A section of Ozone Park will be getting a beautiful makeover thanks to funding from a local councilman.
On Oct. 15, Councilman Eric Ulrich announced the start of a four-month-long beautification initiative that will stretch from Ozone Park’s Tudor Village to the Queens Botanical Garden.
Through the $60,000 project, 740 plants have been placed along 133rd Avenue between 82nd and 85th streets. The project is expected to be completed by the end of October 2017, with final touches being made for the remainder of the month.
“For decades, the residents of 133rd Avenue have been putting their personal gardening touches along the stretch, but the upkeep has been a massive burden,” Councilman Ulrich said. “The funds I’ve allocated for this project will not only beautify the [medians] along 133rd Avenue, they will also cover maintenance costs.”
The species of plants that have been added to 133rd Street are drought and salt tolerant; provide four seasons of interest or stay evergreen; and stay within the boundaries of the median. A permeable weed block has also been installed for weed control, as well as a final topping of recycled rubber mulch, which will finish the design.
“One of the most important aspects of this project for me is the people and community input,” said Patty Kleinberg, QBG garden educator. “We’re lucky to have a dedicated councilman and civic association that communicates effectively. I needed to know what was important to the people in the new design and also respect the history of what was already out there.”
“This year, my office has made several investments that will beautify our community — and we are far from finished. Over the next few weeks, I will be announcing a number of clean-up initiatives in the pipeline,” Councilman Ulrich said. “I am committed to making this district more beautiful than it ever has been.”
