MAINLINE VILLAGES CONSOLIDATE THEIR EFFORTS

At recent public hearings in each respective village, the LIRR Main Line corridor villages of Bellerose, Floral Park, Garden City, New Hyde Park, Mineola and Westbury, who are members of CARE INC. (Citizens Against Rail Expansion), have officially passed resolutions to consolidate their efforts to fight the MTA- LIRR’s Third Track Project by agreeing to collectively finance legal and expert services to challenge their proposals.

This cost-sharing arrangement will hopefully become an effective partnership in protecting our mutual villages against all MTA-LIRR proposals which seek to challenge our suburban way of life.

NYS citizens cry, "NO MORE WASTEFUL BAILOUTS!"

newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/wednesday/news/ny-nymta256048570feb25,0,5280625.story

Newsday.com

MTA board "hopeful" state will increase aid to system

BY KEITH HERBERT; Staff writer Alfonso A. Castillo contributed to this story

February 25, 2009

Members of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board returned from a trip to Albany yesterday "hopeful" after a day of trying to persuade state lawmakers to bail out the struggling agency.

Mitch Pally, an MTA board member from Stony Brook, said board members got a wide range of feedback from legislators, including "complaints" about some aspects of a plan proposed by the Ravitch Commission to cut costs.

But overall, Pally said it was apparent that the lawmakers realize the importance of doing something to stave off the effects of the agency's "doomsday" budget - and fast.

Without cash from the state, MTA officials say they would be forced to increase fares systemwide, impose service cuts and establish tolls on the East River bridges to help close a $1.2-billion budget deficit that is projected to deepen this year.

"If they don't do something quickly, we're going to have to put into effect the service cuts," MTA chairman Dale Hemmerdinger said yesterday before about 10 MTA members boarded a train for Albany.

If the MTA is unable to find the additional dollars, the cuts and fare increases could begin by the end of March. MTA officials mounted a similar campaign in January.

Critics say the fare hikes are equal to a tax increase.

"We'll see what happens," said Pally, adding that lawmakers in both houses said they expected to address the Ravitch Plan in the coming weeks.

Plans to close the MTA budget shortfall were released in December. Crafted by former MTA chairman Richard Ravitch, the so-called Ravitch Plan includes tolls on the East River bridges and a payroll tax on businesses.

The "mobility tax" would generate $1.5 billion a year for the MTA budget.

Hemmerdinger said MTA officials would push for adoption of the Ravitch Plan if legislators couldn't come up with something better.

Staff writer Alfonso A. Castillo contributed to this story.

Copyright © 2009, Newsday Inc.

Commentary

Overwhelming feedback from our readers seems to suggest that lawmakers should proceed with caution about voting in favor of yet another bailout - this time for the MTA! Before any more taxpayers' dollars are wasted on this mismanaged and historically wasteful "authority", an official and comprehensive investigation should take place...one that opens the MTA's books so that we, the taxpayers, can review them for ourselves. Taxpayers are tired of sinking their hard-earned money into this black-hole which is otherwise known as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Telecare Broadcast

Recently, TELECARE TV Network (Cablevision's Ch. 29) aired the show "Exploring Critical Issues 029: Transportation" hosted by Dr. Robert Scott, President of Adelphi University. Helena Williams (President of the LIRR) and Matthew Crosson, President of the Long Island Association were among the guests invited to discuss the future of mass transportation on Long Island.

During this broadcast, Helena Williams announced that The Third Track Project remained a very high priority for the MTA/LIRR. This announcement was very well received by other members of the panel. In addition, the overall message suggested that:

• citizens who live in mainline communities should stop thinking of their "local" issues and to start considering the benefits this project will provide for the region.
  
• conversely, planners must consider the impact of these transportation projects to local communities.
• The Third Track Project and East Side Access will save Long Island's housing market
• mass transportation and "high density housing" will stop the exodus of young people from LI; they theorized that the growing pool of young people living in these apartments will form a talented labor pool that will attract more businesses to Long Island.

This program will not air again for a few months. It can be purchased in DVD format from Telecare. Please call 516-538-8700 ext. 110 and order program ECI-029 Transportation.

Commentary

NYS is expected to receive a minimum of $24.6 billion in stimulus cash this year and next. That's up from the $20.5 billion estimate provided last week from Sen. Charles Schumer. Considering that part of this cash infusion is slated for "infrastructure," it seems likely that the Third Track Project may, indeed, be back in the limelight again.

Needless to say, this is devastating news to many citizens who live in main line communities, especially in light of the fact that the present economic crisis and overall decline in properties values would translate into a "next to nothing" buy out if the MTA proceeds with their plans to condemn residential properties for the project.

WHY DO WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THE MOST OVER DEVELOPED SUBURB IN THE USA? Those of us who invested our lifetime savings in our Long Island homes chose to live here for the suburban neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and single family homes that have become the foundation of our Long Island community.

It seems the overwhelming majority of Long Islanders are feeling the pressure to become the 6th borough of NYC - with significantly more multiple dwelling units, more traffic and congestion, and increased population. Although we face economic challenges in the years ahead, it is important to note that Long Island homes are becoming more affordable and interest rates quite attractive. Through the natural cycle of the housing market, it seems single-family dwellings and the suburban milieu of our communities could be preserved.

If you are interested in protecting your lifetime investment, YOUR HOME and lifestyle, express your opinion to those members of the TELECARE broadcast who seem promote and endorse the Third Track Project:

Helena Williams
President, Long Island Rail Road
Jamaica Station
Jamaica, NY 11435-4380

Dr. Robert Scott
President, Adelphi University
Levermore Hall, Room 100
1 South Ave.,
PO Box 701
Garden City, NY 11530
Office Phone 516-877-3838
Fax: 516-877-3845

Matthew T. Crosson, Esq.,
President of the Long Island Association 631-493-3001 (Office Phone)
631-499-2194 (Fax)
mcrosson@longislandassociation.org

Senator Craig Johnson Heads Important Senate Committee

Senator Craig Johnson (7th Senate District) has been chosen as to lead the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, a powerful committee that is responsible for oversight of state government operations.

In addition to this prestigious chairmanship, Senator Johnson will remain a member of the Senate Committees on:

• Health and Education
• Local Government
• Insurance
  
• Racing, Gaming and Wagering

For more information about Senator Johnson's work on behalf of the 7th Senate District, please visit http://www.nyssenate7.com/7/Default.aspx