Meng Announces that New York and Atlantic Railway will Move its Noisy Train Repair Facility out of Glendale, Queens

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), joined by her colleagues in government, announced today that New York and Atlantic Railway (NYA) will move its noisy train repair facility out of Glendale, Queens; a move that will provide needed noise relief to the area.

Under the plan, NYA will relocate its "Track 11" repair track – which runs alongside Otto Road from 67^th Place to 69^th Place – to a non-residential area in East New York, Brooklyn. The track is located in NYA's Fresh Pond Rail Yard and is presently used to fix rail cars. These repairs – which consist of hammering, drilling, welding, and other loud machinery – includes everything from changing wheels and brake shoes, fixing mechanical problems, and repainting identifying letters and numbers.

NYA plans to complete its repair track move by the end of June. The new location will be in an area that abuts the L train, NYA's East New York Tunnel and the existing NYA rail yard.

"NYA's plan to transfer its repair operations is good news for Glendale residents who have long been plagued by noise caused by these rail car repairs," said Congresswoman Meng. "I thank NYA for making this decision. I look forward to building on this positive development, and working further with company officials to address other train-related issues that impact the community."

"NYA is proud to have worked closely with Congresswoman Meng and other elected officials and community leaders to bring this benefit to our neighbors," said James Bonner, President of New York and Atlantic Railway. "We have historically engaged in improvements when we can do so in a way that allows us to preserve the benefits we provide to our customers and residents of Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island. We look forward to continuing the positive collaboration evidenced by this project."

"We greatly appreciate the efforts of Congresswoman Grace Meng and the New York and Atlantic Railway," said Queens State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., "and I am hopeful we can continue this working relationship to address the additional concerns of the community."

"Moving the railcar repair facility to Brooklyn is a huge win to this community, and lifts a burden off of homeowners perpetually dealing with noise and air pollution in our community," said Queens Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley. "My office has worked with CURES and local residents for years to change these disruptive freight rail operations, and I am pleased we were able to work with New York and Atlantic Railway to benefit the people of Glendale. I look forward to continuing my work with the community and hope that together, we can make more positive changes."

"I applaud the efforts by Congresswoman Meng, New York and Atlantic Railway (NYA), and our community advocates in Glendale who have worked diligently to relocate ‘Track 11' repair tracks from this residential area," said Queens Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi. "I look forward to our continued, beneficial, work together with my colleagues in government, these local advocates, and NYA on additional locomotive concerns."

"I commend Congresswoman Grace Meng on the effort to have New York & Atlantic move their repair yard out of the Glendale Depot," said Queens Assemblyman Mike Miller. "The long standing issues that repairs posed were a nuisance to residents who live in that area. Quality of life is the utmost importance; this move will slightly improve those conditions. I know from being a long time resident of Glendale, the noise and smell that accumulates from repairs on Otto Road disrupts the lives of local residents. The removal of the repair yard is a significant win for the residents of Glendale's quality of life."

"Congratulations to CURES and Congresswoman Grace Meng on this important achievement for our community" said Queens Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan. "Residential communities need protection. My thanks to Rep. Meng."

NYA transports rail freight, the tracks for which run through Queens.