The Sentinel and its readership wishes to thank Senator Craig Johnson for the first ever public hearing on MTA Capital Plan. Senator Johnson, as a newly appointed member of the MTA Capital Program Review Board, is responsible for overseeing and approving the MTA's multi-billion dollar five-year capital spending program. Senator Johnson has to approve or veto the plan by December 30...but first he wants to hear from YOU about the future of the LIRR and our regional mass transit system.
Senator Johnson, as a tireless advocate for all Main Line communities, continues to fight against the Third Track Expansion Project and has made sure that in the proposed 2010-2014 plan, NOT ONE DOLLAR will go towards the construction of a third track. Those who are interested in the capital program will also be interested in reading:
Senator Craig M. Johnson, the Senate Majority's representative to the MTA Capital Program Review Board, announces two ways that will give the public unprecedented opportunities to comment on the MTA's proposed 2010-2014 Capital Plan.
A public hearing on the MTA Capital Plan will be held from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. on Oct. 29 in the chambers of the Nassau County Legislature, 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola.
Announcements on similar hearings in the Hudson Valley and New York City are forthcoming.
“Traditionally, there has not been much of an opportunity for the public to have input on these plans,” said Senator Johnson, who was appointed to the CPRB in July. “I am very concerned about the size of this current proposal and how its projected funding gap will be filled. Making sure that every voice is heard will help ensure that we end up with the best possible – and most responsible -- five-year game plan for the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North and the rest of the MTA."
The MTA Board approved their proposed five-year $28.1 billion Capital Plan last month. The plan included a $10 billion funding gap.
In order to be enacted, the proposal must first unanimously pass the Capital Program Review Board, which is made up of appointees by the Senate and Assembly Majorities, the Governor and the Mayor of New York City. The board also includes non-voting representatives from the Senate and Assembly Minorities.
Senator Johnson must submit his approval, or veto, by December 30.
Copies of the plan, and its supporting documents are also available at Senator Johnson's District Office, which can be reached at 516.746.5923
Written feedback can also be sent to: MTA Capital Plan Feedback, C/O Senator Craig M. Johnson, 151 Herricks Road, Suite 202, Garden City Park, NY 11040.
In response to a recent editorial in Newsday regarding the MTA's Third Track Project, Senator Johnson wrote the following in today's Newsday:
"I am responding to a Sept. 20 editorial that presented an overly simplified explanation of my opposition to the MTA-LIRR third track expansion project ["Watch your step, MTA"]
My opposition is not limited to eminent domain. During the last few years, cost estimates increased from $1 billion to $1.5 billion. As the price tag keeps changing, so have the MTA's justifications for it. Initially the agency said this project, which would bisect many residential neighborhoods, would increase freight capacity. Now the MTA says it will complement East Side LIRR access.
One would expect the MTA and its allies to at least be consistent in justifying this project. Finally, I cannot ignore the effect on communities I represent. From Floral Park to Hicksville, residents are deeply concerned about the disruptions that will be caused by the construction and its effect on the suburban character of their neighborhoods."
COMMENTARY The Sentinel 11040's readership and the citizens of the 7th Senate District gratefully appreciate Senator Johnson's clarification of his position regarding the Third Track Project. We, the citizens of the LIRR main communities, wholeheartedly support his opposition to the Third Track Project because its proposals will inflict irreparable damage to our suburban quality of life. Thank you, Senator Johnson, for standing firm in your opposition to this costly and unnecessary project.
On Wednesday, Sept. 23rd, the MTA Board voted to spend $28.1 billion in its proposed five year capital program which funds transit projects from 2010-2014. This proposed spending plan now requires the approval of the MTA Capital Program Review Board. Of course, our own Senator Craig Johnson (7th Senate District) is the newest member of this Board.
Unfortunately, a local LI newspaper erroneously reported that the MTA's proposed capital program includes funds to conduct an environmental impact statement for the Third Track Project.
In response to this error, Senator Johnson's staff reported today that not only is there no money for a Third Track EIS in the 2010-2014 plan, but there is no money for anything with respect to the Third Track Project. Senator Johnson stands firm in his opposition to the MTA's Third Track proposals, and supports the citizens of the main line communities who vehemently oppose this unnecessary and wasteful project.
Those who still have questions and/or concerns are urged to call Senator Johnson's office at 516-746-5923 for further details.
Pursuant to Section 1269 A of the Public Authorities Law, Governor David Paterson appointed Senator Craig Johnson (7th Senate District) as a member of the MTA Capital Program Review Board, upon recommendation of the Temporary President of the Senate.Senator John has graciously accepted this appointment and, as always, he is eager to serve the people of New York State is this very important role. His goals are to increase community input in the MTA's services and ensure that the MTA's capital program is properly administered. He recently stated,
"Especially in this economic crisis, we need to make sure that our capital dollars are spent wisely and that Long Island and the other suburban communities across the MTA region are having their transportation needs met....I look forward joining the MTA officials and my fellow board members in this critically important undertaking."
