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QC03202014

38 The Queens Courier • march 20, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Images courtesy Friends of the QueensWay and Trust for Public Land QueensWay: initial renderings released The Friends of the QueensWay and Trust for Public Land recently released preliminary design concepts that will be presented as part of upcoming community workshops involving the proposed high line-style green space. The two renderings are an example of the variety of initial QueensWay design concepts that will be shown at the workshops, which will take place on Monday, March 24 at the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School (MELS) in Forest Hills, and Wednesday, March 26 at the High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture in Richmond Hill. A feasibility and planning study for the project is in the very early stages of the design process, and the upcoming workshops will try and compile more input on the preliminary design concepts, as well as additional ones. They will also cover other issues, including open space in areas of the borough that are currently underserved; a new neighborhood park that enhances and links to Forest Park; and ideas on how to support adjacent play spaces for children, such as little league fields. QueensWay advocates would like to transform a 3.5-mile portion of the abandoned Rockaway Rail Line into an elevated pedestrian and bicycle pathway, which would run from Ozone Park to Rego Park. The idea has sparked controversy among the surrounding community. Transportation advocates want a revitalization of the railroad line, while others want nothing at all. Greenway workshops planned BY LIAM LA GUERE lguerre@queenscourier.com/@liamlaguerre UPCOMING JAMAICA BAY GREENWAY WORKSHOPS: The Department of Transportation (DOT) will host a series of Ozone Park four workshops to obtain feedback from the community about Thursday, March 20 at 6 p.m. the Jamaica Bay Greenway, a 28-mile bike and pedestrian path. Knights of Columbus Hall, 135-45 Lefferts Boulevard The plan will improve access to more than 10,000 acres of Rockaways/Broad Channel parkland and beaches, according to the DOT. Tuesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. The city agency hopes to use the forums to collect insights and Scholars’ Academy, 320 Beach 104th Street guide local preferences for the route. City officials will preview Marine Park/Sheepshead Bay maps and renderings of the look of the path for residents to review. Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. The first and second of the four workshops will take place Carmine Carro Community Center, 3000 Fillmore Avenue, Brooklyn in Queens. The first will be on March 20 at The Knights of Canarsie/Spring Creek Columbus Hall in Ozone Park. The second workshop will be Tuesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25 at Scholars’ Academy in Rockaway Park. Brooklyn Sports Club, 1540 Van Siclen Avenue, Brooklyn A COLORFUL WELCOME TO SPRING The streets of Richmond Hill were colored red, green and purple as the West Indian community celebrated Holi, a significant Hindu holiday that welcomes spring. Also known as Phagwah, the 26th annual parade took place on Sunday, March 16. Residents lined up along Liberty Avenue to see the variety of floats and the colored powder filling the air. The parade made its way toward Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park, where many gathered for a cultural show that included singing and dancing. The celebrations welcomed everyone from different races, religions and ages to have fun and become one in the colors. THE COURIER/Photos by Nirmal Singh


QC03202014
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