MTA Police Break Ground On New Headquarters
Earlier today the MTA Police broke ground on their new headquarters which will be located in Central Islip. Here is a press release that was issued via e-mail with more information:
MTA Long Island Rail Road broke ground today for a new facility for the MTA Police in Central Islip that will improve communications, investigations and allow a quicker response to emergencies in the Suffolk County section of the Railroad’s territory.
“The security and safety of our customers is always our No. 1 priority,” said LIRR President Helena Williams. “This new facility will improve our response time to emergencies and is another important step in ensuring a secure ride for our customers. I want to thank all the community leaders and elected officials who worked together with the MTA to make this facility a reality. Also, I want to acknowledge all our MTA Police Officers who provide first-class service to the LIRR and its customers.”
The two-story, 12,000-square foot building to be constructed at 10 West Suffolk Avenue, one-half mile west of the Central Islip train station, is replacing trailers that currently house the MTA Police District One patrol force. The new building will accommodate a staff of commanding officers, patrol officers, detectives, and commanding officers, as well as administrative staff. It also will have space for training, a K-9 unit and a motor pool to maintain and repair emergency response vehicles.
“Ensuring the safety and security of our customers and the general public is in many respects the most important thing we do,” said Elliot G. Sander, the Executive Director and CEO of the MTA. “Within the past year and a half and in collaboration with our regional law enforcement partners, we have dramatically increased our police presence aboard commuter trains to 1,000 patrols and inspections per day, up from just 50 earlier. This new headquarters will prove to be a key support facility as our officers conduct these patrols.”
A key aspect of the new facility is a secure interview space that can be used to question suspects, something that cannot be done in the present trailers. The trailers have never been an adequate police building and have long been considered an eyesore by the surrounding community.
“The men and women of the MTA Police do a first rate job 24 hours a day, seven days a week and they deserve a first rate police facility,” said MTA Police Chief Michael Coan. “Our officers provide a secure safe environment for the millions of people who ride the Long Island Rail Road each year. It is their quick response to the myriad of calls they get each day that help to keep the trains operating on time.”
“Today’s groundbreaking of the new MTA Police substation at Central Islip is the culmination of a significant process between the MTA, LIRR, Suffolk County, Town of Islip and the local community, which will provide a very important addition to the redevelopment of this area,” said Mitchell H. Pally, Suffolk County representative to the MTA Board. “I congratulate all concerned in providing the funding and support necessary to allow this project to go forward.”
MTA Police District One, covers Suffolk County which has 41 LIRR stations, 216 grade crossings, 7 LIRR yards, as well as storage/repair facilities and 22 sub-stations.
“The MTA and Long Island Rail Road are a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people in our county, both to and from New York City,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy. “The location of a new MTA police facility in Central Islip is a good step in our ongoing efforts to ensure public safety.”
State Assemblyman Phil Ramos said “On behalf of the constituents in the 6th Assembly District, I welcome the MTA’s presence in our area. Given the expanded role the MTA will be playing in the heart of Central Islip, I believe it can serve as a valuable partner in our efforts to revitalize the downtown area and move towards a safer, more prosperous community.”
Suffolk County Legislator Ricardo Montano (D-Central Islip) said “the new MTA Police facility is just another positive step in the re-development and re-vitalization of the Central Islip community.” Montano added “This state-of-the-art facility will provide our residents with additional police presence to ensure that community residents can feel safe and secure in the neighborhood.”
Islip Town Councilman Steve Flotteron said “The town is thankful and excited about the MTA making such a positive investment and partnering with the community in revitalization in Central Islip.”
Islip Town Councilman Chris Bodkin said “This is a much needed facility – now more than ever the LIRR is a key part of our infrastructure and needs the best protection we
can get.”The new police building will comply with New York State Executive Order 111, requiring new municipal construction to meet strict energy-efficient guidelines for lighting, heating, cooling and insulation. The building is expected to open for police business in March 2010 and finishing touches on the outside, including landscaping will be done three months later.
Funded from the MTA/LIRR Capital Program, the cost of new police facility is $11.5 million. Lipsky Enterprises, Inc., a construction firm from Bayport, will be doing the construction work.
xoxo Transit Blogger
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