By Larry Penner
There are other options to “Bayside BID pushes garage,” (Mark Hallum, Aug. 12 issue).
Ask the Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Long Island Rail Road to contribute funding toward construction of additional parking. Build a multi-story parking structure utilizing air rights over the tracks and platforms at the Bayside LIRR Station. LIRR riders would benefit by being protected from rain, snow and wind. It is possible to both design and construct a deck which could preserve natural light for those on the LIRR platform level.
You could also replace the existing Bayside LIRR ticket office and adjacent drop-off area as part of any multi-story parking garage. A replacement ticket office could be built as part of the parking garage or over the existing overpass, which connects both inbound and outbound platforms.
A second option is construction of a parking garage over the LIRR storage yard located several blocks east of the Bayside LIRR Station. Connect the station with the garage by building a simple covered walkway parallel to the LIRR tracks. A portion of the funding for constructing either option could be obtained under the MTA 2015-2019 Five Year Capital Program, which includes $40 million allocated for the expansion of LIRR commuter parking.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
