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TIMESLEDGER | Q 12 NS.COM | NOV. 5 - NOV. 11, 2021
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Getting vaccinated can help arts venues such as Queens Theatre thrive upon reopening. Courtesy of Queens Theatre
News that Queens Theatre is opening its
doors for in-person programming once
again is music to our ears.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of
the hardest-hit industries has been the arts. Queens
Theatre and other venues like it were forced to immediately
shut their doors at the onset of the pandemic.
Several of these venues have yet to reopen.
Some have permanently closed, while others are
just getting back to business — but it’s definitely not
business as usual.
Many of these venues will require patrons to
wear masks and/or produce proof of vaccination.
Unfortunately, there are still big pockets of the population
in Queens and throughout the city who have
not yet been vaccinated.
We urge you to roll up your sleeves and get the
shot so arts venues such as Queens Theatre can open
their doors and start their recovery from the devastation
of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How can we expect these venues to bounce back
and thrive if people avoid getting vaccinated?
At this point, abstaining from getting vaccinated
is simply irresponsible.
We understand that there are some who cannot
get the vaccine due to medical issues — this editorial
is not directed toward them, rather to the people
who seem not to care about the health of those
around them.
If you won’t get the shot for yourself, get it for
your neighbors, friends and family members.
No, the vaccine isn’t 100% effective — but the many
variations have proven to lessen the symptoms of
COVID-19. Simply put, the COVID-19 vaccinations are
keeping people alive, and that’s what matters.
Perhaps the city can get involved and help the
arts venues by offering incentives to help local arts
venues bounce back — perhaps by covering the cost
of free tickets?
The arts industry is such a vital part of our culture
here in Queens, the “World’s Borough,” where
we have theaters and productions that cater to so
many vibrant cultures.
We should be doing everything in our power to
help support the arts. And right now, that means getting
vaccinated so we can head out and support our
local venues.
Here are some options to improve public transportation
connections to LaGuardia Airport as
opposed to former Governor Cuomo’s $2.05 billion
AirTrain project.
They could be implemented far more quickly than
either the AirTrain or any subway extension at a far
lower cost.
One of the previous NYC seven private franchised
bus operators, Triboro Coach, once operated the
Q57 express bus. It ran from the Queensbridge NYC
Transit subway station at 21st Street and 41st Avenue
served by the F train to LaGuardia Airport in 1990. It
was marketed as the “QT (Quick Trip) LaGuardia Express”
bus route.
The service was discontinued in May 1991 due to
lower than expected ridership. The service ran every 20
minutes, arriving at the airport in 25 minutes, and stopping
at all terminals. The route operated via 21st Street
and Astoria Boulevard to LaGuardia Airport. Service
was provided from 21st Street between 6 a.m. and 11
p.m. and from LaGuardia between 6:35 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Restoration of this service might only require six
buses to maintain a 20-minute headway along with operating
assistance to cover deficits. Farebox revenue
will not meet all operating costs. MTA would also
have to market this new route along with other existing
subway to airport bus connections.
Run a closed-door bus service from the Port Washington
Long Island Rail Road branch Flushing Station
to LaGuardia Airport. It would be far faster than the
existing NYC Transit Q48 Flushing Bus Service.
Coordinate with the city of Glen Cove in Nassau
County. They are attempting to start a ferry service to
Pier 11 in Wall Street. Ask their operator to consider
adding intermediate stops within NYC. These could
include LaGuardia Airport as well as Bayside Fort
Totten, College Point, Flushing Marina, Long Island
City or Astoria. This could generate significant additional
riders, resulting in a more financially viable
operation.
Thousands of residents from northeast Queens
two-fare zones are willing to pay premium fares for
NYC Transit express bus or LIRR services. Many
would do the same for a new ferry service rather than
driving or taking a local bus to subway for journeys to
work. The NYC Economic Development Corporation
provides millions in subsidies to their own private
ferry operators. Cost sharing with them might have
reduced the funding that has to be provided by the city
of Glen Cove.
Larry Penner,
Great Neck
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