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Light Rain Commuters: Wantagh station is deplorable
Pigeons are a major concern; LIRR leaders tout upcoming renovation
The planned renovation of Wantagh’s Long Island Rail Road station can’t come soon enough for commuters, who say that it has been neglected for far too long. And once the project rolls around, they hope it addresses one big concern — pigeons.
The prevalence of pigeons, and their droppings, was a major topic of discussion at an LIRR community meeting at the Wantagh Library on Sept. 30. It was hosted by County Legislator David Denenberg, and LIRR representatives Bob Brennan and Pat Gerakaris, both Wantagh residents themselves, were on hand to listen to residents’ concerns and provide information about future projects.
“The station is clearly due for an overhaul at the platform level,” said Gerakaris, a Babylon branch line manager who handles stations from St. Albans to Massapequa Park. He was referring to the planned $20.7 million renovation that is expected to begin in late 2015 or early 2016, and last about two years. During that time, the entire platform will be replaced. Other work will include new canopies and escalators, and the addition of an elevator.
The existing platform dates back to the 1960s. Railroad officials explained that it was supposed to be replaced several years ago, but the project was bumped back because of work that need to be done one stop east.
Brennan said that the platform at the Seaford station deteriorated so quickly that that project was moved up, pushing Wantagh back. Similar work is currently being done at the Massapequa station. “Wantagh was supposed to be replaced many, many moons ago,” he said, “but it got pushed back, pushed back, pushed back.”
Asked by residents why they should believe that it is finally Wantagh’s turn, Brennan and Gerakaris said the platform renovation is part of an approved capital budget.
“We’ve been given dates before and the dates have been pushed back,” said Alan Ascher, who has used the Wantagh station for the past 19 years. “I’m a little cynical. The track record is not good.”
Ascher said that big projects like East Side Access get funding, but work that affects current commuters seems to be neglected. “I have issues with this whole station,” he said, “and the way it has been allowed to fall apart.”
