East River tunnel closures, Trump's first 100 days, Eisenhower Park, more

Bring MTA on board for tunnel closures

There is understandable concern among Long Island Rail Road commuters and elected officials about the pending East River Tunnel closures and Amtrak’s plans to shut down one tube at a time for three years [“Amtrak hits back on plan for tunnels,” News, May 3].

Although I am not a voting member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board, I added my voice to the board’s as the representative of LIRR riders in support of the resolution passed in opposition to the construction methods Amtrak plans to use.

Amtrak is playing a dangerous game with Long Island commutes. Every ride will be a crapshoot, hoping the hundreds of trains cramming through the three remaining tubes have a smooth ride. Work holdups could also lead to delays bringing Metro-North to Penn Station. There is a demonstrably better way to do the work.

As we saw with the MTA’s successful L train tunnel work, the “repair-in-place” model uses only night and weekend closures, with significant time and cost savings. In the best interest of hundreds of thousands of LIRR commuters, I urge Amtrak officials to work with the MTA to improve their plans. Better yet, Amtrak should bring the MTA on board to get the work done without creating an unnecessary headache for riders for years to come. It makes sense, and it will save time, money, and stress.

— Gerard Bringmann, Holtsville

The writer, an MTA board member, chairs the LIRR Commuter Council.

Different views on Trump’s 100 days

It’s funny how Don Kusler had not word one to say about President Donald Trump’s fixing former President Joe Biden’s southern border mess [“Addressing Trump’s first 100 days,” Opinion, April 30]. So does he think keeping people from entering the country illegally is a bad thing?

Oh, and saying Trump is weaponizing the Department of Justice and legal system is pathetic. I wonder where Trump got that idea.

— Joseph Cesare, Copiague

People entering the country without legal permission and working low-paying service jobs throughout the country in Donald Trump’s first 100 days has provided more economic stability to the country than the president’s erratic financial policies.

The continuing demonization and mass deportations of immigrants is disgraceful. The ancestors of most Americans today were immigrants.

— Tom Horan, Yaphank

On one hand, Donald Trump’s budget plan aims for steep cuts to child care, while at the same time he wants to offer $5,000 to any woman who has a baby. Does this make any sense? Does he think that this will force women to quit their jobs because of the high cost of child care in exchange for a mere $5,000?

— Elaine Harrison, Eastport

Was tearing up land for cricket worth it?

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has created a wasteland at Eisenhower Park “Cricket area remains closed,” News, May 3]. A huge area has been fenced off for nearly a year for a cricket tournament lasting barely two weeks.

Meanwhile, the running/walking path has not been fixed, a dangerous condition forcing people to walk on the edge of the road, including those pushing baby strollers. And the cricket field has received regular watering even during a water shortage. I guess the county believes it was worth it.

— Kevin Byrne, East Meadow

When the section was closed off, I wrote a letter of protest that we would lose that section for at least a year. A county legislator showed up at my door to assure me that would not be the case. I wrote to the county again in August and was told the area would reopen this spring. I guess they have until June 20 to make good. We deserve better from our county government.

— Joe Rice, East Meadow

PSEG LI execs don’t deserve bonuses

It’s just plain wrong to give bonuses on top of ludicrously high salaries to PSEG Long Island executives for being gatekeepers [“PSEG LI expecting $15.7M bonus,” News, April 28]. No wonder they’re looking to raise rates — how else will they get extra money for doing their job? I don’t want to hear that we have to retain these talented individuals. I say let ’em leave in droves for greener pastures. Our lights will still be on, thanks to the workers.

— Anthony Tanzi, Mastic Beach

Hate offenders should show us remorse

Antisemitism education is important, but to earn reduced jail or probation time, perpetrators of hate crimes should also be required to show remorse for their actions and apologize to the communities that were impacted [“Antisemitism education for those accused of hate crimes,” Our Towns, April 30].

— Yocheved Kolchin, West Hempstead