By Sarah Moskowitz
Higgins lives nearby the East Rockaway train station, by Davison Plaza, and although there is a perimeter fence lining the area, Higgins said the fence is substandard. He has made numerous contacts, including letters to Ken Bauer, president of the LIRR, describing a broken-down fence that is leaning over and full of holes. The response he has gotten is not exactly what he was hoping for.
Since he began corresponding with Bauer in May, Higgins has received two letters in response to his three. Higgins said he was told the fence would be inspected and repaired, but has not seen anyone tending to the fence and said that repairs could not fix the extensive damage. He said he was told the LIRR simply does not have the money to fully replace the fence right now.
"I don't think [funding] is a really good excuse when somebody could get killed," said Higgins.
Higgins is not only troubled by the appearance of the six-foot high fence, but is also concerned that its condition may pose a hazard to students at nearby East Rockaway High School. He said he feels that students may use the large holes in the fence to climb through as a shortcut, leaving them exposed to the tracks.
Sam Zambuto, a spokesman for the LIRR, said in response to Higgins' letters that they have fixed the fence. On May 30 the LIRR claims they repaired the fence east of Davison Plaza, on Oct. 8 they re-inspected the area and on Nov. 8 additional repairs were made at the rear end of the fence at Davison Plaza.
"From the inspections that have been performed, the fence is in a good state of repair, and repairs are made as needed where the fence may have been compromised," said Zambuto.
Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony Santino said, however, the fence is so badly damaged that replacing the chain link is not enough of a solution. Santino said that what the area needs is a fence like the one built in Lynbrook -- tall, secure and unobtrusive.
"Bill is right on target," said Santino of Higgins. "I think this is an area that certainly needs to be addressed. You have open, exposed railroad tracks with a fence that's in a poor state of repair."
East Rockaway Mayor Charles Formont said that he had heard no other complaints about the fence at that location. Formont added that although the property belongs to the LIRR, the village would take further action, but will wait for a written letter from Higgins to do so.
"Once [Higgins] puts it in writing, we'll follow up on it," said Formont.
Zambuto said the LIRR will respond to Higgins' most recent letter and on Dec. 19, additional inspections and repairs will be made as needed.
