9 • TIMES, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 ELMHURST LIRR BACK ON TRACK New Station Listed In MTA Capital Plan by Robert Pozarycki Rebuilding the Elmhurst Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station is a goal included in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) five-year capital plan announced last Tuesday, Sept. 23. The proposed $32 billion slate of improvements to its transportation system included a $40 million plan to rebuild the Elmhurst stop in the vicinity of Broadway and Whitney Avenue, which closed in 1985 and was later dismantled. In recent years, community activists and elected officials called on the MTA to rebuild the station to address transportation needs in the ever-growing Elmhurst area. Rep. Joe Crowley led LIRR officials on a tour of the area in March 2012, and officials later launched a community survey gauging public opinion about bringing back the stop. Should funds be secured, the LIRR would construct two 12-car long platforms on either side of the station as well as platform railings and shelters, ticket vending machines, lighting and communication and security systems. The preliminary plans also call for elevators from street to platform to ensure the station meets federal ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Local elected officials welcomed the proposed Elmhurst station, but cautioned the funding must still be secured in the years ahead to make it possible. “Seeing the line item of $40 million for the LIRR Elmhurst stop in the MTA’s capital budget is a long time coming and much welcomed development,” said City Council Member Daniel Dromm in a statement to the Times Newsweekly last Friday, Sept. 26. “However, this capital budget should be seen as a wish list. These projects are not currently fully funded nor approved by the state. I will continue to advocate for this stop, which would cut down commutes and help Elmhurst residents get to where they need to go with greater speed. I hope the MTA will turn this wish from the community into a reality.” Dromm further commented on Monday, Sept. 29, in a joint statement he released with Representatives Crowley and Grace Meng. “We are thrilled to learn the MTA agrees that investing in this community is a win-win and that they have included critical funding to rebuild the station in their recently proposed capital budget,” the lawmakers stated. “For years, Elmhurst residents have called for greater transportation options and we are now one step closer to turning this idea into a reality. We will continue to work with MTA officials to ensure this project -SEE CAPITAL ON PG. 27- Offering Thanks To Ozone Pk. Vet City Council Member Eric Ulrich, Chairman of the City Council Veterans Committee, presented a Good Conduct Medal and City Council Citation to Ozone Park resident, Edward Boes, 79, a Korean War veteran who joined the Navy at the age of 17. He served as an airsdale, station policeman and trained Navy cadets on flying during inclement weather. After some work with the military and National Personnel Records Center, Ulrich’s office obtained a replacement Good Conduct medal from the United States Navy. “Ed Boes is an American patriot and a pillar of the community. This award recognizes his exemplary service to our country and is only a small token of appreciation for all that he has done on our behalf. I am proud to know him personally and consider it an honor to present him with this commendation,” said Ulrich. ©Times Newsweekly - 2014 - UNIDENT
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