State Assemblyman Mike Miller’s (D-Woodhaven) recently discussed idea on how to use the former Long Island Rail Road Rockaway Beach line calls for a partial use of the tracks for rail service while using the remainder for a QueensWay-style park.
While we are grateful for Miller’s support of building a large piece of the QueensWay linear park, lopping off the southern portion for a subway connection does not make sense for several reasons.
First, let’s talk about cost. With reactivation of the entire rail line estimated at $7 billion — something not contemplated at all in the current Metropolitan Transportation Authority five-year capital plan — an expansion of a portion of tracks is likely to cost into the several hundreds of millions, if not billions.
Second, this proposal is unlikely to make for a faster commute. Because the A train already connects commuters through downtown Brooklyn, many would agree that adding an unnecessary transfer from the A train to the LIRR in Brooklyn would not be faster and is unlikely to ever win broad public support.
Finally, this proposal appears to suggest converting LIRR tracks to subway usage. It is our understanding that there is virtually no precedent for the conversion of LIRR into subway. That proposed conversion is likely to be a significant hurdle, taking time and money to even determine, let alone actually be realized.
The QueensWay linear park proposal is the most realistic option to finally address the blighted, abandoned property. It is a proposal that not only has the backing of thousands of Queens residents and financial support from the governor’s Regional Economic Development Council and other funders, but is formulating a community input-driven blueprint for how to build a one-of-a-kind linear park and greenway, providing a crucial, safe way for families to get exercise and get to Forest Park and for Queens residents to safely commute to school and work via bicycle.
We look forward to releasing our conceptual plan this fall.
Andrea Crawford
Member
Friends of the QueensWay Steering Committee
Kew Gardens
