You can help shape the future of public transportation across western Queens at a public workshop tomorrow to discuss what you would like to see aboard the light rail proposal that would return commuter service to the Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR) Lower Montauk line.
On Tuesday, May 16, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley will be hosting a public workshop at 7 p.m. at her district office at the Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale. Residents can find out more about the $500,000 feasibility study for the 8.5-mile light rail project — which was procured in the fiscal year 2017 city budget — while also advising the councilwoman and the city Department of Transportation (DOT) on what they want to see included in the service.
Crowley’s light rail plan, being dubbed the QNS Light Rail, has picked up steam since she announced her idea in the summer of 2015.
The plan aims to bring commuter light rail service from Jamaica to Long Island City along the Lower Montauk line, which currently only sees freight service. Crowley previously warned that LIRR was seeking to increase the amount of freight transported on the route if there was no alternative use for the rail brought forward benefitting the community.
Since the announcement in 2015, Crowley has garnered support from Queens elected officials that represent areas along the proposed route, including Borough President Melinda Katz, as well as support from community boards and local residents.
This plan has the potential to bring commuter service to thousands of riders that are trapped in what are commonly referred to as “transportation deserts” and move them quickly throughout western Queens.
The public workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at the Shops at Atlas Park, located at 8000 Cooper Ave. in Glendale, storefront 6-112, Tier 2, use 82nd Street entrance.
