By Gabrielle Prusak
Borough President Melinda Katz announced last week that more than $1 million in capital funds will be going toward streetscape improvements along commercial areas in several Queens neighborhoods.
The improvements are intended to enhance and revitalize the commercial shopping districts in order to promote business development and investment in those areas as well as encouraging residents to patronize local establishments, according to the borough president’s office.
The exact amount of the budget is $1,110,950 and that will fund seven projects in Queens.
“The commercial corridors found in the diverse neighborhoods throughout Queens are key assets and economic engines for our borough,” Katz said in a statement. “The funds I am allocating to enhance these commercial corridors will help them maximize their potential as retail centers and civic gathering places. These capital improvements will help our borough’s small businesses create jobs and offer quality goods and services for many years to come.”
The projects are planned in downtown Jamaica, Sunnyside, St. Albans, Astoria, two places in Woodhaven and Rockaway Beach.
In downtown Jamaica, there will be 102 decorative pedestrian arms added to light poles along Jamaica Avenue between 168th Street and Sutphin Boulevard and also on Union Hall Street between Jamaica and Archer avenues. This part of the project will cost $229,000.
An additional 27 new street trees and tree guards along with the expansion of tree beds will be put in Sunnyside on Queens Boulevard between 38th and 50th streets and on Greenpoint Avenue between 45th and 47th streets. This will cost $56,950.
St. Albans will be receiving trees and plantings in the lot at 99th Avenue and Farmers Boulevard. There will also be a creation of a greenstreet at the intersection of Murdock Avenue and Farmers Boulevard. The amount of this project is $100,000.
Greenspace will be coming to Astoria around the Steinway Clock between 30th and 31st avenues and at the municipal lot on Steinway Street between Broadway and 31st Avenue. This will cost $200,000.
At the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard, there will be a new greenstreet with trees and plantings. Also on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven, there will an installation of energy efficient LED street lights underneath the elevated subway along Jamaica Avenue. This is the most expensive part of the project, costing $325,000.
The last project will be in Rockaway Beach on Beach 116th Street from Beach Channel Drive to the ocean. There streetscape improvements will include fencing and directional guides.
