By Gina Martinez
Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and other Queens officials announced last week that the New York and Atlantic Railway will reduce noise in Glendale by moving its train repair facility to East New York, providing needed relief to residents in the area.
The freight line will relocate its “Track 11” repair track – which runs alongside Otto Road from 67th Place to 69th Place – to a non-residential area in East New York. The track is located in the railway’s Fresh Pond Rail Yard and is currently used to fix rail cars. Repairs usually consist of hammering, drilling, welding, and includes everything from changing wheels and brake shoes, fixing mechanical problems, and repainting identifying letters and numbers.
NYA plans to complete its repair track move by the end of June. The new location will be in an area that abuts the L train in the NYA’s East New York Tunnel and the existing NYA rail yard.
The train company, which is based in Glendale, operates on Long Island Rail Road tracks and carries lumber, paper, plastics and food, among other types of freight.
Meng said the relocation is good news for Glendale residents, who have been plagued by noise caused by rail car repairs.
“I thank NYA for making this decision,” she said. “I look forward to building on this positive development, and working further with company officials to address other train-related issues that impact the community.”
James Bonner, president of New York and Atlantic Railway, said he worked closely with Meng, other elected officials and community leaders to bring this benefit to New York and Atlantic Railway neighbors.
“We have historically engaged in improvements, when we can do so in a way that allows us to preserve the benefits we provide to our customers and residents of Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island,” he said. “We look forward to continuing the positive collaboration evidenced by this project.”
State Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) commended Meng for her efforts working with the NYA to move their repair yard out of Glendale. Miller said the repair noises were a nuisance to residents who live in that area and that quality of life is of the utmost importance.
“I know from being a longtime resident of Glendale, the noise and smell that accumulates from repairs on Otto Road disrupts the lives of local residents,” he said. “The removal of the repair yard is a significant win for the residents of Glendale’s quality of life.”
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
