By Ayala Ben-Yehuda
Renovations to the old freight building at Bayside's Long Island Rail Road station, which is to become a visitor's center and headquarters of the Bayside Business Association, should begin next month.
Judy Limpert, president of the Bayside Business Association, said her group was taking bids for construction work, which she estimated would cost $30,000-$50,000.
“It doesn't need that much,” said Limpert of the LIRR-owned property. Installation of a bathroom, a kitchenette, and an office were expected to be complete within two months, with a meeting room to be built down the road.
The Bayside Business Association currently holds its meetings at the North Fork Bank on the corner of Northern and Bell boulevards. Limpert is manager of both North Fork branches in Bayside.
The BBA has a 10-year lease from the LIRR for the freight building with a 10-year renewal clause.
The freight building renovations are part of a larger plan to renovate the LIRR overpass with a park, benches and trees. The area will serve as the location for the BBA's holiday tree and menorah lighting, and may even have a chair for Santa Claus, said Limpert.
The city Department of Transportation must approve plans for the overpass, which include historical lighting, planters and memorial bricks available for purchase.
Limpert said she expected construction to begin on that project in spring 2004.
“That whole walkway will be a memorial and a history,” said Limpert. “That's the vision.”
Reach reporter Ayala Ben-Yehuda at www.timesledger.com, or call 1-718-229-0300, Ext. 146.
