Long Island Rail Road [LIRR] review: Cutting trees down on the tracks between wellwood ave & straight path lindenhurst

# Letter to Long Island Rail Road about tree removal and path openings increasing train noise

Dear Long Island Rail Road Leadership Team,

I am writing to express concern about recent discussions and actions related to cutting trees and opening up pathways near the railroad corridors. While I understand there are safety, maintenance, and operational efficiency considerations, I want to emphasize the potential negative impacts on the surrounding community, including residents, children, the homeless population, and others who rely on nearby spaces. Now we have children, the homeless coming down our blocks because you opened the pathways

## Key concerns

- **Increased noise levels:** Removing trees and opening pathways can reduce natural sound barriers, resulting in louder train noise for nearby residents and businesses. This can disturb sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life.
- **Safety and well-being:** While visibility and access can be beneficial in some contexts, the sudden reduction of vegetation may expose vulnerable populations to harsher weather, safety risks, and less shade or shelter in public areas.
- **Environmental impact:** Trees and green spaces provide air quality benefits, temperature regulation, and biodiversity support. Clearing vegetation can have unintended ecological consequences that may, in turn, affect community health.
- **Community space and access:** Many residents use these green corridors for recreation, walking, and commuting. Drastically altering these spaces could reduce safe, pleasant environments for families, children, the elderly, and those experiencing homelessness to move through the area.
- **Equity considerations:** It is important to consider how changes affect different community members, including lower-income residents who may have fewer private alternatives for noise mitigation and shelter.

## Suggested approaches and questions

To balance operational needs with community well-being, I respectfully request the following considerations be explored or clarified:

- Conduct a public consultation process with affected neighborhoods to gather input on planned vegetation management and pathway changes.
- Provide a detailed environmental impact assessment, including noise modeling, air quality implications, and heat island effects.
- Implement noise mitigation strategies where feasible, such as:
- Strategic planting of mature trees and shrubs as sound barriers along key corridors.
- Use of quieter train technologies or grade-crossing improvements where appropriate.
- Installation of sound walls or barriers in high-noise areas, paired with community input.
- Develop a phased approach that minimizes disruption to residents, schools, and essential services, with clear timelines and mitigation plans for each phase.
- Ensure accessible, safe, and well-lit pathways for pedestrians, while maintaining security and privacy for residents.
- Provide affordable housing and social services coordination if changes affect homeless populations and public spaces they rely upon.
- Establish a transparent grievance mechanism for residents to report noise concerns, safety issues, and other impacts, with timely follow-up and remediation.

## Closing remarks

Protecting public safety and infrastructure while preserving the character and livability of surrounding neighborhoods is essential. I urge the Long Island Rail Road to consider a collaborative, evidence-based approach that weighs operational benefits against the social, environmental, and quality-of-life impacts on the community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am available to discuss this further or participate in any upcoming public meetings or planning sessions.

Sincerely,

Phil Campbell
39 4th street
Lindenhurst N.Y.11757
[protected]@verizon.net
[protected]