Long Islanders Should Resist NIMBYism With Respect to New LIRR Routes

Already residents in several communities on Long Island, including Port Washington, are complaining that the pending opening of Grand Central Madison and the inauguration of the Long Island Railroad’s third track will worsen their daily commutes. But community members, local public servants, the MTA, and the state should join forces and recognize the big picture. Long Islanders not having to take the subway to reach their place of employment. Expanded service for both the morning and afternoon rush hours and off-peak hours. The potential for economic revitalization through reverse commutes of New York city employees to offices in Nassau and Suffolk counties. 

When a large and complex project is first inaugurated, there are bound to be growing pains. Employers in Manhattan would be wise to be accommodating of their employees who are trying to navigate these growing pains. And even after the growing pains have been rectified, all benefits are not doled out equally. Some constituencies will benefit more than others. With respect to Port Washington residents’ concerns, the approach from the new Town of North Hempstead municipal government in expressing openness to building new storage capacity for idle trains is a good start. Within the five boroughs, politicians in Manhattan should stop whining and complaining, instead pausing and reflecting on the fact that Long Island commuters are the backbone of New York city’s economy (and while they’re at it, they should drop their congestion pricing plan as well). As for Brooklynites, they will have their own, dedicated shuttle service connecting neighborhoods that the LIRR serves and Jamaica, which should not be that much more of a hassle than the current schedule. 

Change often comes suddenly, even when there is ample warning. Let’s not let “not in my backyard” commentary from those who get the short side of the stick unravel what should be a good deal for commuters and families.