18 THE QUEENS COURIER •JANUARY 24, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com BYE BYE BRIDGE Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Kosciuszko to be replaced side, and the original Kosciuszko Bridge will be tornbound structure will be built parallel to the existingbridge, with adequate width to accommodate all traffic.Phase 2 will see construction of the Brooklyn-bound BY MAGGIE HAYES 1930s, the bridge was constructed at an elevated level down. Connections to local roads and the Long Island Expressway will be included in the new design as well. mhayes@queenscourier.com to allow tall-masted ships to pass under it via Newtown Creek. Those ships don’t typically operate anymore, Project development began over a decade ago, and members of the Kosciuszko Bridge Stakeholders The Kosciuszko Bridge will soon be falling down — according to Levine. and an entirely revamped bridge will be built in its place. “The bridge is really just higher than it needs to be,” Advisory Committee, the DOT and other commu- nity organizations have finally been granted approval “The bridge is over 70 years old,” said Adam he said. Levine, spokesperson for the state’s Department of The heightened structure is hard for trucks to acceler- to operate on an accelerated schedule. A design-build team should be contracted by spring of this year – a full Transportation (DOT). “It’s in constant need of repairs ate and decelerate, creating a build-up of traffic. A new at this point.” and efficient structure, 45 feet lower than the original, is 18 months earlier than expected – under the NY Works program. More information on the project can be found Those who use the bridge connecting Queens to on its way. Brooklyn are familiar with its heavy traffic. Built in the For Phase 1 of the project, a new cable-stayed Queens- at dot.ny.gov/kbridge. AT YOUR OWN RISK DOT WILL CONDUCT SAFETY STUDY ON INTERSECTION BY ALEXA ALTMAN aaltman@queenscourier.com PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS The Department of City Planning is looking to amend a rule preventing businesses in Long Island City from A transit advocacy group is moving to make changes to a establishing sidewalk cafés. hazardous Sunnyside intersection. AL FRESCO designated zone. Island Expressway, is perilous for pedestrians and cyclistsRepresentatives from the Queens Committee ofTransportation Alternatives say the juncture of BordenAvenue and Greenpoint Avenue, running above the LongCommunity Board 1 voted to approve thesidewalk café, is not included in the plan becauseof its location on Center Boulevard, outside the AMENDMENT TO BRING enclosed sidewalk cafes for those with appropri- due to unclear markings and poorly-timed traffic signals.“Frankly, it’s an absolute nightmare,” said Transportationmotion as long as the amendment allowed OUTDOOR DINING TO LIC sidewalk cafes are currently not included under the intersection frequently. “There really is no safe way for aAlternatives member Steve Scofield, who rides his bike throughate clearance in front of their business. Enclosed BY ALEXA ALTMAN the revision. pedestrian or cyclist to get through the intersection safely.” -Many northbound cyclists choose to navigate the intersecAccording to the Department of Consumer aaltman@queenscourier.com tion illegally to optimize safety, crossing Greenpoint AvenueAffairs (DCA), the fee for an unenclosed two- Once hampered by noise complaints and year sidewalk café license is $510 in addition to and riding against traffic on the southbound side. Scofield numerous tickets, Manducatis Rustica owner a consent fee to use the public sidewalk and a said it’s safer for bike rides to move in the opposite direction Gianna Cerbone-Teoli is looking forward to res- security deposit. Businesses hoping to institute rather than be at the mercy of drivers with limited visibility. urrecting her Vernon Boulevard establishment’s an enclosed café must also pay a city planning Nearly half of cyclists who cross the intersection use this sidewalk café. fee, varying depending on size, zone and the type method. “I’m ecstatic about it,” said Cerbone-Teoli. of café. According to Streetsblog.com, a cyclist was struck and “It’s really nice to see people sitting outside on Alcohol may be served in sidewalk cafes if the killed by a livery cab at the intersection in April 2012. the street and it brings more people to the area.” restaurant has obtained a license from the State The driver of the cab was not charged with any crime. Presented at a community meeting by a repre- Liquor Authority (SLA) and beverages are distrib- According to CrashStat.org, since 1998 there have been sentative from the Department of City Planning uted only by a server. four accidents at the crossing, all of which resulted in (DCP), restrictions preventing sidewalk cafes in According to Arthur Rosenfield, president of the injuries. Long Island City and Sunnyside Gardens will Long Island City/Astoria Chamber of Commerce, In order to create a safer intersection, Scofield wants to be lifted, pending approval from both the local nearby commercial strips in Astoria, such as implement protected left signals and shared lanes for bikes and Community Board and City Council. Broadway, 30th Avenue and Ditmars Boulevard, cars; convert Hunters Point Boulevard into a westbound one- Main and upcoming retail zones, including have seen a boom in business since the installa- way street; and add more lights for cyclists and pedestrians. Vernon Boulevard, Borden Avenue, Jackson tion of outdoor dining spaces. In August 2012, Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer Avenue, 21st Street, Crescent Street, 44th Drive, “People like sidewalk cafes and the busi- sent a letter to then Queens DOT Commissioner Maura Court Square and 43rd Avenue, will receive ness and restaurants need to have that kind of McCarthy, alerting her to the traffic calming measures permission to add unenclosed sidewalk cafes additional presence for economic reasons,” said needed at this intersection. to their storefronts if the amendment passes. Rosenfield. “They need it for revenue and to be “This area is considered unsafe by the community and According to the representative, longstand- attractive – the European-style cafés are very must be addressed as a priority,” the letter said. ing LIC restaurant Waterfront Crab House attractive to people and they’re bringing people According to a spokesperson from the Department of was “grandfathered” under the arrangement. to the neighborhood. It’s very positive for the Transportation (DOT), the agency will conduct a study on the Riverview restaurant, already equipped with a community.” intersection based on Community Board 2’s recommendations.
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