The 34-year-old arch that welcomes people as they enter Sunnyside will receive a burst of funding to ensure their lights are always flashing.
The Sunnyside Arch, which was built in 1983 and stands 25 feet above the intersection of 46th Street and Queens Boulevard, was last renovated in 2009 when former Queen Borough President Helen Marshall and other officials allocated $500,000 for bike racks, benches and trees.
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer has pledged $15,000 to the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District, which will make renovations that include replacing and upgrading the sign’s lighting system to digital LED lights.
“I am proud to support the work of Sunnyside Shines and to fund this vital renovation of the Sunnyside arch.” Van Bramer said. “For decades, this arch has served as a gateway to this incredible neighborhood and to the entire borough of Queens. I look forward to the new lighting and to keeping this arch a neighborhood icon that we can all be proud of.”
Though the lights were added in 2011 the system had not been functioning regularly. Currently, there are no lights on the sign. According to Van Bramer, the renovations should be complete by the end of this year or early next year.
