An issue of homelessness

Commuters call on LIRR to address problem in Wantagh

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A discussion of homelessness and other problems at the Wantagh Long Island Rail Road station between local residents and a panel of elected officials grew heated last week.

The open forum took place on Sept. 29 in the Wantagh High School auditorium, where community members were urged to voice any concerns regarding the MTA police and the LIRR.

Although the meeting attracted only 30 people, there was no shortage of tension in the room. Officials including Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney, County Legislator Steven Rhoads, MTA police and representatives of the LIRR, heard complaints about the station platform and its surroundings.

“The majority of complaints that we are receiving about the train station are what we like to call quality-of-life issues, such as homeless people urinating, littering and occupying more than one seat,” MTA police officer Tom Ho said.

“We are short staffed but very aware of the situation,” he added. “We try to hit the stations in the morning before rush hour, but the main problem is that being homeless is not a crime.”

Town residents fired back at the panel, claiming the same few homeless people are always hanging around the station, drinking, and being aggressive, and that nothing is being done to help them relocate.

“The Long Island Rail Road has made great strides over the past year,” MTA Director of Government and Community Affairs Robert Brennan said in response. “We’ve coordinated with Nassau County social services as well as the Family Service League, which offers housing and homeless services to those affected on the Island.

“This just isn’t a railroad problem,” Brennan added. “This is a regional and nation-wide, large-scale issue.”

Business owners in the area are also concerned about the increasing number of homeless people in and around the train station.

“I’m from Wantagh and I’ve lived here for 31 years,” the owner of the Wantagh Inn, Michael Dunphy, said. “I see it all from where I work, right at the Wantagh Inn, from 7 in the morning to 7 at night. Nothing is being done.”

The MTA police and LIRR are working to increase night patrols at the station, along with additional signage, and to limit the time patrons spend in specific areas, such as the waiting room.

“Nothing is going to change unless we bring back comprehensive psychiatric emergency programs,” a retired NYPD and MTA officer said. “These dedicated units, where this is their main concern, aren’t around anymore to help them get off the streets and provide housing.

“Let’s face it,” he added, “the Long Island Rail Road is becoming the next New York City subway.”

To park or not to park?

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