead Line. During the last three weeks, work on the heretofore-abandoned St. James spur has proceeded both day and night. The absolute silence of our elected officials and the press in light of these developments is more than disturbing. Will someone please explain why money is being spent on track improvements if no freight trains are expected? The answer is that freight trains are expected, at least by the LIRR/MTA who cut a deal with a private freight operator.

I am afraid that the Village's tact of opposing based on environmental grounds will not be sufficient. The LIRR is a subsidiary of the MTA. The MTA is an agency of the State of New York and is controlled by The State of New York. That's right, it's a public benefit corporation accountable to us through our elected State officials, and that is why the Governor could impose a moratorium, which has since expired. This matter does not have to be about commercial interests vs. environmental damage. The State allowed the deal in the first place and they can stop it if they so chose.

So, which elected officials of the State, County, Town, Village, as well as our Congressional Representative support freight trains on the Hempstead Line as a means to alleviate truck traffic; the projected dent is empirically laughable. Which officials dropped the ball by letting the MTA enter into the agreement, and which officials vehemently oppose freight on the Hempstead Line? Does the press have an editorial opinion?

The way to stop a window shaking, diesel-smoking freight train in a residential neighborhood is to never let it leave the station. Between now and the next election, silence should not be tolerated.

Carl Dincesen