DOT’s original proposal of curb extensions
Oct. 2, 2015 By Jackie Strawbridge
A plan to put curb extensions at Newtown Avenue will finally kick off this fall, according to the Department of Design and Construction.
Curb extensions are intended to increase pedestrian safety by reducing crossing distances between streets.
DDC has a contractor for the project and is currently in the process of reviewing paperwork, with plans to start construction this fall, spokesperson Shavone Williams said.
The project is three years in the making.
In September of 2012, the Department of Transportation approached Community Board 1 with a proposal to construct a pedestrian plaza at Newtown Avenue. This project would have closed off part of Newtown Avenue to cars to create a community gathering space, which would have been maintained by the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition.
Barring the Board’s consent on a plaza, DOT suggested curb extensions on either side of the street where Newtown Avenue meets 30th Avenue.
Ultimately, the Board voted overwhelmingly against the pedestrian plaza plan.
According to Williams, the Newtown Avenue curb extension project was “recently” transferred from DOT to DDC. She referred questions about events leading up to this to the DOT.
The DOT did not respond to questions as of press time.
Reach reporter Jackie Strawbridge at jackie.strawbridge@queenspost.com
