FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com JUNE 11, 2015 • THE QUEENS COURIER 11 CB 2 unanimously approves Queens Blvd. safety improvements BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO [email protected]/@aaltamirano28 Queens Boulevard is now one step closer to going from the “Boulevard of Death” to the “Boulevard of Life.” Community Board 2 (CB 2) unanimously voted on June 4 to approve the Department of Transportation’s proposed safety improvements and redesign of a 1.3-mile portion of Queens Boulevard between Roosevelt Avenue and 73rd Street. The DOT said it decided to focus on this section fi rst because, according to statistics, there have been six fatalities since 2009 in that particular area. “Community Board 2’s unanimous vote tonight is a big step toward turning Queens Boulevard into the Boulevard of Life,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg in a statement after the meeting. “This investment made by the de Blasio Administration will make the boulevard safer, greener and better for all users. I would like to thank the community for its support and local leaders, such as Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, for their leadership.” Community Board 2 unanimously voted to approve the Department of Transportation’s proposed safety improvements and A preliminary plan for the strip was released in redesign of a 1.3-mile portion of Queens Boulevard between Roosevelt Avenue and 73rd Street. March. The proposal presented by DOT representatives during the June 4 meeting was based on community line moving, reducing constant lane change, completing input gathered during safety workshops earlier this year crosswalks and connecting neighborhoods, and also a meeting held with CB 2’s Transportation and eliminating highway-like design features. Committee two days prior to last night’s vote. Unique redesigns include a protected bike lane integrated Some of the features of the fi rst redesign segment, into a widened service road median, with new expected to be implemented in August, include safer pedestrian space and median-to-median crossings. crossings, increased pedestrian space and improved As part of their decision, CB 2 members asked the intersections. The plan also looks to calm the traffi DOT to keep an ongoing dialogue with the community c on service roads and try to reduce the number and address issues such as the loss of parking of times drivers move between the main line and service roads. Goals for the redesign include keeping the main spaces and some of the turn lanes off the center median of the thoroughfare. Residents at the meeting voiced their support for THE COURIER/Photo by Angy Altamirano the proposal and praised DOT for the proposed safety improvements. “What I’m really excited about the proposal today is that it kind of paints a future and gives an idea of what it would be like to have a road safe enough to bicycle on and it makes me excited to get my bicycle out and actually ride it,” said Patrick Rhea, a resident who walks and drives on Queens Boulevard. The DOT plans to hold more public workshops during the fall and winter for the future phases of the initiative, from 73rd Street to Eliot Avenue and from Eliot Avenue to Union Turnpike. Great rates like ours are always in season. 24-Month CD 1.25%APY* At Flushing Bank, we’re small enough to know you and large enough to provide you with the great rates you’re looking for. Hurry, an offer like this can’t last forever. For more information and to find out about our other great offers, visit your local Flushing Bank branch, call 800.581.2889 or visit www.FlushingBank.com. $5,000 minimum deposit *New money only. APY effective April 2, 2015. Annual percentage yield assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for a full year at current rate. Minimum deposit balance of $5,000 is required. Funds cannot be transferred from an existing Flushing Bank account. Premature withdrawals may be subject to bank and IRS penalties. Rates and offer are subject to change without notice. Flushing Bank is a registered trademark
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