By Bill Parry
Straphangers in western Queens took notice when the MTA proposed its $32 billion capital plan. An overhaul of subway stations along the Astoria line and the No. 7 were included among the agency’s priorities and major objectives for the years 2015 to 2019.
MTA Chairman and CEO Tom Prendergast called the plan a need list rather than a wish, saying, “Every five years the MTA takes a hard look at its system and infrastructure and compiles a capital program to identify and prioritize the investments that will be essential to renew, enhance and expand the system to meet the changing needs of the region, its economy and its residents.”
While Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the plan is bloated, the state’s Capital Program Review Board vetoed it, calling for the MTA to revise and re-submit the plan. Several elected officials are hoping the $140 million the agency budgeted for stations along the No. 7 line, and the $110 million for the Astoria line will stay intact.
“The announcement that the MTA is planning to conduct station work in Astoria’s N/Q stations is sorely needed,” City Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) said. “This work would bring positive change in our neighborhood’s transit experience. I am especially happy that the Astoria Boulevard station would receive additional funding so that it can become fully ADA accessible. I urge the state to adopt the MTA’s capital budget plan so that these improvements can occur.”
According to the plan, six stations, including Astoria-Ditmars, would receive more nearly $19 million apiece for renewal work that would upgrade platforms, stairways and lighting. Work would begin next year if the plan is approved.
“It’s good to see the MTA recognize that our train lines in western Queens are in dire need of upgrades,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) said. “But it will take a concerted effort to make these plans a reality. I will keep the pressure on the MTA to deliver on our transit needs.”
Meanwhile, state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) applauded the planned upgrades and maintenance projects the MTA plans along the No. 7 line, from 52nd Street in Woodside to Mets-Willets Point in Corona. Work on the stations would begin in 2017 and finish in 2019.
“Beautifying the Roosevelt Avenue commercial corridor will be good for business and a relief for local residents long disgusted by the eyesore that the elevated 7 line has become,” he said. “I will monitor the plan closely as it moves through the approval process and work to ensure that these projects do not fall through the cracks.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
