Traffic Island Near Bayside LIRR Station Gets Upgrade

A small traffic island in front of the Long Island Rail Road station is getting upgraded after decades of neglect, state Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside said.

The senator said he noticed the dangerous conditions on the island while giving a recent press conference at the site.

“I was shocked to see the horrendous condition of this island, which is the gateway to the Long Island Rail Road Bayside station as well as the entrance to Bayside,” Avella said.

The senator said it had always been assumed that the LIRR was responsible for the property, but it turned out to be under the city Department of Transportation’s jurisdiction.

Avella said he contacted the DOT, which immediately improved the walk-through path on the island.

He has also asked the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation to remove three dead trees on the island. The agency has said it would do so within 30 days.

Now, Avella is working with the Bayside Business Improvement District to develop a long-term strategy to enhance the island and repair the long neglected and vandalized “sun dial,” which has been a main feature of the site.

“With over 4,000 daily riders using the Bayside LIRR station, we want to see an inviting place that encourages riders to spend time in the businesses surrounding the station before and after their trips,” said Lyle Sclair, executive director of the BID.