A $5 million renovation project has been completed at the Hicksville Train Station, bringing several significant improvements to the local commuting hub.

The station, operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), received a new, larger station building, as well as exterior improvements. The work, which began in January, 2000, was funded by the MTA LIRR Capital Program.

MTA LIRR officials, elected officials, and community leaders marked the completion of the project during a ribbon cutting ceremony held last Thursday, Jan. 17.

Assemblyman Marc Herbst (14th District) lauded the MTA LIRR for its commitment to the major improvement project at Hicksville, and for similar work being completed throughout the LIRR system. "It's an honor to be a resident of Hicksville and see this major improvement," Herbst said, adding, "This is a welcome addition to this community." He also thanked the local civic leaders who contributed valuable input into the improvements, including Dave Staton of the Duffy Park Civic Association, who was present at the ceremony.

Staton commended the MTA LIRR for its cooperation in implementing the suggestions of local civic leaders. "We think they'll continue to be receptive to our ideas for additional improvements," he said, citing such finishing touches as landscaping and signage. Commenting on the overall outcome of the renovation project, he added, "I think it's a huge improvement for commuters and for the area."

The railroad has deep, strong roots in Hicksville. It was brought to town by Valentine Hicks, the second president of LIRR, in 1837 - three years after the railroad was chartered. Local residents relied on it as the eastern terminus until the railroad reached Farmingdale in 1841. The first Hicksville station house, a wood building, was opened in 1873. The railroad was double-tracked to Hicksville in 1890, and the wood station house was replaced by a brick station building in 1909. In 1962, that station was replaced as part of the grade crossing elimination work on the LIRR's Main Line. Since then, the Hicksville station of modern times has evolved into a major local transit center, with more than 6,400 customers from Hicksville and surrounding communities now using the facility during the morning rush hours. Hicksville is indeed the LIRR's busiest station, with thousands of residents relying on it for daily transportation to jobs in New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area. The station is also home to an historic landmark - one of the original Penn Station granite eagles, which is located on the north side of the station building.

"I am pleased that work on our busiest station included such extensive improvements to benefit all of our customers," said Kenneth J. Bauer, president of the LIRR. "The larger waiting room and ticket office, along with additional vendor space will make this station especially user-friendly."

Said MTA Chairman Peter S. Kalikow, "One of the driving concepts behind the MTA Capital Program is to encourage use of public transportation. This project is a great example of the successful use of funding to improve a major MTA transit hub."

The exterior work included demolition of the former station building, and construction of a new, larger building in its place. The building includes new brick work, glass block window treatments, large glass storefront-type entrances, and ADA-compliant doors. Also installed were two new vendor kiosks, a new police kiosk, new curbs and new paving. In addition, seven station staircases are slated to be rebuilt in the spring, and new handrails and railings will be installed. Interior improvements include a new, larger waiting room and ticket office, along with ADA-compliant rest rooms. Also installed were a new air conditioning and heating system, new tiled walls, terrazzo floors, and two new interior retail spaces. A mosaic mural was also designed in the waiting room area, and is expected to be completed soon.

Sam Maruca, president of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, and Judy Lombardi, executive secretary of the chamber were among those on hand at the ribbon cutting. "It's a welcome addition. It's something that was long overdue," commented Maruca. He added that he is glad to see the LIRR is committed to maintaining the level of services that the community expects at the station.

"It's a great addition to Hicksville's downtown revitalization," commented County Legislator Edward Mangano (17th District). "We hope it is a start to more good things to come, in improving the aesthetics of Hicksville."

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto thanked the MTA, LIRR and his fellow elected officials for making the improved station a reality. "We in the Town of Oyster Bay, are the beneficiaries of all their hard work," he said, adding, "Hicksville is the heart of the Town of Oyster Bay."