LIRR unveils new 920-space parking garage in Wyandanch

The president of the Long Island Rail Road on Thursday joined elected officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the LIRR's new five-story parking garage near Wyandanch station.

LIRR president Patrick Nowakowski said the "state of the art" structure features 920 spaces, a towering glass-painted art installation and several security features, including cameras. "It's a great facility," Nowakowski said.

The parking garage is scheduled to formally open Sept. 1 with prices ranging from $3 for up to six hours to $70 for a monthly parking permit. However, the garage is already in use and all fees are waived through the end of August.

The garage is the railroad's contribution to the Wyandanch Rising transit-oriented development underway in the community. The LIRR funded the $29 million structure through federal funds and through the MTA's 2010-2014 capital program.

"This structure is more than just a place to park cars," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said at the ceremony. "This structure is the physical manifestation of a powerful partnership developed over time between a local community striving to better its circumstances and the largest commuter railroad in the country."