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Reopen Republic Sta.

LIRR stop in East Farmingdale could become a major transit hub for Rte 110

May 8, 2008

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The proposed reopening of the Republic train station in East Farmingdale is just the kind of smart-growth thinking that Long Island needs - mass-transit hubs anchoring jobs and housing. As Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials study the possibility, we hope that they spend some time in their automobiles in Huntington, Oyster Bay and Babylon. The traffic is persuasive.

The Republic train station, which closed in 1987, is part of a larger plan to reduce car traffic along the Route 110 corridor, even while allowing for new office space. The Island needs good jobs and lower-cost homes to retain young workers. So Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone has proposed a Transit Village at the Republic stop that would include office, hotel, retail and residential space.

It's not possible to know whether this is a good idea without more details. But the location is well-suited. It's near Republic Airport, the Southern State Parkway and highly commercial Route 110. Local officials want to add bus rapid transit lanes along 110 and encourage employers to provide environmentally friendly "pool" cars for employees who need to get around the Island for work.

The Long Island Rail Road should also consider offering secure overnight parking for non-residents to make reverse commuting more feasible for New York City dwellers.

The LIRR should move quickly on its proposed $3.5 million study of the Republic station. Good ideas for development should move faster than the Expressway at rush hour.

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