(Editor’s Note: The following press release is from the Garden City Board of Trustees’ Public Information Committee. It is being printed below at the committee’s request.)
On Nov. 11, a subcommittee of the Garden City Board of Trustees “BOT” met with Patricia Bourne and Robert Brickman of the Nassau County Planning Board to discuss the Nassau County Hub Study “Bidders Conference” held July 23, 2009.
Since Garden City was not informed of this conference, Mayor Robert Rothschild requested a special meeting so Ms. Bourne could inform us about the purpose of the conference and its results. The village was represented by Mayor Rothschild, Village Administrator Robert Schoelle, Deputy Mayor Donald Brudie and Trustees Nick Episcopia and Dennis Donnelly.
The meeting summary is as follows:
1. Since the completion of the Major Investment Study, “MIS” the county has been studying how to best approach a study of “HUB” transportation alternatives.
2. The Planning Board concluded that it was necessary to send out an “RFP” which would solicit consultants to present their plans or “bid” to be selected as Nassau County’s consultant to study transportation alternatives.
3. They then called a meeting of the responders. This meeting was called a “Bidders Conference” because this is a transportation term used in this industry and not what we normally think of as contractor’s bids. There were no sets of plans and specifications to bid on, but rather it was a meeting to explain the alternatives advanced from the MIS. To meet federal guidelines and qualify for federal funds, all three transit alternatives – bus, light rail and automatic guideway transit – must be analyzed.
4. A consultant to assist the county will most likely be chosen in January or February.
5. We advised them that in our opinion light rail would cost too much and would be vigorously opposed.
6. They reviewed the three alternatives and we emphasized that the bus alternative has the least impact on the surrounding communities and developmentally is the least disruptive. The routes can easily be altered to accommodate changes in demographics, traffic patterns or ridership needs.
7. The light rail, however, has not been eliminated and we assume it will get a thorough review.
8. The village “BOT” and administration will follow the county’s plan very closely and will ask to be informed of all meetings and decisions concerning this study.
