Concerned Parties,
I’m writing to share my position regarding the Townline Rail project.
After deep reflection, I’ve concluded that the project, in its current form, is not in alignment with all stakeholders. The truth is, the Town Board took a bullet it should not have had to take. I, too, have carried weight I should not have.
The waste crisis was clearly explained to all levels—state, county, town, and community. Yet, we remain without alignment. Townline Rail was never intended to be a political wedge or a divisive tool—it was presented as a solution, not an end goal. But a solution like this can only work with full cooperation, inclusion, and unified development.
No one person should carry the burden. Nor should a fearless Town Board.
For now, Townline Rail is parked until alignment is achieved across all levels. What happens next is not about politics or sides—it’s about clarity, truth, and the collective will to serve the needs of Long Island in balance.
Our operations continue—we serve our community with pride and purpose. But I will not push this rail initiative forward without consensus. That consensus is not yet clear. There is still too much tribalism in the way.
That said, I look forward to continuing our work, having our operations recognized for the value they bring, and leaving rail for when true alignment occurs—not just good intentions, but genuine commitment to Long Island’s future, equity, and sustainability.
I remain available for dialogue and collaboration. But this is not the road I choose to take right now.
Let us move toward a collective SEQRA process—a regional framework that brings all voices to the table and allows us to build with truth and balance. Only then can we transform from fragmented efforts into a unified solution.
We do not take sides.
We provide meaningful services.
And we stand ready when unity is real.
Warmly,
Toby Carlson