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Commuters Surveyed About Reopening Long-Shuttered Elmhurst LIRR Station

By Katie Honan | June 28, 2013 8:50am
 The LIRR station in Elmhurst was closed in 1985, but it might be brought back to life if a new survey finds it viable.
The LIRR station in Elmhurst was closed in 1985, but it might be brought back to life if a new survey finds it viable.
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DNAinfo/Katie Honan

ELMHURST — The Long Island Rail Road could be stopping again at the long-closed Elmhurst station if a new survey finds it makes financial sense.

The LIRR is in the first week of a monthlong survey to see if reopening the closed station is a smart move for the rail company and residents.

Local lawmakers announced the survey, which is being conducted and funded by the LIRR, last week.

“Reopening the Elmhurst Station will increase residents’ access to Midtown Manhattan and help the area reach its economic potential," Rep. Joe Crowley said in a statement.

"It will also open the door for all New Yorkers to experience the rich diversity and culture Elmhurst has to offer.”

The LIRR closed the station on Broadway between Cornish and Whitney avenues nearly 30 years ago, although the tracks are still used by other trains. The LIRR cited low ridership at the time of its closure.

But the population in the neighborhood has increased over three decades — and so has the demand for better transportation, according to Crowley.

He and Councilman Daniel Dromm first called for the survey in 2012, and Dromm said last week reopening the station is "essential" for the area's economic growth.

The survey will be conducted in two parts — the first will be a multi-lingual written survey mailed to households within a half-mile radius of the station.

The second part will be conducted at nearby subway stations and Elmhurst Hospital Center, which is a few blocks from the station.

They'll determine riding habits and preferences from those who live and work in the area.