WSHA takes on Quality of Life Issues at the LIRR.

Over the last few months the communities of Wantagh and Seaford have dealt with many issues at our local LIRR train stations. This past winter, we witnessed an increase in the homeless population, concerning commuters greatly. We had reports of homeless individuals engaging in public urination and aggressive panhandling, and recently, we have received reports of bikes being stolen. These issues are in addition to structural problems at the newly renovated Wantagh station. All these incidents bring many challenges to our communities. The Wantagh-Seaford Homeowners’ Association (WSHA), at the urging of many of our residents, took the lead to do whatever it can to correct them.

Structural: In March, WSHA reported a broken/cracked window at the Wantagh train station waiting room. Finally,after months of corresponding with the LIRR, the window was finally replaced on June 14. The issue of the ‘out-of-service’ escalator. In April the escalator was out of service for most of the month. Once again WSHA was in regular correspondence with the LIRR. Finally, on April 29, the Wantagh-Seaford Homeowners’ Association’s communication with the office for the LIRR President resulted in WSHA meeting LIRR at the Wantagh Station. The MTA/LIRR crew on scene was sent by the LIRR President’s office and the escalator was repaired that day. Since then, except for brief outages lasting a few hours, the escalator has been operable.

Theft: Commuters have raised concerns over the number of bikes that are being stolen from the Wantagh & Seaford stations. Both the Nassau & MTA Police Departments are stating many of these larcenies are going unreported. The Police Department asked WSHA to encourage residents to call and file a police report. WSHA is in the process of insuring proper camera coverage of the bike racks is available.

At the request of WSHA, the Wantagh & Seaford stations are on the list of 10 LIRR stations that will have signs installed. The signs will read that the stations are equipped with cameras that are monitored 24/7. The signs have just been completed. Installation of the signage are expected to begin shortly; we are awaiting a time frame for this installation. The LIRR expects this to happen rather quickly. We also requested an increase in staffing levels for the MTA Police Officers that patrol the LIRR Babylon line.

Graffiti: Noticed at the Wantagh station and reported. We are waiting for the LIRR to send a crew and remove the graffiti as was stated to us.

Homeless: The influx of homeless at the Wantagh & Seaford train stations has led us to be in constant communication with the LIRR Government Affairs Office, Town of Hempstead, MTA Police Command, MTA PD Homeless Assistance Unit, MTA Right of Way Task Force, Nassau County Police Commissioner's Office and the Seventh Precinct.

More services than ever before have been brought to our area. Outreach services are ongoing in our area. Recently, the LIRR Right of Way Task Force removed a homeless camp that posed a danger due to its proximity to the train tracks. A comprehensive plan was put in place to correct the homeless condition. A combination of homeless outreach, enforcement and increased police patrols has made a visible difference.
However, with all these efforts and the visible difference,these issues have not gone away and recently some have returned. The MTA Police Command Staff has repeatedly emphasized that if a ‘quality-of-life’ condition or situation is observed, to please call the MTA Police 24-hour dispatcher at 212-878-1000. A unit will be dispatched to the station.
Also, please call if you observe individuals that may need assistance and/or may not be able to care for themselves. The responding officer can evaluate if medical assistance is needed and offer social services. Many commuters and residents are not calling the MTA Police, but are reporting it to us days later. Call 911 for issues in the parking lot, as that is the patrol jurisdiction of the Nassau County Police Department. The MTA Police and NCPD both monitor 911 calls to the area. This is how they deploy resources. I again urge residents to call the MTA Police 1-212-878-1000.

In conclusion, we want to thank both the MTA and Nassau County Police Departments for their efforts. We are fortunate to have such dedicated Police Departments that patrol our communities. Thank you for all that you do! I also want to thank the LIRR Government Affairs office for keeping a line of communication open with our organization.

As always please bring any issue to our attention you feel needs addressed.

Christopher Carini is the Vice President of Seaford for the Wantagh-Seaford Homeowners' Association, Director of the Wantagh-Seaford Homeowners' Association Neighborhood Watch Committee, Administrator of the Wantagh-Seaford Homeowners' Association's Neighborhood Watch Facebook group and Co-Administrator of the Wantagh Seaford Homeowner's Associations main Facebook page. In addition, Chris is also a member of the Nassau County's Police Commissioners Community Council for the 19th Legislative District and serves as the District's Vice Chairman.

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Residents of Wantagh & Seaford please join the Wantagh Seaford Homeowners Association's Neighborhood Watch Facebook group.

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