From the Forum West:The LIRR has signed off on a plan spearheaded by Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley to beautify the intersection of Fresh Pond Road and Metropolitan Avenue, which is currently dominated by a run-down building that was formerly home to a newsstand.
Crowley (D-Middle Village) was joined at the site in September by fellow elected officials to call on the LIRR, which owns the property, to allow a community greenspace be created until a plan to develop the area moves forward. That plan has been delayed for years, leaving the structure to deteriorate at the intersection where Maspeth, Middle Village and Ridgewood meet.
“I am excited that the LIRR has approved our plan to clean up and green up the property,” said Crowley in a statement. “For the past decade this abandoned old newsstand has invited graffiti, vandalism and traffic. As one of the busiest intersections in Queens, beautifying this corner will help east traffic tension, reduce crime and attract consumers to surrounding businesses.”
The next step, according to Crowley, is securing funding for the project. Her office is estimating that about $100,000 will be needed to demolish the structure and replace it with greenery and benches. She plans on working with city and state officials, including Assemblymembers Mike Miller (D-Glendale) and Cathy Nolan (D-Ridgewood) in hopes of finding money to complete the intersection’s transformation.
Good job, Liz.
15 comments:
Thank you Elizabeth Crowley.
What about the abandoned gas station across the street? just as big an eyesore.Typical politician posturing and half-assed effort.
The gas station is in the middle of the bridge and has underground tanks that need to be removed. That's going to have to wait.
Let's be grateful for what we are getting instead of being cranky over what we aren't.
Maspeth Mom says...
Your correct crappy - these days would should just be happy that someone is paying attention, besides, that article states that the property being converted into green space is owned by the LIRR.
Possibly the gas station property is not owned by the LIRR.
$100,000 to knock down that small building and plant some flowers. This is another way to pad someone's pocket and I bet "that someone" as usual will be politically connected. The price will inevitably go up over the next few years while the politician get face time telling us how great it is that they are doing their well paid jobs.
1) I believe the gas station was condemned for the project. The newsstand was rented out by the LIRR.
2) $100,000: That's union labor for you.
Considering that the property will be condemned eventually (some time this century) ,it may be better to look again at this intersection. Yes, make it a green space, but considering the large amount of traffic , it may be better to add a turn lane in these spaces.It is the convergence of several bus lines ,and may make turning easier.
Good job, Elizabeth.
panzer has a good idea about turning lanes.
There is one thing that i have always disliked about that intersection... all four corners have buildings that are set-back from the street line. Bank, Gas station, car dealership, all mostly parking lots.
It does not have good presence. There is no urban fabric that gives it a sense of place. Fresh Pond is nice to walk from the subway on up to about the CVS, then once you get to Metro, it feels barren....
I miss the diner.
THE DINER!!!!!!!
My god crappy you are really dating yourself. I remember the diner when I went to Grover Cleveland in the early sixtys.
Actually, it was there up until a few years ago. Now it's a bank.
Hey Mister Crapper
The area where the newstand is used to be a diner also. That dates way back.
Queens Crapper: I miss the diner.
I'd rather have a diner there than that bank. The neighborhood suffers from a lack of 24/7 diners. But the one that was there....I had some nasty, nasty meals there. Got to the point that even at 3:00 in the morning with a bellyfull of booze we would still pass it up.
Agree w/Ridgewoodian on the food.
I liked what the diner added to the streetscape. And I definitely am too young to remember a diner where the newsstand is.
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