The Sentinel 11040 and its readers extend Senator Johnson our heartiest congratulations. We trust that his representation on this powerful board will provide it the voice of good sense and wisdom!
Every five years, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) must submit a capital spending program for the next five years. This fiscal system was established in the early 1980's to insure that New York's subways and commuter railroads (which were nearly collapsed in the late 1970's from decades of deferred maintenance) received adequate capital investment. This process was successful; thus, New York's rail transit systems presently function with reasonable reliability.
Under NYS Law, an MTA Capital Program must be unanimously approved by a four member board known as the MTA Capital Program Review Board. Approval of a capital program is presumed unless, within 90 days, a member of this board vetoes it. The members of this board are appointed by the Governor of New York, NYS Senate Majority Leader, the NYS Speaker of the Assembly, and the Mayor of New York City.
As a member of the Capital Program Review Board (CPRB), each member is responsible for reviewing, monitoring, and approving the MTA's proposed multi-billion dollar five year spending program. Since all capital programs must be unanimously approved, each member's power to veto enables him/her to pass and/or reject any proposal(s) presented to the CPRB.
It is The Sentinel's great pleasure to report that Senator Craig Johnson (7th Senate District) has been tapped to represent the Senate’s Democratic Majority on this very powerful MTA Capital Program Review Board. As a member of this powerful board, Senator Johnson will have veto power over the MTA/LIRR’s proposed Third Track Project – an initiative he has staunchly opposed since he gained his seat in the NY Senate two years ago.
Senator Johnson has always has been a tireless advocate for Main Line communities and joined residents in their staunch opposition to the MTA/LIRR's controversial Third Track expansion project because of the disastrous impact it would have on the quality of life in our suburban neighborhoods. He is also the author of the Main Line Community Empowerment Act (S.7037), which would only allow the project to move forward after two thirds of the host towns and villages approve it.
Although LIRR President Helena Williams announced that the Third Track has been temporarily suspended amid multi-million dollar budgetary shortfalls, the MTA Board continues to indicate that it is committed to this project. Senator Johnson has always vowed to remain vigilant in his fight against the Third Track - which he still opposes. As a member of the CPRB, he wants to focus his attention on improving the cost effectiveness of MTA projects - projects which have been notoriously mismanaged for years. Additionally, he plans to address the need for greater north-south transportation links on Long Island as well as to encourage a more efficient outreach by the MTA to its customers and the communities it serves.
Of course, the citizens of all the main line communities, including New Hyde Park, remain cautiously optimistic that Governor Paterson will accept the nomination of Senator Johnson to the MTA Capital Program Review Board as soon as possible.
As citizens, we became homeowners and taxpayers in the 11040 area because we cherish our neighborhoods, our small town lifestyle, our schools, and our religious communities. However, as citizens, we also bear the responsibility to become active and educated so that our voice and our vision for the future are both acknowledged and represented by those who speak for us. And, if there was ever a time to live those words…it is now! If you value where you live and your largest personal investment, your home, the time has come to protect and defend it!
The information presented on this blog site should be considered one of many educational resources used by those who reside in the New Hyde Park 11040 area. It is hosted by a team of ordinary citizens who share a serious concern about the future stability of our community.It is our mission to inspire citizens to learn more about the issues and to take an active role in protecting their suburban quality of life and economic stability. Please feel free to visit often. If you would like to contact "The Sentinel" for more information, please email us at thesentinel11040@gmail.com
Any use and/or reproduction of posted material on this blog site must be approved in writing by The Sentinel 11040.
NYS Senator Craig Johnson (7th Senate District), 151 Herricks Road, Suite 202, Garden City Park, NY 11040; P- 516-746-5923; Fax 516-746-5926
NYS Senator Dean Skelos (9th Senate District; MTA Capital Program Review Board Member); District Office, 55 Front Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570; 516-766-8383
NYS Senator Kemp Hannon (6th Senate District) Community Office, 224 7th Street, Garden City, NY 11530; 516-739-1700 NYS Assemblyman Tom Alfano (21st Assembly District) Chase Building, 925 Hempstead Tpke., Room 305, Franklin Square, NY 11010; 516-437-5577
NYS Assemblyman Tom McKevitt (17th Assembly District), 224 Seventh Street, Suite 200, Garden City, NY 11530; 516-739-5119
US Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (4th Congressional District) 200 Garden City Plaza, Suite 320, Garden City, NY 11530; 516-739-3008
US Senator Charles Schumer 757 Third Ave., Suite 17-02, New York, NY 10017; P = 212-486-4430; Fax = 212-486-7803
