I write in response to the MTA proposal that would eliminate the Oyster Bay branch of the Long Island Railroad. It seems that the MTA continues to view this branch as the stepchild of their transportation system. This view is a disservice to all of us living and/or working on this peninsula. At a time when my fellow elected officials, commuter advocates and environmental groups are diligently exploring the enhancement of existing public transportation, the MTA chooses to consider the unacceptable option of putting more cars on the road thereby aggravating traffic congestion and contributing to the pollution of the environment. Just imagine the exacerbated traffic nightmare at the intersection of Glen Cove Road and Northern Boulevard as "former" Oyster Bay branch commuters drive to Port Washington or Manhasset to catch a train. I can't even begin to fathom where they would park!

The Oyster Bay branch, a transportation feature since the days of Theodore Roosevelt, is the lifeline of the City of Glen Cove and its surrounding communities. It serves hardworking commuters who travel to jobs in Manhattan as well as people coming to Glen Cove who are employed at North Shore LIJ hospital, nursing homes, schools or assisted living facilities. Visitors to Glen Cove use the Oyster Bay branch to attend a wide variety of public events as well as catered private affairs at the Harrison Conference Center and The Metropolitan.

Our city is experiencing positive growth as more people choose to live, or to open new and thriving businesses, in our flourishing downtown. One of Glen Cove's advantages to residents and businesses locating here is the easy access to Long Island Railroad train stations. This is illustrated by the fact we recently welcomed our newest downtown residents to the AvalonBay Communities' 254-apartment complex while the groundbreaking of AvalonBay's 111-apartment building is scheduled for the end of this year. Glen Cove's waterfront revitalization project will certainly attract a significant number of tourists, visitors and residents to our city who will be relying on the railroad for transportation.

Glen Cove has kept our end of the bargain by maintaining three railroad stations located within the city limits. After two years of negotiations with representatives from the MTA, the City of Glen Cove was allowed to install new, overflow parking at one of the stations-obviously, more people are riding the train. We are still waiting for the MTA to fulfill its promise of a one-seat ride to Manhattan and back to Glen Cove that would eliminate the "change at Jamaica" mandate.

I trust we haven't reached the end of the line for Glen Cove commuters. I look forward to open dialogue between the MTA, Albany, commuters and local elected officials that would ensure the continued operation of the Oyster Bay branch.

Mayor Mary Ann Holzkamp

City of Glen Cove