Local elected officials worked with community leaders and state agencies to get the state Department of Transportation (DOT) to agree to transform a neighborhood eyesore in Maspeth from a barren strip of concrete to a beautiful green space.
State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley and Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan teamed up to get the DOT to beautify the Flushing Avenue Triangle, located between 59th Street and 59th Avenue, a project eight years in the making.
“This is exactly how our government should work,” Addabbo said. “Elected officials, working together with our residents and government agencies, to improve the quality of life throughout our communities.”
The state-owned property that is the Flushing Avenue Triangle is located within an industrial area within Maspeth and is currently used as a parking lot for auto repair shops. As with many locations in industrial areas, the Flushing Avenue Triangle is lacking any green space.
“Throughout our city, especially in manufacturing areas where there is more truck traffic, it’s important to preserve and invest in new green space for the community’s benefit,” Crowley said. “This once discarded Flushing Avenue Triangle provided just that opportunity, and I’m thrilled DOT will be moving forward with this beautification project. Just a little green space can go a long way. My thanks to the state for their cooperation and at long last we can get this done.”
The triangle will soon be surrounded by a gate and a new, 5-foot fence, as well as new sidewalks. The area will also be landscaped with trees and new plantings. They expect to begin the planting process during the upcoming planting season, which runs from Oct. 1 to Dec. 15.
“Advocating for street safety and green space is important.” Nolan said. “My thanks to Governor Cuomo, Councilwoman Crowley, NYS DOT, our local community board and Civic leaders on a successful partnership in advocating for improvements to this site.”
