By Shanna Fuld
Since the demolition of the municipal garage behind Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens, parking in the area has become increasingly difficult.
The loss of the garage, which had served the public, affects everyone who now visits the hall and courthouse, including people who work in the area, those appearing at court or even people just trying to visit Kew Gardens.
The structure was deemed unsafe by the city Department of Buildings at the end of September 2014 and destruction of the garage began last winter. Between construction on the Van Wyck Expressway and TV crews leaving trucks near Borough Hall to film, people are having a very hard time finding a place to keep their cars while attending to their business.
“You can’t park anywhere. The lots get filled up really, really fast so if you come here after 8:30 a.m., you have to park six or seven blocks away,” Robert Pinki of Forest Hills said.
In an effort to improve the parking situation, the city Department of Transportation has added 40 more angle spots on 134th Street, now making a total of 78 spots. In addition, curbside regulations have been changed to accommodate 20 more spaces on Queens Boulevard before the entrance to the Van Wyck, making a total of 40 six-hour metered parking spaces there.
Despite the extra spaces, this jammed area of Queens remains a nightmare for drivers. Many people get dropped off by the court buildings to save themselves the trouble and stress of seeking parking.
“My son drove me because it’s very difficult to park,” Ana Olivo of Fresh Meadows, said.
Jose Zilvetiz, a custodian who works in a deli on Queens Boulevard, said he and all of his co-workers had to change their morning routines in order to get a parking spot.
“I start at 7 a.m.,” he said. “But I head to work at 5:30. It’s impossible.”
The garage will be turned into a surface lot, which is projected to be finished by early August.
