RWD_p004

RT01142016

4 times • JANUARY 14, 2016 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com MTA to put Queens station renovations projects on the fast track By Robert Pozarycki rpozarycki@queenscourier.com @robbpoz Seven dilapidated train stations in Queens will be rapidly redesigned under a transportation plan that Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Jan. 8 in Brooklyn. In all, 30 subway stations in New York City will be overhauled in the governor’s proposed program, including four stations on the N/Q lines in Astoria: 30th Avenue, Broadway, 36th Avenue and 39th Avenue. The Parsons Boulevard F train station in Jamaica and two stations on the M/R lines — the 67th Avenue station in Rego Park and the Northern Boulevard station in Woodside — will also be renovated. According to the governor’s office, the MTA will be tasked with altering its design guidelines to allow for each station to be redesigned with a brighter, cleaner look and easier navigation. The MTA will also expedite the projects by utilizing the design-build contract procurement method that the Cuomo administration used to quickly advance infrastructure projects such as the new Kosciuszko Bridge on the Brooklyn/Queens border. A single contractor will be selected to handle all 30 stations. Cuomo added that the stations will be completely closed during renovations; though this will inconvenience riders, he noted, the closures would allow for the projects to be completed more quickly. The governor projects that most of the 30 station rebuilds will be completed by 2018, and all will be finished by 2020. Each station project will take between six and 12 months to complete. The renovations are part of the governor’s 2016 agenda, which aims to bring aesthetic and technological improvements to the entire Metropolitan Transportation Authority system beginning this year. Cuomo also plans to introduce a touchless, mobile fare payment system to replace MetroCards and tickets; to expand wireless Internet hot spots; and to install USB ports in train cars, buses and train stations to allow customers to recharge their phones while riding or waiting. “This is absolutely vital to the daily functioning of New York City, but for too long, it has failed to meet the region’s growing size and strength,” Cuomo said. “This is about doing more than just repair and maintain. This is thinking bigger and better and building the 21stcentury transit system New Yorkers deserve.” Photo via Wikimedia Commons The 36th Avenue station in Astoria is one of seven subway stops in Queens that Governor Andrew Cuomo wants the MTA to quickly redesign and rebuild as part of his 2016 agenda. Glendale store’s cellphone drive helps victims of domestic violence BY ANTHONY GIUDICE agiudice@ridgewoodtimes.com @A_GiudiceReport A local electronics store in Glendale is hosting a charity phone recycling drive to support victims of domestic violence. Fix-n-Go Electronics, located at 67-07 Myrtle Ave., will begin accepting old cellphones as donations for HopeLine, a charity organization that benefits the survivors of domestic violence. Previously, the shop turned back customers with outdated phones, but decided this year to put the devices to good use. “In January, we have a lot of people come to the store hoping to sell or trade in older phones after upgrading over the holiday season,” said Frank Calvario of Fix-n-Go Electronics. “Rather than turn them away, we want to allow our customers the opportunity to donate these phones to a good cause, and help the environment at the same time.” Fix-n-Go Electronics has partnered with HopeLine, which recycles old cellphones and distributes them to survivors of domestic violence. This helps connect those impacted by domestic violence to vital resources and allow them to leave abusive situations. “As someone whose life has been affected by domestic violence, HopeLine is a charity that is close to my heart,” Chelsey McChesney said. In addition, HopeLine has used the funds from recycling phones that are too broken to be salvaged into over $29 million in grants to domestic violence charities. With electronic waste starting to pile up in landfills, this recycling drive helps keep these old cellphones from making their way into the garbage. “By donating old phones and phone accessories at Fix-n-Go Electronics, not only will participants be helping those affected by domestic violence, but they will also be doing something good for the environment,” Calvario said. The recycling drive begins on Jan. 15 and runs until they fill the boxes to send to HopeLine. If the charity event is a success, they will continue to accept old phones through February. Everyone who donates a phone during the drive will receive a free phone cleaner kit. For more information, visit fixngoelectronics. com. Photo courtesy Fix-n-Go Electronics Fix-n-Go Electronics is holding a charity phone drive for victims of domestic violence.


RT01142016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above