LIRR, water quality top concerns in Malverne

Two state Assemblymen received a warm welcome in Malverne last month, where they held the village’s first town hall meeting in more than a decade.

Some two dozens residents filled the gallery in the courtroom at Malverne Village Hall on May 26 and thanked Assemblymen Brian Curran (R-Lynbrook) and Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) for the opportunity to address some of their concerns.

The two primary issues brought to the Assemblymen’s attention were the loss of a morning rush-hour Long Island Rail Road train and the brown water that has plagued Malverne in recent years.

Curran said there is no doubt that the 7:24 a.m. westbound train out of Malverne must be reinstated. He told residents he spoke with LIRR president Helena Williams about the issue and was reassured that restoring the train is a top priority despite funding shortfalls.

Funding shortfalls are always an issue for the LIRR, said resident Larry Hoppenhauer, who later thanked the Assemblymen for “keeping this issue alive.” But he said he doesn’t buy that excuse in this case because the LIRR was able to add other trains to its schedule and install new signs throughout its stations.

In response, Ra said he sympathized with train riders and local businesses who pay the MTA payroll tax. “We’re paying more and getting less,” he said, reassuring residents that he will continue to pay close attention to the MTA. He also urged residents to reach out to Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) with their MTA-related concerns.

As for Malverne’s water quality, the Assemblymen said they’ve been in discussions with Bill Varley, president of local water supplier Long Island American Water, about upgrading the company’s infrastructure. Having “pressed” Varley on the matter, he committed to spend more than double last year’s funding for infrastructure upgrades, according to Curran. Whereas LIAW spent $382,000 in 2010, it would spend $743,000 in 2011 and 2012. Additionally, Ra said, the company is in the early design phase of a second water filtration pant in North Lynbrook, which could help reduce the amounts of iron in the water.

Residents raised other issues — including the state’s potential 2 percent tax cap and problems the village has faced since the installation by Nassau County last year of a new traffic light system — which Curran and Ra both addressed, making sure to note that they are willing to listen to any and all concerns, be they village-, county- or state-related.

“Brian [Curran], being a former mayor, understands the importance of villages and he wants to let residents know that they’re fighting for us, and he really wants to try and resolve problems,” said Malverne Village Trustee Joe Hennessy. “He’s really an excellent representative and Ra is a good fellow. … It’s so hard if you’re not in the majority in the Assembly to get a lot of things done, but at least they appear able to work with people and that’s the key.”

Hennessy went on to say that residents who attended the town hall were happy to have had it and that he hopes the village will “get some positive things out of it.” It appears, he added, the Assemblymen already reached out to County Executive Ed Mangano about some of the traffic concerns that had been brought to their attention.

“Both have demonstrated since they were elected that they do care about their constituents and the communities that they live in,” said Malverne Mayor Patricia McDonald. “And I definitely can see us being to get their support with whatever they can do for us. I’m confident about that.”

The Assemblymen said although it would be at least another year before they would hold another town hall meeting, they are always available to address residents’ concerns.

“We look forward to seeing you in action,” Malverne Civic Association President Peter Robideau told the pair, who received many thanks from residents impressed by their effort to bring a town hall meeting to the village.

The Assemblymen can be reached at their district offices. For Curran, call (516) 561-8216. To reach Ra, call (516) 437-5577.