The Long Island Rail Road claims the Main Line Corridor Improvements Project, which includes the addition of a third track, elimination of five grade crossings and improvements to bridges and stations, is an attempt to build a "safer, quieter quality of life." Residents of several communities that will be directly affected by the project vehemently disagree. Many voiced their opinions to LIRR representatives at the first two public scoping meetings held on Tuesday at the Jericho Terrace in Mineola.

The main line corridor runs 11.5 miles between Queens Village and Hicksville train stations, and includes Bellerose, Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Merillon Avenue, Mineola, Carle Place and Westbury. The rail road contends that the third track is needed to accommodate anticipated ridership growth and relieve track congestion during peak periods. They foresee a significant increase in reverse commuters, who travel east during morning peak hours.

At issue is not whether crossings should be elevated; it is generally agreed that the move would improve safety and help traffic flow. According to a video shown during the meeting, if the crossings are not elevated, the gates at the New Hyde Park Road crossing are expected to be down an average of 49 minutes per hour in 2020 during 6 and 7 p.m., the peak of the evening commute. However, some people objected to the linkage of the grade elevation project with the addition of the third track, which is opposed by many and the focus of controversy.

Residents from several communities have formed a group called Citizens Against Rail Expansion (CARE) and waved signs and solicited petition signatures before the afternoon meeting. Although the rail road has said they will try to avoid property acquisitions, people are afraid that there is no guarantee that their backyards will not be taken away. They are also concerned that additional trains will mean more noise, pollution and structural stress on their homes. Several people are also worried that the project will move the track so close to their homes that property values will be negatively affected.

During the construction phase, several people cited concerns about rodent infestation and elimination of parking, which is already in short supply. Floral Park small business owner Bill Corbett said the project would be detrimental to business owners located near the track.

Many opponents said at the meeting that the LIRR has "not been a good neighbor" and believe that the money should be used for maintenance of existing stations, trains and tracks. People are also concerned that the underlying reason for the project is to accommodate more freight trains, although a LIRR representative refuted the claim.

A large group of residents and several officials from Floral Park, Bellerose and Mineola spoke at the two sessions. A handful of Garden City residents, including Village Clerk Brian Ridgway, as well as Eastern Property Owner's Association President Robert Stark and Western Property Owner's Association President John Traxler, were also in attendance. Garden City Mayor Gerard Lundquist and other Village officials are expected to attend the next scoping meeting on Tuesday, June 21 at Antun's in Hicksville.

Tuesday's sessions from 4 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. will be the last meetings before the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and LIRR begin drafting an Environmental Impact Statement, which is mandated under the federal National Environmental Policy Act. The draft EIS is scheduled to be ready by the spring of 2006, which will then be followed by public review and comment. Formal hearings will be held in early 2007 and a final EIS will be prepared by the summer of that year. Construction is slated to begin in 2009.