Association for Better Long Island moves to support revised LIRR Third Track

Photo - “LIRR Train 2820 leaves Cedarhurst” by AEMoreira042281 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Stating that it is a crucial link in anchoring the economic future of the region, the Association for a Better Long Island (ABLI) today endorsed revised plans to create a third track between Floral Park and Hicksville that will significantly upgrade the efficiency of the entire LIRR system, improve Nassau County’s air quality and create opportunities for job growth and expanded corporate investment throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

ABLI President Laureen Harris stated, “We stand with Governor Andrew Cuomo in his commitment to creating what can only be described as a strategic improvement to the LIRR’s Main Line. The 9.8 miles in question currently act as a choke hold on the region’s economy as the existing two tracks are totally inadequate to the task of moving people to and from their jobs. That choke point will become even more damaging when East Side Access in Manhattan is completed and the second track now under construction in Suffolk becomes available.”

The ABLI represents some $15 billion in commercial, industrial, retail and residential properties in the bi-county region. Its mission is to encourage and support orderly economic growth that enhances Long Island’s quality of life with its executive board representing companies and individuals who contribute millions of charitable dollars to the areas not-for-profit institutions.

“In a fierce and competitive global economy Long Island does not have the luxury of depending upon a 19th Century transportation infrastructure. The changes that are being made throughout the rail road reflect a priority commitment from the Cuomo Administration to give Long Island the tools required to build its economy and generate job growth. That effort cannot come to crawl between Hicksville and the Floral Park line,” stated Jan Burman, the ABLI’s immediate past president and a partner of Engel Burman.

Ms. Harris noted that the ability of the revised Third Track plan to significantly improve regional commuting and thereby address long standing air quality issues also contributed to the ABLI’s decision to endorse the proposal.

“Research suggests that Long Island commuters endure 110 hours of delay every year. In addition, the traffic that runs parallel to the Third Track corridor has increased 25% over the past decade and is expected to increase 32% by 2040. The environmental impact from these numbers is self-evident. Third track creates far more mass transportation options for the Long Island commuter which can significantly reduce air pollution,” she explained.

Finally, the ABLI singled out for commendation the Governor’s Homeowner Protection Plan for those property owners near the right-of-way who would be affected by the revised expansion project.

“Creating a comprehensive program that protects the financial integrity of the adjacent homeowner is an extraordinary plan that should not only be applauded but used as a model for any other public works project that has the potential to impact a neighborhood,” concluded Harris. “It underscores the concern of this Administration and its willingness to bring progressive ideas to critically needed infrastructure improvements.”