The future is starting to look brighter as the 82nd Street Partnership begins talks with the MTA on better conditions and lighting at a Jackson Heights subway station.
The Partnership met with representatives from MTA/New York City Transit on September 12 to discuss enhancements to the 82nd Street subway station, as well as along the underpass of the elevated No. 7 train on Roosevelt Avenue. The group discussed the condition and structure of the station and underpass.
“I think it went well,” said Cheryl Tse, project consultant for the 82nd Street Partnership. “It’s the beginning of a conversation of the improvements we can bring to the 82nd Street station and the No. 7 train line.”
In August, as Tse was on her commute home waiting on the No. 7 train platform at the 82nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue subway station, she found a total of four signs with an “e” missing on the word “Roosevelt.” Although the signs were fixed the next day, Tse told The Courier there are many other issues the MTA has to address to make it a better experience for commuters and pedestrians.
During the meeting, Tse, along with other members of the 82nd Street Partnership, expressed the community’s concerns with the station and the surrounding area. They also presented lighting designer Leni Schwendinger’s proposal of improving outdoor lighting and enhancing public spaces along Roosevelt Avenue and 82nd Street.
According to Tse, there will be a capital improvement project beginning in 2016 which will repaint support beams along the No. 7 line. The group was also directed to the MTA’s Arts for Transit program in order to explore potential opportunities of bringing art from local artists to the subway station.
“It was more to get everyone in the same room, to bring their attention to the issues at 82nd Street and along the No. 7 train,” said Tse. “We’re grateful the New York City Transit was able to meet with us to navigate channels and bring the change that we want. We’re hopeful.”
After also pinpointing noise pollution from the No. 7 line, Tse said the group was told new and quieter trains would soon be used. There was no exact date given.
Although the capital improvement project is not set to begin until 2016, the 82nd Street Partnership will organize workshops and community visioning events so residents and business owners can give their suggestions and designs. Schwendinger is also expected to present her final improved lighting proposal by mid-October.
If you have any ideas and feedback, contact the 82nd Street Partnership via Twitter @82ndStQueens or visit www.82ndstreet.org.
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