A piece of Sunnyside history has been restored thanks to funding from local legislators in Queens.
Borough President Helen Marshall and City Councilmember Eric Gioia recently joined community members and business owners to celebrate the restoration of the Sunnyside Arch, a neighborhood icon, at Queens Boulevard and 46th Street.
“For more than a quarter-century, this arch has served as a symbol of Sunnyside and become probably the best known location in the entire community,” Marshall said. “I am happy to have provided support for its restoration and for the beautification of the surrounding area.”
Marshall’s office allocated $300,000; Gioia $150,000; and Assemblymember Catherine Nolan $50,000 for the arch to get scraped, painted and modernized.
“The Sunnyside Arch is a unique part of our neighborhood – and, I am elated to see it restored to its proper glory,” said Gioia. “Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue are two of the busiest commercial areas of Queens and these improvements will welcome visitors from all corners of our city.”
In addition to the aesthetic improvements for the arch, the money also went to the Streetscape Improvement Project designed to enhance commercial activity in the area with new trees, benches, lights and bicycle racks.
“We’re rolling out the welcome mat and letting everyone know that Sunnyside is open for business,” Gioia said.
