FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com DECEMBER 17, 2015 • THE COURIER SUN 11 Community Board 5 supports western Queens light rail concept BY ANTHONY GIUDICE agiudice@ridgewoodtimes.com @A_GiudiceReport They’re on board with light rail in western Queens. Members of Community Board 5 overwhelmingly backed a resolution at its Wednesday meeting supporting a local lawmaker’s plan to bring a light rail system between Glendale and Long Island City along the Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR) Montauk branch. The 34-6 vote backed the idea previously pitched by Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, though there were some concerns over negative impacts this plan could bring to the communities. “Light rail is quiet, energy effi cient, it’s a mode of transportation that I believe is just the right type of mode for these tracks,” Crowley told the board prior to Wednesday’s vote. “It is nothing like the current freight that runs on the tracks. It’s more like a bus, but traveling without the delays we have on our congested roads. Light rail cars are clean and would greatly improve the quality of life for the residents Community Board 5 backed Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley’s light rail plan during their meeting on Dec. 9. in Community Board 5.” Currently the rail line is used to transport freight, creating a burden for the communities. Crowley warned that if something is not done with these tracks that would benefi t the communities, the LIRR plans to increase the amount of freight traveling along the Montauk Line. During a meeting with LIRR vice president, Crowley noted, the agency indicated it had “no intention of stopping the freight that is operating on the lower Montauk Line, but every intention of increasing that freight.” The next step to bring the light rail plan to fruition would be to secure the funds to conduct a full engineering study, which would cost nearly $300,000, Crowley said. The lawmaker expects the full project to cost around $50 million. Making Atlas Park the terminus of the proposed route raised concerns with some of the board members, contending that an Atlas Park hub would bring more cars into Glendale as potential users of the light rail would park in the shopping center’s parking lot. Crowley, however, suggested Atlas Park would be the ideal place for a new commuter rail station in Glendale. THE COURIER/Photo by Anthony Giudice “The idea here is to get cars off the road so you would want to encourage people to use the three different buses that come into Atlas Park and right in the area, whether it’s the Q54, the Q47 or the Q29 buses, which come from all different directions,” Crowley said. “A quick bus ride or a short walk to the light rail makes more sense than having to drive and pay for parking which can be very expensive.” Great rates like ours are always in season. 24-Month CD 1.30%APY* $5,000 minimum deposit At Flushing Bank, we’re small enough to know you and large enough to provide you with the great rates you’re looking for. Hurry, an offer like this can’t last forever. For more information and to find out about our other great offers, visit your local Flushing Bank branch, call 800.581.2889 or visit www.FlushingBank.com. 60-Month CD 2..25%APY* $5,000 minimum deposit * New money only. APY effective December 14, 2015. Annual percentage yield assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for a full year at current rate. Minimum deposit balance of $5,000 is required. Funds cannot be transferred from an existing Flushing Bank account. Premature withdrawals may be subject to bank and IRS penalties. Rates and offer are subject to change without notice. Flushing Bank is a registered trademark
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