Nothing ventured, nothing gained. In the pursuit of progress, inaction and complacency are the only true enemies.
Several years ago, I found myself engaged in a discussion with Charles Lefkowitz, the Three Village Chamber of Commerce President, and Mitch Pally, then an MTA Board Member. The subject? The potential electrification of the Port Jefferson line from Huntington to Port Jefferson.
What is railroad electrification? It is the process of powering trains using electricity from a third rail, instead of relying on diesel engines. It allows trains to run cleaner, faster, and more efficiently, making them a more eco-friendly and effective mode of transportation.Top of Form
The seeds of this initiative were sown in my days at Stony Brook University, where Professor Mitch Pally shared with my class the challenges faced in the 1980s in getting this project off the ground. A pressing issue then was the absence of a location to house the trains. Today, that issue may be a thing of the past.
We formed the North Shore Business Alliance, a loose group of volunteers and elected officials that shared a unified support for exploring this electrification. Leaders like Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine and Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim stood with us. The chambers of commerce from various communities along the rail line, such as Three Village, Port Jefferson, Smithtown, St. James, and Kings Park became our steadfast allies. Through collaborative efforts with State Senator Ken LaValle and State Senate President John Flanagan, funding was earmarked in the MTA capital budget for a feasibility study.
A significant breakthrough came with the prospective transfer of the Lawrence Aviation site, a contaminated property, to the Suffolk County Landbank. Through bipartisan cooperation, this site, once remediated, is expected to host the MTA train yard.
Today, we stand at a crossroads. The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council have jointly rolled out an online survey for residents to voice their opinions on the future of electrification along the Port Jefferson LIRR line. This feedback will be invaluable for the impending economic feasibility study.
This is the link to the survey: www.anthonyfigliola.com/pj-survey.
You can also scan this QR code with your phone camera to access it on your phone:
Questions explore transit habits of Suffolk County residents and if their current transportation needs are being met. Examples include how often you ride the LIRR, what makes you ride a certain line over others, and what would need to change to attract you to another line.
Though the feasibility study’s insights are eagerly awaited, the potential of laying an additional track for simultaneous East and West-bound trains is something many would like to learn more about.
The merits of electrification are multi-fold:
Environmental Benefits: Electric trains, unlike their diesel counterparts, will not emit carbon, leading to a cleaner environment.
Economic Development: More trains in operation can rejuvenate towns, drawing younger families who work in the west. It holds promise for Kings Park’s rejuvenation and the forthcoming revitalization plans for St. James and upper Port Jefferson village and Port Jefferson Station business areas.
Reduced Road Congestion: Electrification will facilitate smoother commutes and shorter times for Stony Brook University and University Medical Center affiliates, reducing the vehicular pressure on our roads.
Improved Connectivity: Residents can enjoy uninterrupted rides to prominent stations such as Penn Station and Grand Central Station.
But, at its core, the decision to proceed hinges on one key element: the community’s consensus.
The essence of democracy lies in discussion, debate, and collective decision-making. This project, while promising, won’t move an inch without the community’s thorough examination of its pros and cons, and a unified decision on the best way forward. As we anticipate the feasibility study, it’s crucial to remember that its findings, however detailed, serve as a guide. The real decision-makers are the residents of Suffolk County.
I actively encourage every resident to not only participate in the surveys but engage in discussions, attend community meetings, and voice their concerns or support. This isn’t merely an infrastructure project; it’s a testament to community-led progress.
The electrification of the Port Jefferson Branch offers a tantalizing glimpse of a more connected and thriving future. Yet, its realization rests squarely in the hands of the community. Let this endeavor be a shining example of democracy in action, as we collectively weigh the challenges and rewards, and decide on the path that best serves the future of our community.
Anthony M. Figliola is a Candidate for the Suffolk County Legislature in District 5.
