New York State Senators Dean Skelos and Kemp Hannon along with Assemblyman Tom Alfano have called for a town meeting with residents of West Hempstead and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) President Ken Bauer to address the dilapidated conditions along the West Hempstead line of the LIRR.

In a letter sent by Skelos, Hannon and Alfano to residents, the three elected officials said they toured the site and will focus on improving the safety conditions along the corridor from the West Hempstead station through Eagle Avenue, as well as establishing a more effective maintenance policy.

The three elected officials have also discussed a three-phase beautification process around the West Hempstead train station; better upkeep of the station itself; repair, restoration and replacement of all fencing bordering the railroad tracks from the station to Eagle Avenue; and an assurance that the railroad employee access gate at the north end of Hempstead Gardens Drive will remain closed when not attended by workers.

A public meeting is being arranged for West Hempstead residents to meet with LIRR officials to discuss the current safety issues with respect to the fencing that borders the railroad tracks. Skelos, Hannon and Alfano have requested that Bauer attend the meeting to discuss possible solutions.

According to the letter sent to residents, Bauer has accepted the invitation. A spokesman for Skelos said the meeting would most likely be held in two weeks.

According to the letter, the West Hempstead renovation station began last fall with the planting of various trees and ivy to enhance the appearance of the area. In addition, new fencing has been installed at the station, along with sturdy jersey-barriers in the parking area to prevent vehicles from pushing through the new fencing.

However, the elected officials and community leaders agree that more renovation needs to be done in the area. West Hempstead Civic Association President Seth Bykofsky said the area has been deteriorating since the LIRR has been doing work in the area. "It's been a long time in the making. We've been complaining about the defoliation and fencing in the area for the last two to three years," he added.

Now, with residents and elected officials on the same side, a remedy for the situation may be closer to happening. "This is a long time coming. We have been working very closely with the West Hempstead Civic Association and the Cathedral Gardens Civic Association because they have some really strong concerns about the neighborhood," said Alfano. "Clearly the residents on Woodfield Road and the surrounding areas on both sides and Hempstead Gardens Drive have an intolerable situation. The fencing in some areas was so bad that it actually curled into the streets so there was no right of way."

"It's been an ongoing thing. It's disastrous. Aesthetically, it's a nightmare," said Bykofsky. "What really keeps us awake at night in the dangerous situation that arises from having easy access to the tracks. I'm amazed that nobody has been killed."

Bykofsky said the fencing on Hempstead Gardens Drive is practically non-existent as it is down in some sections, creating a hazardous condition. "This is all about safety issues and safety concerns," said a spokesman for Skelos' office.