FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com june 4, 2015 • The Queens Courier 3 Sunnyside performance series to kick off under 7 train BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO aaltamirano@ridgewoodtimes.com @aaltamirano28 A Sunnyside pedestrian plaza will become a new venue for the arts starting Photo courtesy of Street Beat Brass Band The Sunnyside-based Street Beat Brass Band will be the first group to perform during the new series “Third Thursdays in Bliss Plaza.” Little Bay parking lot expanded for 99 more vehicles BY ALIN A SURIE L asuriel@queenscourier.com/@alinangelica The parking lot at Little Bay Park in Whitestone can fit nearly 100 more vehicles after being expanded as part of a $6.659 million reconstruction project of the park’s amenities. Public officials and Parks Department representatives were on hand to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the park, and classic cars were on display as part of the event. The new parking lot was expanded to include 224 spaces, 99 more than were previously there. “This parking lot has been sorely needed by the community and I am thankful that the construction had completed, allowing its use for the whole summer,” Councilman Paul Vallone said. “As we gear up for summer events such as local sports games and the July 1 fireworks show, the newly expanded parking lot will be important for maximizing the accessibility of Fort Totten and I also look forward to the completion of the comfort station by the end of the fall.” Green infrastructure was also added for increased stormwater management. Twenty-nine new retention tanks will capture and manage all of the site’s stormwater runoff, eventually releasing it back into the ground to minimize any strain on the city’s stormwater sewage system. Bioswales, or raised beds of soil and plants meant to capture and filter rainwater into the ground, were also installed above the retention tanks and planted with perennials, grasses, trees and shrubs. The project was funded through $3.65 million allocated by the mayor, $720,000 from the City The new, expanded parking lot at Little Bay Park has space for 224 vehicles. Council and $2.016 million in federal grants. Although work on the comfort station was delayed due to bad weather, construction is now underway and scheduled for completion this fall. “This summer, you can bike, jog or drive to Little Bay Park,” said Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski. “No matter how you got here, Little Bay and neighboring Fort Totten Park Photo courtesy of the NYC Parks Department are popular destinations for visitors from around Queens to enjoy sports, recreation and waterfront views.” The Little Bay Park is bound on the south by the Cross Island Parkway, and is directly adjacent to the Little Bay on the north. It offers clear views of the Throgs Neck Bridge, which runs up to the west of the park. this month as two local groups launch a series bringing free performances to the surrounding community. The Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District and the coalition ReCreate Queens have come together to kick off a new series called “Third Thursdays in Bliss Plaza,” expected to bring entertainment from Queensbased musicians and performers. In March, the groups launched a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of $5,000, in hopes of bringing the new series to Bliss Plaza, which opened last October under the 7 train at Queens Boulevard and 46th Street. The series received initial funding from the Queens Council on the Arts and the rest came from the successful campaign. “We are really looking forward to programming this great new public space,” said Rachel Thieme, executive director of Sunnyside Shines. “Bringing arts programming to Bliss Plaza helps create a more dynamic place and generates foot traffic and activity in the neighborhood, which benefits businesses, residents and visitors alike.” The series, which kicks off on June 18 with a performance by the Sunnyside-based Street Beat Brass Band, will bring a new act to the plaza on the third Thursday of each month through October. Each performance will go from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. According to organizers, “Third Thursdays in Bliss Plaza” will not only delight commuters but also serve to highlight the vital role artists play in the community. “As a coalition of neighbors and creative professionals who want to ensure that the arts thrive in the area, it’s critical to us to showcase local artists and make their work accessible for everyone,” said Nancy Kleaver, founding member of ReCreate Queens. “With support from the community we are able to pay our artists what they deserve and establish an annual series that will grow over time. We can’t wait to launch this new tradition.” The performances include the following: July 16 – Alí Bello & The Sweet Wire Band Aug. 20 – Dilemastronauta Sept. 17 – McManus Irish Dance Oct. 15 – Afro Latineers
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