By Cynthia Koons
In his latest initiative to alleviate congestion in the crowded business district in Flushing, Liu announced his intention to push for loading zones on the streets occupied by commercial businesses.
“We're here today to talk about a problem that's been going on ever since Flushing has become as vibrant as it is today – and that's the near to complete absence of loading zones,” Liu said at a news conference at his office. “Trucks that are making deliveries or pick goods up have no choice but to illegally park at bus stops or double park.”
Using a map of downtown Flushing from Sanford to 37th avenues and Union to Prince streets, Liu and other local business officials will take requests from businesses as to where loading zones should be created.
“All too often we hear of cases where businesses are getting ticketed – not because they're doing something wrong but that they have nowhere to load,” Liu said.
Fred Fu, president of the Flushing Chinese Business Association, said creating loading zones would be beneficial for the economic community in downtown Flushing.
“I think this is very good for the downtown Chinese businesses,” he said.
A member of the Korean American Association, Yang Hee Hahn, said she believes it is critical that the truck loading traffic be managed as soon as possible.
“This is the time as the community changes,” she said. “It looks like we're seriously in need of truck loading zones.”
Liu said he would like to see a coordinated effort between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Department of Transportation and the New York Police Department in creating the zones.
He said he believes bus stops can be shortened and some metered parking space can be eliminated to create these zones.
“It's a balance between preserving our quality of life by alleviating traffic congestion and alleviating summonses from business,” Liu said.
He said his office will compile comments from downtown business owners and work with city agencies to hopefully establish loading zones by the summer.
Reach reporter Cynthia Koons by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 141.
