Developers pushing LIRR to fix up Main Street station

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station on Main Street in Flushing might be getting a makeover that will make it more attractive and accessible for handicapped riders.
Members of the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the LIRR met with representatives of the borough president’s office, local developers and the Flushing/Willets Point/Corona Local Development Corporation to discuss possible improvements to the station.
The meeting, which was proposed by Flushing/Willets Point/Corona Local Development Corporation President Claire Shulman, was held onsite on Monday, October 29.
Shulman had met with representatives from the LIRR at its headquarters in September and suggested the various parties discuss the matter onsite.
During the meeting, the group discussed the short fall of the station’s current state and possible solutions.
“The Flushing Main Street Long Island Rail Road station is not in good shape and is not handicapped accessible,” said Gertrude LaForgia, project manager for the group.
Those in attendance took a walk through the east and west platforms, the Department of Transportation parking lot and the park adjacent to the station.
The group discussed the need for a crossover from the east platform to the west platform. Currently, access to the east platform requires three flights of stairs.
While no timelines were given for proposed renovations, those in attendance agreed to meet again and discuss the matter in more detail. The LIRR discussed a possible partnership with the chosen developer for the project site.
However, at this point, plans are only in the discussion stage.