MTA lead negotiator says deal to avoid strike is within reach cover art

MTA lead negotiator says deal to avoid strike is within reach

MTA lead negotiator says deal to avoid strike is within reach

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 The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's lead negotiator said yesterday a deal to avoid a commute-crippling Long Island Rail Road strike was within reach, as the transit agency put a $134 million offer on the table that would pay workers "all of the money that was requested," and that the unions have budged from their previous demands.The MTA, however, is relying on a lump-sum payment to meet some of the unions' demands. A union source, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations, said the unions would not accept a deal made up of a one-time payment.Alfonso A. Castillo reports in NEWSDAY that progress in the talks, acknowledged by both the MTA and the unions representing about half of the LIRR’s 7,000-member organized labor force, came as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul urged both sides to "find a middle ground" to avoid disrupting the commutes of 270,000 daily railroad riders. A strike could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. this Saturday if no deal is reached.Following a Manhattan bargaining session, MTA chief negotiator Gary Dellaverson offered new details of management’s latest offer at a news conference at the authority's headquarters. He said the compensation package worth — $133,788,000 — is "the exact same amount" as a proposal recommended by White House mediators.That recommended settlement would have paid workers 4.5% raises in the fourth year of their contract. The unions have demanded 5%, but Dellaverson said the unions, for the first time in recent negotiations, "actually made a move" at Wednesday’s bargaining session."All of the money that was requested is now on the table," Dellaverson said. "I believe firmly that a deal is present. It’s available. It’s doable. And we should reach it tomorrow."In the event of a strike, the MTA is encouraging commuters to work from home if possible. Those who can’t will have to drive to work or rely on limited public transportation options, including shuttle buses running between six locations on Long Island and two subway stations in Queens.***The public will get its first look this morning at long-anticipated plans for the Petrocelli hotel proposed for the Riverhead town square.Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that Riverhead Town Board members are expected to review plans for a 94-room hotel filed by J. Petrocelli Riverhead Town Square LLC at today’s work session at 10 a.m. in Riverhead Town Hall.The application calls for construction of a five-story, 69,738-square-foot hotel building at 117–127 E. Main St., adjacent to the planned town square and East End Arts campus. Plans submitted to the town show the project would include a 116-seat restaurant with bar and outdoor terrace overlooking the riverfront, a coffee shop, nearly 2,900 square feet of retail space, hotel lounge and fitness facilities and 94 guest rooms, including 14 fifth-floor suites with balconies or terraces.The “Peconic River Hotel” proposal replaces an earlier concept reviewed during the town’s downtown revitalization environmental review process that included 76 hotel rooms and 12 condominium units.The plan represents one of the most significant vertical development projects tied to the town’s broader downtown redevelopment initiative, which includes construction of a new public town square, flood mitigation improvements and a planned parking garage.Among the most significant are questions involving sewer and water system capacity.Parking and traffic operations are also expected to be key discussion points during this morning’s Riverhead Town Board work session.***The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Southold Flotilla holds its annual National Safe Boating Week event in Greenport’s Mitchell Park this coming Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities to promote safety on the water will include paddlecraft & safety equipment, knot tying, and life ring toss. Free vessel safety checks will be given on the water in Greenport Harbor.Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that U.S. Coast Guard statistics show drowning was the reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating fatalities in 2024, and that 87 percent of those who drowned were NOT wearing life jackets.The NY State Annual Report reflects that the most common cause of accidents is collision between boats. “With over 60,0000 registered recreational vessels in Suffolk County, boaters must be constantly aware of what is happening,” said Andrew Tarantino, Division Commander, Eastern Long Island. “Auxiliary safety classes point out the changes in the laws, as well as best practices to keep boating safe and fun.” Learn more as the U.S. Coast Guard celebrates Safe Boating Week in Greenport’s Mitchell Park this Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.***Tired of delay, an Amagansett property owner has sued the East Hampton Town Building Department after five months of waiting for a building permit to construct a house on Bendigo ...
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