BY JASMINE PALMA
Two lawmakers proposed
legislation this week to protect
the character of the Lefferts
Boulevard Bridge in
Kew Gardens as the structural
integrity of the bridge
comes under question.
The bill champions the
right of first refusal to small
businesses operating on the
bridge and aims to preserve
the neighborhood landmark’s
present structure.
The Metropolitan Transit
Authority (MTA) announced
that capital investments will
be necessary to address the
weakened structural integrity
of the storefronts on the
nearly century-old bridge.
The MTA intends to issue a
request-for-proposal for a new
property-manager later in the
year, though short of provisions
for current tenants.
Spearheaded by Assemblymember
Daniel Rosenthal
and State Senator Leroy Comrie,
the bill contends that the
damage of the businesses are
not to the fault of the businessowners,
a consideration not
heeded in the MTA’s plans,
the lawmakers said.
“The Lefferts Boulevard
bridge is not only a cultural
landmark, but serves as a
community hub for Kew Gardens,”
said Rosenthal. “After
years of neglect by the MTA,
it would be unconscionable
to destroy the livelihoods of
these small businesses owners
who have become family
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and neighbors to thousands. I
am thankful to Senator Comrie
for his partnership and
commitment to fighting for
our community.”
Comrie and Rosenthal’s
proposed legislation comes
after elected officials pushed
a bill to protect the bridge
from demolition in 2018.
“The Lefferts Boulevard
bridge is a one-of-a-kind architectural
gem in the heart
of Queens, but more importantly,
it is the centerpiece
of a community and the foundation
for many folks’ livelihoods,”
Comrie said. “Assembly
Member Rosenthal
and I have been in lockstep on
this issue for the past several
years, so I thank him for his
partnership and commitment
to the community.”
“The Kew Gardens Lefferts
Boulevard bridge of stores,
our Ponte Vecchio, the heart
of our community, has moved
a step closer to restoration,”
said Sylvia Hack of the Kew
Gardens Civic Association.
“Thanks to the legislative
process set in motion by State
Senator Leroy Comrie and
Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal,
our historic community
has the chance to continue
into the 21st century, while
preserving our past.”
QUEENS LAWMAKERS AIM
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BRIDGE AS STRUCTURAL
INTEGRITY IS CALLED
INTO QUESTION
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