Just Sayin': Time for an express second tier over LIE

Highways are for driving, not sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. When people talk about Long Island, one word that often comes up is “traffic.” It’s not the word you want to hear when describing this beautiful place.

We need to start talking about building a second tier over the Long Island Expressway.

We have the congressmen, county executives and other political leaders who could help raise the money to fund the project. Not only would it make Long Island more accessible, but it would also create a ton of jobs, fuel the local economy and make driving around or to Long Island more productive and pleasurable.

The project could be broken down into sections and phases and funded one section at a time. By building a second tier and following the current roadway and ramps, there will be minimal intrusion on residential and business properties.

Make the second tier an express roadway with exit and entrance ramps connecting only with the main north-south parkways and Nicolls Road in Stony Brook.

It’s time to start this conversation. It’s a win-win for everyone.

— Steve Louro, Nissequogue

Let’s finally address parkway flooding

The Cross Island Parkway recently flooded and was forced to close again at the Throgs Neck Bridge — in both directions. The previous contractor should be sued.

When I was a child in the ’60s, I remember the same flooding and witnessed a car hydroplane and do a 360-degree spin in the same area that keeps flooding. The parkway has been repaved several times with no improvement to the flooding situation.

Many other areas between the bridge and Northern Boulevard also form dangerous puddles, on both the right and left lane edges, and again in both directions.

It would be nice to see our tax dollars get the job done correctly.

— Steven Matza, Whitestone

Sharing the spotlight with the county exec

While recently browsing in my local library, I came upon a brochure describing Nassau County’s summer recreation program, scheduled for July and August in county parks. The program looks like fun, with a range of activities available for youngsters ages 5-12.

But why in the world does Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman appear prominently in five of six photos in a tri-panel brochure about a kids’ program?

The inside shots feature him chatting with kids, perhaps offering advice or tips about the games they are playing. His name and title also appear twice on the brochure, a reminder (for those who need it) of who’s in charge in Nassau.

I’m glad that Blakeman supports this program, which is an important resource for children in the summer months. But is it necessary for him to appear in almost every picture? A summer rec program for kids shouldn’t be a photo op for elected officials.

— Richard Conway, Massapequa