Elevating Long Island MacArthur Airport to the next level

Long Island MacArthur Airport has long been a hub of potential.

With six carriers and a variety of destinations, in places like Baltimore, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida, the regional airport, which offers both commercial and charter flights, is an alternative for those wanting an easier, less stressful travel experience. And its growth has turned it into a key piece of the Long Island economy.

But it could be so much more.

That's why the Town of Islip's plan to expand its airport and connect it to the Long Island Rail Road's Ronkonkoma station is so important.

The town is currently seeking a developer who has the experience, ability and vision to upgrade and connect MacArthur. That could mean building a new terminal on the airport's northern end — one that would be walkable to the railroad. Others advocate improving the existing terminal and finding alternative ways to access public transit.

This week, the town board rightly approved $1.2 million in airport-related appropriations, funding that allows the evaluation process to continue and gives potential investors confidence in the town's commitment. In the months to come, the town must see this through.

That'll require continued leadership from Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and a willingness from town board members to resolve their differences, and act in the best interests of the town and region. 

But Islip can't do this alone. This requires coordination between Carpenter and Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, who has tried to jump-start development on the southern half of the Ronkonkoma Hub, county property which lies between the LIRR station and the airport. Suffolk recently sought "expressions of interest" for that land, getting three responses.

Both efforts will succeed if they proceed in tandem and address challenges like zoning and infrastructure in a collaborative way. It's a good sign that Carpenter and Romaine met on the same day of this week's town board meeting; such conversations must continue.

Importantly, Gov. Kathy Hochul committed $150 million in infrastructure funding to assist with the connectivity between the airport and railroad, and the other development plans. That's key. It must serve as an incentive for Carpenter, Romaine and their partners to turn ideas into reality — so they can actually use those promised funds.

MacArthur Airport is more than just a town asset. And it's more than just a convenient suburban alternative to busy New York City airports.

If Islip gets this right, MacArthur could become a critical piece of Long Island's transportation infrastructure, part of the connective tissue that brings tourists and businesses into the region, that lures new employers and employees to make their homes here. A revitalized and upgraded MacArthur could be just what the region needs to be ready for takeoff.