To Attract Tourists, Protect Homes
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder recently sent a letter to Mayor Michael Bloomberg urging him to explore the possibility of closing part of the east-bound lane on Shore Front Parkway between Beach 73rd and Beach 108th streets and erecting jersey barriers in an effort to protect the beach community.
Goldfeder also stated that the city should better utilize the public space as a promenade for thousands of families and visitors during peak season in the summer months.
“Hurricane Sandy has left us without a completed boardwalk for the coming summer and we must be creative to provide our families with the space necessary to enjoy our beach front community,” said Goldfeder. “Putting up protective barriers on Shore Front Parkway along the east-bound lane would create a safer atmosphere for the community and attract visitors to frequent our struggling businesses and lend to a quicker recovery.”
Shore Front Parkway currently serves as the gateway to the ocean and popular food concession stands that attract tourists and families citywide to Rockaway. The 2012 summer season set records for beach visits and economic activity in Rockaway and something must be done immediately to provide for similar opportunity in the coming year and act as a short term solution until our boardwalk is rebuilt, noted Goldfeder.
“The current configuration of the roadway deprives the community of valuable beach front space and currently poses a danger to our children and neighbors,” Goldfeder added. “I urge Mayor Bloomberg to consider the safety of our residents in the area and review the possibility of erecting a barrier in the middle of the Eastbound lane of Shore Front Parkway and allow our community to rebuild and continue to provide an enjoyable destination for beach-goers not only in Rockaway, but throughout New York City.”
