Letters

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: LYNBROOK, EAST ROCKAWAY

March 24-30, 2016

Posted

Fix the East Rockaway train stations

To the Editor:
Regarding the article “Lynbrook on LIRR’s ‘to do list’ (March 10-16) about the condition of the canopy over the platform at the Lynbrook station, and the $3.7 million of funding for the yet-to-be-scheduled renovations:
I take the train from that station on occasion, and I feel that repairs need to be done. However, I use the East Rockaway and Centre Avenue stations (both in East Rockaway) much more often. Through the years, I’ve witnessed repairs and upgrades to the Lynbrook station, including its elevator, escalator, the lighting and the waiting room.
In addition, the Oceanside, Island Park and Long Beach stations have been either partially or completely rebuilt or modernized. Oceanside even has an enclosed and heated waiting room. Granted, some of those projects were a result of damage from Superstorm Sandy, but it seems that there was a general updating or replacement program going on before that.
To us riders who use the East Rockaway and Centre Avenue stations, I don’t need to describe the conditions to which we are exposed. I would, however, like to enlighten others that there are only two shelters on each of those platforms to provide relief from the elements. They are constructed of metal and Plexiglas, and have two openings, no doors. The walls don’t extend to the platform surface, which is a blessing in disguise because the structures are often using as urinals, and the open bottoms permit rainwater to rinse the floor on occasion.
With the open doorways, it’s difficult to protect yourself form the elements, depending on which way the wind is blowing. The plastic windows are so scratched with graffiti that it’s difficult to see through them. That in itself poses a safety hazard for passengers who are unable to see inside before entering — as well as preventing police from observing what may be happening inside.

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