By DEBBIE ROSEN
Despite sending out a press release touting several possible renovations that will make Oceanside's train station a "community gateway," Ninth Senatorial District incumbent Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) was unable to name specifics when contacted last week.
While commuters say they would welcome renovations to the ailing station, some wondered if the timing of the plan is an honest effort or an eleventh hour bid to voters during a campaign season filled with questions about a possible backlash over county problems as happened last year.
"It seems a bit suspicious that everyone is concerned about the station right now and the station has looked run down for years," said Robert Silverberg, of Oceanside.
Another commuter agreed. "Changes always seem to come close to an election," said Lorraine Rundo, a Long Beach resident who travels by train from the Oceanside station. "Whether it's road work or the train station, I think [the politicians] save it all up for right about now."
Mr. Skelos' release said the plan is in it's early stages and upgrades "may" include new roofing; the repair of curbs and sidewalks; the replacement of inefficient and damaged doors and windows; interior enhancements; and landscaping and facade beautification.
While campaigning at the Oceanside Train Station on Friday, Sept. 22, Senator Dean Skelos said, he hasn't even seen the plans for the station yet. A spokesperson for Senator Skelos' office commented the project will probably be a, "renovation/enhancement and not a project expansion plan."
As for his response to commuter skepticism, Senator Skelos said it is simply the way things worked out. "We just negotiated the MTA Capital Plan this past year in April and you can't stop government," he said. "I don't think people would not want us to do it because its an election year."
Funding for the facelift at the Oceanside train station would come from the 2000/04 MTA Capital Plan. "I've been able to get funding through the MTA specifically for this station and others in the district," said Senator Skelos. "We want our commuters to start their day pleasurably."
Long Island Rail Road officials could not be reached for comment.
More than just beautification needed
As plans to revitalize the Oceanside Train Station are tracked, residents hope Long Island Rail Road administrators will consider their requests when putting pen to paper for the final plans.
Parking or the lack there of was the top gripe of commuters last week who said there just isn't enough room for everyone.
"If you get here after the 7:30, you park on the streets and get ticketed," said Christine Brennan. "All the blocks across Lawson and the other way across the tracks there are "No Parking" signs and you have to walk blocks and blocks," she added. "I might as well walk from home."
"I don't have to make a train until 8:15 A.M., and I come here half and hour early," said Anne Shames. "If I knew I could park somewhere at 8 A.M. and even paid for a sticker like $100 for the year to get a guaranteed parking spot, I'd be all for it," she added. "When I get off that train at 7 P.M. and I have to cross Lawson Boulevard, it's terrible."
"We do need more parking because if you get here a late, you have to hike a bit," said Bill Thornhill. While some commuters favored the building of a two-level parking garage, Mr. Thornhill did not support the idea. He like the majority of commuters the
Herald spoke thought it would ruin the ambiance of the town.
Ms. Rundo, said longer parking limits should be put into place along Lawson Boulevard where a one hour restriction on parking keeps commuters from using the area adjacent to the train.
Town Councilman Anthony Santino said parking at the Oceanside train station will be addressed, but, that the no parking signs will stay. "It's a tough situation because you have the needs of individuals who commute by rail and the interests of the surrounding neighbors," said Councilman Santino. "If those signs were removed, those residents would be up in arms. It's a tough balancing act."
One commuter felt residents ought to be more conscious of the environment. "There are thousands of square feet of parking and I think more people should carpool or even walk and save on energy," said Marc Rosenberg.
Additional requests from commuters included everything from a larger ticket office where commuters could seek shelter from storms to additional landscaping. When one resident was asked what he'd like to see added to the station the answer addressed a basic need. "A bathroom," said Mark Spund.
While many Oceanside residents said additions to the train station are needed, one Island Park resident said Oceanside offers more than his hometown station.
"I just came here today from Island Park. You have a ticket booth and we don't have that," said Tom O'Brien of Island Park. "You've also got convenience stores and deli's that we don't have. I think I'll start coming here more," he added.
