By Howard Koplowitz
An LIRR spokeswoman confirmed that the agency spoke to the three mayors but declined to say what was discussed because the project is still in the planning stages. The MTA is currently in the midst of drafting the project.”It's premature for me to give you details on the (draft environmental impact study) process,” said Susan McGowan, the spokeswoman.But Floral Park, L.I. Mayor Phil Guarnieri said in a statement on the village's Web site that the MTA informed him in early December that it will not acquire private or public property in the area Ð one of the community's major concerns of the project. That property includes two public schools, the Floral Park library, firehouse and Village Hall.”This is a tremendous victory for our residents, our business community and a great relief to everyone whose home or business was held hostage to the MTA-LIRR's threat to use its power of eminent domain in Floral Park!” the mayor said.The LIRR said it needs to build a third track on its main corridor Ð which runs from Queens Village to Hicksville, L.I. Ð to alleviate congestion and to improve the reverse commute from Long Island.Despite the MTA's promise, Guarnieri said Floral Park, Bellerose and New Hyde Park still “strongly oppose this billion-dollar project, which remains an unwanted and unneeded waste of our taxpayer's precious resources.”Bellerose, L.I. Mayor Donna Scherrer confirmed on her village's Web site that the MTA would not take property in that community.The two mayors also said that the third track will not be constructed in Bellerose, L.I. or the west end of Floral Park, L.I. Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
