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“We believe it could be easily transformed into a lush linear public park that would link several Queens communities with Forest Park and the recreational spaces of Jamaica Bay, including Gateway National Recreation Area and the Shore Parkway bike path,” Ivan Mrakovcic, chairman of Community Board 9 and Greenway Committee member, told Community Board 10 members.
The city maintains an extensive network of greenways and recommended bike paths, however a north south stretch in Central Queens is nonexistent, said Greenway advocate Thomas Chiofolo. He added: “Even the streets that are designated as bike paths are dangerous.”
Mrakovcic noted that the committee already has the support of Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D Forest Hills) and many local businesses and organizations, including the Richmond Hill Historical Society, the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation and Transportation Alternatives, a nonprofit advocacy group.
Community Board 10 member John Fazio said he would support the Greenway only if plans included the development of a LIRR link to the city. “We want both, not just a Greenway,” said Fazio, adding that Howard Beach Manhattan LIRR trips were once 18 minutes long.
Board Chairwoman Betty Braton noted the board’s long standing commitment to bringing LIRR service back to the area. She further asked questions about the feasibility study’s funding. Greenway presenters answered that funding sources were still being investigated and considered.
Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio told Community Board 10 members: “Our board, like your board, has so many different questions (about the Greenway). The answer is simple — we need the (feasibility) study to answer the questions.”
Braton referred the request for support decision to Community Board 10’s Parks Committee and said that it will review the study and report back to the board with members’ findings.
