Battle brewing over LIRR renovation

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A discussion last week among local business owners and a panel of elected officials and representatives of the Long Island Rail Road and the Nassau County Police Department, focusing on the impact of renovations and other problems at the Wantagh LIRR station, often grew heated.

The small gathering, on Nov. 17, was organized by the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce, and took place at The Nook restaurant on Sunrise Highway, where business owners were told of the upcoming renovations. Although only about 20 people attended, there was no shortage of concern in the room.

Participants included County Legislator Steven Rhoads, Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Erin King Sweeny, LIRR officials and 7th Precinct police, who answered questions about the project, which is set to begin next spring.

The Wantagh platform will be demolished and rebuilt in two phases, forcing commuters to move to the last six cars of the train to exit onto the platform. The two-year renovation will also include a new elevator and escalator.

“There will be times we are going to affect the businesses a little bit, and that is when we will have a crane in the area,” LIRR representative Hector Garcia said. “There will be separate locations where the crane will be set up and will be there for three or four days at a time.”

The cranes used in the construction will operate only from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to officials. By 3:30 p.m., they will be moved out of the area to free up traffic before rush hour, Garcia said. “We will not be closing the roads, except for a part of Brands Street because it is narrow,” he added.

LIRR officials also said that the 20-month-long project would not interfere with any commuter or business parking, aside from six handicapped spots under the south side of the platform. The equipment staging area will be at Triangle Park, where the gazebo and statues will be replaced after the renovation is completed.

“I own a [private] parking lot, and there are always commuters parking in it,” said Walter Kiernan, a Wantagh resident and the owner of Anthony’s Deli. “I feel that I get no support from the town and the Police Department.”

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