Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi presided over Public Meeting #3 of the Nassau Hub project and presented the county's latest proposals on Tuesday March 30. There was some good news for the community of Carle Place.

Currently, The Nassau County Department of Economic Development has identified Mineola as the better location for linking the Hub transportation system with the Long Island Rail Road. The LIRR is already making an investment in the Mineola train station area; buying the existing KeySpan building and constructing a four-story parking lot. The proximity to existing rail rights-of-way, including the Garden City spur that I have long advocated using, as well as the potential to link with the Oyster Bay Branch, make Mineola a very attractive option.

The backup option (there is always a backup option), which would only be considered if Mineola proves to be infeasible, is a proposed new station to be located on or near the Carle Place Water District property, just off the Meadowbrook Parkway. This in itself is probably not feasible due to the new water tower being constructed on the property and doesn't offer the many advantages of a Mineola connection.

In neither case does the county either recommend closing the existing Carle Place Train Station or, as I have reported earlier, does the Long Island Rail Road have any plans to close the station. The project is entering the detailed analytical phase and, based on the findings, the county will advance the most promising solutions for public comment.

County Executive Suozzi and his team should be praised for their efforts in trying to bring concrete solutions to the transportation and growth problems of the Hub area. They should be further praised for working diligently to protect our community and quality of life here in Carle Place.

As you all know, everything is subject to change and a vigilant watch on this issue is important. Updates can be found at www.co.nassau.ny.us/eda/NassauHub.html.

Thomas Sobczak, Jr.