Hundreds packed a hearing Thursday night in opposition to Long Island Rail Road?s plan to build a third track between Floral Park and Hicksville.

The LIRR says a third track will reduce congestion and increase service, but homeowners who live near the rail fear LIRR will try to take their land for the project.

Long Island lawmakers and LIRR officials attended the meeting as well. State Assemblyman Thomas Alfano (R-Franklin Square) maintains lawmakers have been forthright with residents about the plan, but others say specific details have been scarce.

LIRR President Helena Williams says there are no plans to claim homeowners? land through eminent domain.

Building a third track could take as long as 10 years, and there is no word on when construction would begin. Similar meetings in Mineola and New Hyde Park are also scheduled.