Roosevelt Avenue repaved in Woodside

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) is smoothing things over with residents of Woodside.
Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer and DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan announced the completed resurfacing of a crucial stretch of Roosevelt Avenue, between 51st and 58th Streets in Woodside.
The councilmember emphasized the need to repave the highly-trafficked area due to the proximity of P.S. 11, Saint Sebastian Church and the Woodside library.
“The condition of the street had become a major quality of life concern for the community,” said Van Bramer. “I was happy to work with DOT to make sure that repairs were completed quickly to restore the street. Drivers along this stretch of Roosevelt will now have a smoother, safer ride.”
Resurfacing was ultimately necessary after 10 unsuccessful attempts by the DOT to repair potholes on the seven-block section. The mending of the 1.4 lane miles of roadway lasted roughly a week.
“Our streets are the gateways to our neighborhoods and they need to be in a state of good repair to keep pace with the demands placed on them,” said Sadik-Khan. “By taking aggressive steps to resurface key commercial and commuter corridors, we’re creating smoother, safer streets for everyone’s benefit, especially local businesses and the neighborhoods they serve.”
From July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, DOT filled over 97, 300 potholes in Queens. DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Maura McCarthy said there are still 13 lane miles to repair in the area.
Joseph Conley, chair of Community Board 2, admits there were many complaints regarding the condition of the road.
“Roosevelt Avenue was very treacherous because of potholes,” said Conley. “With traffic, it was so jarring it was like fillings in your teeth coming out.”
Commuters who traverse the neighborhood daily are discerning the difference, even if their smooth ride lasts for only seven blocks.
“For a long time you would lose your car in the potholes,” said Barry Bennett, who drives on Roosevelt Avenue every day. “I’ve had to redo two tires. Now it drives perfectly, but before it was a nightmare. I don’t know why it took them so long.”
Drivers are not the only travelers who appreciate the repaved roads, however.
“The streets were horrendous before,” said Ish Telb, a Woodside resident who commutes via skateboard. “They were all cracked up and run down. Whenever it rained there’d be pebbles all over the place. I was scared to skate down them. Now it looks like a new street.”