The plaza project at the intersection of Myrtle and Cooper avenues that for months has caused headaches for Glendale residents, pedestrians, motorists and businesses is finally complete, and the plaza is now open for public use.
During the course of the $3.4 million project, which began in September 2016, the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) had to rip up much of the roadway along Myrtle Avenue near the intersections of Cooper Avenue and 70th Street and beyond to replace water mains, storm sewers and catch basins, as well as fire hydrants.
The construction to expand the sidewalk across 70th Street between Myrtle and Cooper avenues caused roadways to be altered, bus stops to be relocated and water service to be interrupted. The work even impacted local small businesses.
Glendale’s new plaza has added 5,300 square feet of new pedestrian space to the area, benches, a water fountain, the planting of greenery, and a new look to the space around the Glendale War Memorial.
The curb at Myrtle Avenue and 71st Street was also extended as part of this project.
Aside from beautifying the area, the plaza project also helped realign the streets, which will help increase pedestrian safety, calm traffic and improve traffic flow, in accordance with Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Vision Zero plan.
To celebrate the opening of the plaza, DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio; Department of Transportation (DOT) Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia; Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski; Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley; Community Board 5 (CB 5) members; Robert Loreng, Commander of Glendale Post 104 of the American Legion; John B. Fiore, Chaplain for Queens County American Legion; members of the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council (GRYC); and Lorenz Latin Dance Studio are expected to be at the plaza for a ceremonial ribbon cutting in the near future.
There will also be a flag raising ceremony by members of Glendale Post 104 of the American Legion and a special dance performance from the Lorenz Latin Dance Studio.
