By Scott Lewis
$11 million in funding secured
The City of Long Beach will receive nearly $11 million in state funding for a new parking facility at the railroad station, it was announced at a press conference at City Hall on Monday, October 16.
Through the 2000-2004 MTA Capital Plan, resources have been made available for enhancement projects at Long Island Railroad stations.
Of the $10,975,000 sum, New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dean Skelos successfully secured $6 million from the Senate's MTA Capital Plan allocation, and Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg obtained $4 million from the Assembly's share of MTA Capital Plan Funds. The remaining $975,000 was provided through the New York State Department of Transportation in matching grants.
There is no current timetable for the project's construction, according to Long Beach Democratic Party Leader Gene Cammarato. Almost a million dollars have already been spent on design plans, which are completed.
"This is an important project for local residents, commuters and business owners," Mr. Skelos said. "I am very pleased that the City of Long Beach sought our assistance in this project and that we succeeded in making this vision a reality. This is an investment in our local businesses and in our quality-of-life that will pay dividends for everyone in our community."
Since 1997, the City of Long Beach and the LIRR have worked together to develop plans and specifications for a new parking facility at the City's train station that would address the area's severe parking shortage. As proposed, the project will potentially double the available commuter parking by creating over 200 new spaces. Moreover, landscaping and other aesthetic improvements is expected to dramatically upgrade the attractiveness of the commercial district.
"Station parking is an important attribute in the total transportation package that the LIRR provides," said LIRR Acting President Kenneth Bauer. "That's why these capital funds secured by Senator Skelos and Assemblyman Weisenberg for a new parking facility at Long Beach station are so critical to encourage and entice Long Islanders to choose public transportation as the most effective and efficient means to journey to work, or for leisure time activities, in Manhattan."
Following an August 1st meeting with local officials, including City Manager Bruce Nyman, to discuss the need for such a parking facility and other proposed aesthetic enhancements at the Long Beach LIRR station, Senator Skelos and Assemblyman Weisenberg effectively worked to secure the requisite resources. In addition, Senator Skelos vigorously lobbied the State Department of Transportation for the $975,000 matching grant.
The parking improvements are designed to ease congestion at both the train station and bus terminal, and provide additional access to the City's downtown business district.
"The completion of this vital project will beautify our central business district, bolster the downtown parking situation and address the concerns of our commuters," said City Manager Nyman. "Once again, our good friends Dean Skelos and Harvey Weisenberg have hit a bi-partisan home run for this community."
