The following Letter to the Editor was published in Newsday on January 19th, 2018. You can read the original version here.
As the long-discussed concept of a new Long Island Sound crossing again enters the spotlight, it’s important to carefully weigh what this would mean for the region. [“Sound out this crossing,” Editorial, Jan. 14].
Whilea link between Bayville and Rye neatly finishes Robert Moses’ vision for the metropolitan area, studies have shown that roughly 85 percent of Long Island would be east of the crossing. So, the location would do little to resolve the economic cul-de-sac that some argue our region faces.
Placement further east in Shoreham makes more sense. Since the William Floyd Parkway can be extended north towards the site of the former nuclear plant, a Shoreham location would give ample right-of-way for the necessary approaches. More important, that site would provide enough of a buffer to minimize community impacts.
However, there is yet to be a compelling argument presented on how the crossing would fit into the Long Island of the 21st century, a region that is focusing growth around walkable transit hubs to reduce reliance on cars.
It might be best for this idea to remain unbuilt until its place in the larger regional vision is fully understood.
Richard Murdocco
Syosset, NY
Editors’s Note: The writer writes about Long Island land use at TheFoggiestIdea.org, and is an adjunct professor in Stony Brook University’s Public Policy masters Program.
