Cooperation Between Local Governments

The Town of Hempstead has agreed to share in the costs associated with hiring experts to review and critique the Long Island Rail Road's Third Track Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which was released in November 2016.

The 1,000+ page document, brimming with technical data, is virtually impossible for laymen to review and conclude whether or not this project will adversely affect Garden City, Mayor Nicholas Episcopia said. In light of this, the Village's Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to retain the professional services of Beveridge & Diamond, environmental counsel, as well as The Vertex Companies, environmental engineers, to analyze the DEIS.

"The scope and details of this report are beyond the capabilities of individual Village staff to analyze and critique. We believe this is absolutely necessary to properly understand the impact this project will have on our residents," Mayor Episcopia said.

The Town of Hempstead will contribute $25,000 to help defray the costs of retaining these experts.

"We all owe a debt of gratitude to Town Supervisor Anthony Santino, Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino and Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin," Mayor Episcopia said. "This is a great example of cooperation between local governments in making sure that our residents are protected if this project actually becomes reality."

To date, six public hearings were held January 17-19, 2017 to provide opportunities for the public to comment on the DEIS. After much urging by elected officials, as well as residents, the comment period has been extended until February 15, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. All comments received during this period will become part of the public record and will be considered as part of the project studies.

“There is nothing more important than protecting the health of our residents,” Town Supervisor Santino said. “A major proposal like the LIRR third track project includes a host of prospective environmental consequences that could profoundly and negatively affect people near the project area.”

“The communities that surround the Long Island Rail Road’s main line are lovely residential communities that possess a strong suburban character and are relatively safe from serious environmental hazards posed by the trains that cut through their neighborhoods,” added Councilman Ambrosino. “We are serious about guarding against any threats to safety and environmental hazards that a third track could present.”

To review the DEIS, and other information related to the proposed third track project, visit the Village of Garden City website at www.gardencityny.net and click on the "LIRR 3rd Track Information" tab.