State DOT Continues To Push For Long Island Expressway Rest Stop
HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The state Department of Transportation wants to move ahead with plans to build a rest area on the Long Island Expressway.
No trucks would be allowed to park in the rest area, which would be located in Huntington between exits 51 and 52.
The 9,000-square-foot rest area would include 200 parking spaces, restrooms, security cameras and an on-site police presence.
Residents have opposed the plan for years, saying it would diminish their quality of life.
DOT spokesman Gary Holmes said the department wants the project approved as quickly as possible.
"We studied extensively a lot of those concerns regarding the environmental impact and we certainly feel comfortable to what we're proposing here," Holmes said. "It fits well within the community."
Despite the high number of DWI arrests on Long Island, part of the plan would be to sell local wine, but Holmes said that is still up for discussion.