18 The QUEE NS Courier • november 26, 2015 for breaking news visit www.qns.com Ribbon-cutting celebrates $1.6 million reconstruction of Bayside’s Oakland Lake By Alina Suriel asuriel@queenscourier.com @alinangelica One Bayside spot looks better than ever. The city’s parks commissioner joined Queens officials on Nov. 23 at Bayside’s Oakland Lake to celebrate a $1.6 million reconstruction to improve water quality and improve pedestrian pathways around the lake. The work was funded with $1.1 million allocated by the borough president and an additional $500,000 from the City Council. As part of the project, portions of pathway around the lake were reconstructed and stone swales and drywells were installed to collect water seeping from surrounding slopes and divert the water from the path. Additionally, invasive grasses were replaced by new native wetland plantings, the stream bed was reestablished, drainage systems were cleaned, and the slope was stabilized with boulders. NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Congresswoman Grace Meng, Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, City Councilman-elect Barry Grodenchik and Community Board 11 District Manager Susan Seinfeld were all present at the ribbon-cutting. Silver said that the Parks Officials cut a ceremonial ribbon on a re-opened Oakland Lake. Department was thankful to Katz and the City Council for supporting one of Queens’ most pristine natural areas. “Oakland Lake is a breath of fresh air in the middle of New York City,” Silver said. “And just in time to take in the fall foliage reflecting on its calm waters, visitors can now enjoy restored pathways and new native plantings. Katz said the reconstruction project has enhanced Oakland Lake, making it an even more pleasant experience for families. “Oakland Lake has provided Queens residents and visitors with an oasis of tranquility in the midst of our Photo courtesy of the NYC Parks Department densely populated borough and city,” said Katz. Oakland Lake is a 15,000-year-old spring-fed glacial kettle pond located in Queens’ Alley Pond Park. The lake includes fish such as the bluegill carp, perch and bass, and the area also attracts local and migratory species of birds. Flushing Select Bus Service set to be implemented this week By Alina Suriel asuriel@queenscourier.com/@alinangelica A controversial Select Bus Service route running from Jamaica and Flushing into the Bronx is set to be implemented on Sunday. Off-board fare collection meters installed at Q44 bus stops earlier this season have had signs all week informing passengers of the impending change set for Nov. 29. Select Bus Service is an improved bus service that aims to offer fast, frequent and reliable service on high-ridership bus routes. SBS lines decrease travel time by utilizing offboard fare collection by kiosk, dedicated bus lanes and transit signal priority. Community Board 7 voted against the route in September after a presentation by Department of Transportation (DOT) officials, and local business owners have long been skeptical of the effect it will have on local parking availability. Public transit advocacy groups have been supportive of the plan, collecting more than 2,000 signatures for a petition meant to spur city agencies to adopt Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along the Q44 route, specifically on Parsons Boulevard and Main Street. THE COURIER/Photo by Alina Suriel Q44 SBS will run from Jamaica and Flushing into the Bronx.
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