Missing the 11

 

Queens Chronicle

After the MTA proposed a Queens bus redesign that would largely neglect those in the Centreville area of Ozone Park, three area elected officials are speaking out.

According to a press release from the office of state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven), he, alongside Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) sent a letter to the MTA, expressing their “deep concern” over the proposed discontinuation of the Q11 bus service through Centreville due to the impact it would have on residents.

Currently, the Q11 and Q21 both provide service from Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst down the entire length of Woodhaven Boulevard and into Crossbay Boulevard. The Q21, however, serves Lindenwood and New Howard Beach, while the Q11 stops in Centreville and serves Hamilton Beach and Old Howard Beach.

According to redesign information on the MTA’s website, the Centreville Street/149th Avenue stop could be removed “due to new routing.” The MTA has drawn up a “final” bus route redesign plan it says it will present to the public for feedback.

While the Q11 in its redesign would still serve residents of Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach, the loss of the Centreville stops on its existing route may still impact those residents.

The area affected by the proposed discontinuation of the Q11 service, according to the elected officials, is home to approximately 3,500 residents. Their letter emphasizes the essential role the Q11 route plays for those who rely on its services.

The redesign would result in longer walking distances for residents who would have to access a bus stop on Cross Bay Boulevard instead of one closer to home. The politicians emphasized that the change would be burdensome and potentially dangerous for those who have come to rely on the safety and convenience of having a bus stop nearby.

The elected officials in their letter also cited “numerous testimonies and complaints from residents who utilize the Q11 for short trips to Old Howard Beach,” including those who often visit Our Lady of Grace Church, nearby Veterans of Foreign Wars meetings or quick stops at the butcher shop for groceries, all of which are accessible via the Q11.