Village of Garden City officials and residents alike are keeping a close eye on the Long Island Rail Road's Main Line Corridor Improvement project, currently undergoing an environmental review process. Although LIRR officials believe the project is "vitally important" to LIRR customers and "provides both safety and convenience benefits" to the communities along the 11.5-mile corridor between Queens Village and Hicksville, many remain cautious.

An informational brochure being sent to approximately 18,000 addresses, reaching some 60,000 local residents, explains the project's specifics, including the elimination of various grade crossings, bridge and station improvements across the area and, of course, the most critical aspect, the addition of a third rail.

The LIRR, with the assistance of its environmental consultant, DMJM Harris, will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, LIRR President James Dermody noted in a letter recently sent to Garden City officials.

"The scoping process for this project is now under way, and will include an upcoming series of public meetings," Dermody further noted in the letter. "Public input is being sought in accordance with this process and will be incorporated into the EIS." Meetings will take place June 14, 16 and 21. LIRR officials will most likely host morning, afternoon and evening sessions on each of the aforementioned dates. Specific places and times are forthcoming.

LIRR officials believe an additional track will address the railroad's long-term plans to increase peak train service and provide more frequent reverse peak and local service through the area. With better commuting options, officials state communities will become more attractive to young, working home buyers and may help keep Long Island's youth on Long Island.

Grade crossing locations now being evaluated for elimination include New Hyde Park Road in New Hyde Park, Covert Avenue in New Hyde Park, 12th Street in New Hyde Park, School Street in Westbury and Urban Avenue in New Cassel. A total of nine villages are involved in the project, including Garden City.

Village Administrator Robert Schoelle, Jr., Robert Mangan, Public Works director, and Kevin Ocker, recreation director, recently met with LIRR representatives. Mayor Gerard Lundquist urges residents to attend the meetings. "We'd like to get as many residents as we can to attend those meetings and to voice their concerns, opinions, etc. It's going to be a public hearing for comment only - not going to be a presentation. From what they tell us, their scope has not been developed yet," he said.

The project is still in its very early stages. "You are invited to be an active participant in the process, as we consider this project to be of high importance to the LIRR system and surrounding communities as well as the future economic vitality of Long Island," Dermody said. "It is our desire to work with you and your constituents, the business community, civic groups and other interested community organizations as we utilize the EIS process to evaluate all planned improvements associated with this crucial project."

To those residents that have not received a LIRR brochure via mail, Garden City officials are in the process of obtaining more copies. Further, those who'd like to receive more project information or add his/her name to the mailing list for notification of meetings and other documents, contact Peter Palamaro, LIRR Public Affairs Department, Jamaica Station 1131, Jamaica, NY 11435 or by phone at (718) 558-7934.