What is the LIRR Expansion Project’s Community Benefits Fund?
The LIRR Expansion Project’s Community Benefits Fund is designed to provide the communities adjacent to the LIRR Main Line with funds that they may use, subject to certain conditions and limitations, to go beyond the commitments made in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and further offset impacts to such localities caused by construction of the Project. The Community Benefits Fund will support local initiatives intended to ensure community safety and quality-of-life throughout the Project’s construction phase.
How can Project-adjacent communities use the Community Benefits Fund?
The LIRR Expansion Project team recognizes that there will be construction-related nuisances and disruptions to the Main Line communities’ quality of life. The Community Benefits Fund is intended to alleviate these construction period effects above and beyond the requirements of the Design-Builder’s contract. Localities are encouraged to use the Community Benefits Fund in a variety of ways, such as: hiring outside professional experts to review Project-related documents and plans; implementing additional transportation-related measures (e.g. traffic control measures, temporary parking) needed due to construction-related detours and/or road closures; initiating landscaping and/or beautification efforts to offset visual construction impacts and encourage business patronage; and supplementing environmental efforts such as stormwater control measures.
Have an idea for the use of the Community Benefits Fund?
Village and Town officials are eligible to apply for the Community Benefits Fund. While individual residents and community organizations are not eligible to apply directly to the fund, these groups are encouraged to partner with their Village or Town to apply for a reimbursement from the Community Benefits Fund. Contact your local elected officials to learn more. To partner with the Town of North Hempstead on projects in Garden City Park, Carle Place or New Cassel please email the Town of North Hempstead at cbf@northhempsteadny.gov.