Ferry service to be offered during summer rail work

<p>Long Island Rail Road commuters may find themselves setting sail instead of riding the rails this summer.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 12, 2017, 10:50 PM

Updated 2,670 days ago

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Long Island Rail Road commuters may find themselves setting sail instead of riding the rails this summer.
According to plans unveiled Monday, ferry service out of Glen Cove is a key part of the MTA's plan to accommodate LIRR riders who will be affected by summer track work -- but not everyone is convinced the plan is viable.
The MTA will offer ferry rides to the city for LIRR ticket holders who have weekly and monthly passes. Ferries will run from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., taking commuters from Glen Cove to 34th Street and back.
The ferries will be able to accommodate about 1,100 people.
Glen Cove Mayor Reggie Spinello says the city is equipped to help the MTA with the ferry service. But some commuters and residents are skeptical of the plan.
Amy Marion is an attorney who claims the city isn't ready to handle the influx of people who will be taking the ferry.
"At this point in time, this ferry service should not be running in Glen Cove Creek," she says. "It's another example of the city just looking to make a quick buck and looking to ram this down the throat of the residents and completely disregard any sort of environmental impact, including traffic, contaminants, including parking," she says.
Mayor Spinello says parking is not an issue. He says there’s one parking lot with about 100 spots, and temporary parking nearby will likely be available for another 400 vehicles.
"This is not a moneymaking opportunity for the city," Spinello says. "This is Glen Cove trying to accommodate some of its residents and residents in the surrounding area to make their commute a lot better."
Marion says if the ferry actually starts running she may file for a temporary restraining order on behalf of residents.