A Flushing train station will begin to see a series of improvements — including new security cameras — in the new year.
The MTA has awarded a $8.6 million contract to build two new ADA-accessible elevators at each end of the Murray Hill LIRR station, the corporation announced on Dec. 27. Several other upgrades are also included in the project, including platform improvements, new security cameras, lighting and signage.
Work is expected to begin in March. Elevator construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2019.
The station, located at 150th Street and 41st Avenue, was recently the site of two hate graffiti incidents. Written in black marker, the hateful, anti-Asian statements discovered on Dec. 18 and 19 included “Whites Built Flushing” and “Chinese Losers Town.”
In response, community leaders met at the site to condemn the incidents and call for an investigation. On Dec. 27, an MTA spokesperson told QNS that the MTA Police’s investigation into the incidents is “active and ongoing.” The graffiti has since been removed.
The new security cameras will be installed in areas throughout the station.
Assemblyman Ron Kim, who previously pledged to buy a security camera, thanked the MTA for addressing the community’s concerns.
“My fellow elected officials and I are hopeful that this will stem the recent tide of repulsive vandalism there, and make the area safer for all residents,” Kim said. “We are also grateful to our local community leaders, Christine Colligan of the KoreanAmerican Parents Association of Greater New York, Thomas Kim of the Korean American Association of Queens, and Younghwan Kim of Murray Hill Merchants Association, for their unceasing efforts to successfully resolve this issue, as well as the MTA and Governor Cuomo for their outreach to our community.”
Should security problems continue to persist after the installations, Kim added, he is still committed to securing additional funding for safety projects.
