By Sarina Trangle
The state announced Thursday The Trust For Public Land won a $433,750 grant to design a roughly 1.5-mile section of the proposed QueensWay.
The Trust for Public Land, a group pushing for creation and preservation of parks across the country, applied for the grant through the New York City Regional Economic Development Council, one of 10 bodies overseen by the state.
The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will oversee the $443,750 grant.
The money is slated to fund the complete design of the northern gateway in Rego Park of the proposed QueensWay.
The Friends of the QueensWay advocacy group has been calling to transform a 3.5-mile stretch of the abandoned Rockaway Beach LIRR spur into a High Line-style park, with bike and pedestrian paths and recreational areas along the route.
The group, which previously received a state grant to study the feasibility of the QueensWay, has estimated the project would cost about $120 million.
Friends of QueensWay did not immediately answer inquiries about what other grant applications it and its partners has submitted.
The QueensWay has divided the borough, with supporters claiming it will provide a much-needed respite and north-south borough route as well as boost local businesses and foes saying it would cause traffic woes and drive down property values.
Others, including the Queens Public Transit Committee, would like to see the Rockaway Beach LIRR line reactivated for train service.
Reach reporter Sarina Trangle by e-mail at strangle@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4546.
