March 4, 2014 By Christian Murray
The community board is urging the Department of Transportation to free up about a dozen parking spaces along 48th Avenue—between Vernon Blvd and 11th Street—that are currently deemed “no parking” zones between 8 am and 6 pm (M-Friday).
Joe Conley, chairman of Community Board 2, who spoke at a recent transportation meeting, said that these spaces should be available for parking.
He said that the no-parking signs were erected several years ago when the adjacent section of land—which was once a big pit (and went all the way down to the dog run on Vernon Blvd)—was being filled by the Long Island Rail Road. He said trucks would be constantly going up and down the street to drop off loads so the signs went up.
However, that work was completed years ago and so the “no parking” signs should come down, Conley said.
Queens DOT Commissioner Dalila Hall, however, wasn’t so sure. She said that the “no parking” signs were there because trucks need to make deliveries to businesses on that section of roadway and need room to turn.
However, Sheila Lewandowski, a board member, said that 48th Avenue (between Vernon and 11th Street) is largely residential, except for a dry cleaning store and one other business. Therefore, she argued, the parking spaces should be made available.
The board urged Hall to reassess that section of 48th Avenue, arguing that parking is in short supply in Hunters Point.
Hall said she would review it.
