Elected officials and concerned citizens alike once again publicly criticized the Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Long Island Rail Road's (MTA/LIRR) failure to "think outside the box." They stood united against the controversial proposal to construct an additional track along the LIRR Main Line. Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray held the press conference at the Floral Park Train Station Aug. 31, the deadline for filing public comments for inclusion in the official MTA third track project record. To date, 85 local organizations and public officials oppose the project.

"We have gathered here today united in our opposition to a proposed project that would literally tear apart the very fabric of our neighborhoods," Supervisor Murray said. "The MTA's ill-conceived plan to construct a third railroad track through several communities, including Bellerose, Bellerose Terrace, Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Garden City Park, Mineola, Carle Place, Westbury and Hicksville, is one of the most destructive proposals in recent memory. In fact, 10,000 residents have united, signing petitions in opposition to the MTA's scheme. The complete disregard for the people whom they are supposed to serve has galvanized business owners, residents, community groups and public officials as never before."

Although the press conference was held in Floral Park, one of the participants was Mineola Mayor Jack M. Martins, who has been concerned about what the impact a third track coming through Mineola would have on the village.

Local senators have also expressed serious concerns about what another track would do to communities such as Mineola, which the Main Line runs through. Senator Michael Balboni publicly called on the MTA/LIRR to extend the public comment period. He's certain residents would continue to offer comments.

Senator Kemp Hannon believes the MTA is putting the cart before the horse because an environmental study has yet to be completed. "There's no need to go ahead with this right now," he said. "Quality of life and economic progress must be balanced."

Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello, added, "This is not so much about us but the people to our sides. There are only a few residents here today but they represent many more. We are asking the MTA to listen, go back to the drawing board and scrap this plan."

It is important to note that officials and citizens living along the 11.5-mile Main Line from Queens Village to Hicksville favor the elimination of five on-grade crossings slated for New Hyde Park (Covert Avenue, 12th Street and New Hyde Park Road), Westbury (School Street) and New Cassel (Urban Avenue).

Further, due to the efforts of elected representatives in Albany the MTA/LIRR must now provide full disclosure of its plan before a state board even considers final approval. Officials lauded the efforts of Senators Balboni and Hannon in instituting the legislative mechanism that now requires the MTA to appear before the MTA Capital Program Review Board prior to utilizing allocated funds to begin the track project. The review board, comprised of representatives for state legislative leaders, the governor and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has the authority to withhold authorization for the project to move forward.

Officials personally hand delivered close to 10,000 petitions to LIRR President James Dermody following the press conference. In fact, President Dermody signed for them. If, however, the project is approved, construction is slated to begin in 2009 and end some time in 2016.