BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO Sunnyside residents will now have more room to get together and enjoy the outdoors. The second of two new pedestrian plazas opened in the neighborhood on Oct. 24 at the intersection of 40th Street and Queens Boulevard, under the elevated No. 7 train. Transformed from an underutilized underpass, the plaza includes tables, chairs and decorative plants. It was named Lowery Plaza after 40th Street’s original name, Lowery Street. “The opening of Lowery Plaza is great news for Sunnyside residents,” Department of Transportation Queens Borough Commissioner Dalila Hall said. “This new local destination will significantly improve the life of residents and the vitality of local businesses in Sunnyside and Queens.” The plaza is part of the DOT’s NYC Plaza Program and will be managed by the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District. “This is something that the community is starving for, more open space and more space to come together as a community,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris said. “The opening of this plaza on 40th Street, just like Bliss Plaza on 46th Street, is a sign of Sunnyside’s continued growth as a destination neighborhood for New Yorkers.” In July, Bliss Plaza opened at the intersection of 46th Street and Queens Boulevard. The site also includes tables, chairs and planters. This project included leveling out a street to create a one-level pedestrian area. “We have received such positive feedback from community members and business owners about the success of Bliss Plaza, and I’m delighted to replicate this success at Lowery Plaza,” said Rachel Thieme, Sunnyside Shines BID executive director. “The plazas are fantastic neighborhood amenities and true gathering places in Sunnyside.” 50 november 2014 i LIC COURIER i www.queenscourier.com Photos by Angy Altamirano OPEN SPACE Second Sunnyside pedestrian plaza Local elected officials, leaders and business officially opens owners cut the ribbon opening Lowery Plaza. update
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