Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) has called on Metro-North to fix the flooding at the west parking lot of the Beacon train station (on the Hudson River side). Metro-North, which runs the Hudson Line and is responsible for the Beacon train station, is a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).

“Unfortunately, due to the effects of climate change, severe flooding is not a once-in-a-decade occurrence. Yesterday, the parking lot was flooded, and vehicles were covered with water up to their windows. This has happened several times over the past year,” said Jacobson.

“Until the situation is corrected, whenever severe weather is forecast, the Hudson River side of the parking lot should be closed and riders should be allowed to park in any available space in any part of the parking lot,” Jacobson said.

The MTA and Metro-North have been heavily subsidized by the State. In addition, Dutchess and Orange counties are part of the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District, which means that employers must pay the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax.

Borrowers in these counties are subject to an additional .27% mortgage tax, which is equal to $270 for every $100,000 borrowed.

“Given the limited service that Dutchess and Orange counties receive from Metro-North, and the extra taxes paid, the least we can expect is vehicles not being flooded in train station parking lots,” concluded Jacobson.