A well-known Long Island developer's proposal to build a tunnel from Syosset to Westchester is drawing both criticism and praise.

Vincent Polimeni wants to build the tunnel north of the Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury to Rye, N.Y. in Westchester County. The 16-mile tunnel would cost an estimated $10 billion and would be funded with private dollars. It would run underground and through Long Island Sound waters.

"It's not visible, no one's going to see it!" Polimeni said. "It will cut tremendous amounts of travel time, but more importantly, pollution."

Former Assemblyman and Department of Transportation Committee Chairman Marc Herbst backs the idea. "We're strangling in congestion today," Herbst said. "There's no way out except through New York City."

However, some Long Islanders balk at the idea of digging through the area. "You're going to be drawing traffic to a site, which right now, doesn't draw traffic," said state Sen. Carl Marcellino.

The governor's office isn't rejecting the proposal outright, saying it's under review.

The project could be completed by 2025, according to one estimate.

For an interview with Polimeni, go to channel 612 on your digital iO cable box and select iO Extra.