Another “Hub” exists on Long Island, besides the state-of-the-art NewsHub in Dempster Hall. Nassau County’s Hub is the core of the county’s business district, according to Newsday, which has been a focus of government conversation.

Long Island, once known for inventing the concept of “suburbia” just a few miles east in Levittown, is now consumed with cars and people. Many areas are so crowded that they mirror a small city-minus the mass transit. But Long Island might be incorporating that city quality very shortly.

Newsday reported that Nassau County received $19.5 million of funding for a transportation plan for the overcrowding area of the island. Transportation into this Hub in Nassau County could easily consume the money by finding ways to solve the heavy trafficking problem. Also, Suffolk County’s development of a shopping center calls for more roads or another way to transport individuals to and from the facilities. Bring on the shuttle system, light-rail trains and buses.

Most big plans are not immediately put into action, with projected ideas taking years to finally get started. But the nearly $20 million seems to be great incentive to get this plan underway…so will they really do it?

More importantly, will the people use it? With the constant chatter about gas prices, it seems like it could take off. But mass transit prices hike for fuel prices, as well, so that might not solve that specific problem. Once a route for these new transportation methods is released, it will be much simpler to determine if this would be used. The popular tourist attractions or weekend hot spots should be included so that the transit could be used weekdays for businesspeople traveling to the Hub and on the weekend. The counties on Long Island need to make the best of the millions being granted.

Changing the suburbs into a mini-city might not please everyone-particularly those who escaped the life on Manhattan and Brooklyn and don’t want a bus driving by their house every half hour.