4 APRIL 25, 2019 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
‘Better Buses’ plan includes Fresh Pond bus lane
BY MARK HALLUM
MHALLUM@SCHNEPSMEDIA.COM
@RIDGEWOODTIMES
Mayor Bill de Blasio set forth
initiatives across the city
along key corridors which he
says will not only increase bus speeds,
but “complement” congestion pricing
with fewer cars on the road.
As part of the Better Buses Action
Plan, released today, the mayor hopes
that by making redesigns of streets to
give priority to public transit, speeds
will increase by 25 percent by 2020.
“Making it easier to get around our
city means New Yorkers have more
time for what matters most – for their
family and themselves,” de Blasio
said. “These measures are part of our
OneNYC strategy to build a fairer,
better city for all. They complement
congestion pricing, helping us fi x our
subways and reduce traffi c delays to
get our city moving.”
Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan
applauded the effort claiming the
planned changes to Fresh Pond Road
in Ridgewood that will increase bus
speeds, improve stops and make
changes that are within the scope of
Vision Zero.
A half-mile of Fresh Pond Road
between Metropolitan and Putnam
Avenues will get a southbound bus
Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Better Buses plan may bring a dedicated bus lane to a portion of Fresh Pond Road in
Ridgewood. Photo: Edwin J. Torres/Mayoral Photography Offi ce
lane aft er being identifi ed as one of
the more sluggish corridors in the
city. The bus lanes, according to the
plan, will be reserved for buses and
right-hand turns, and would be in
eff ect “weekdays for part of the day.”
“I have advocated for better bus
service and proper management
of Fresh Pond Road buses for many
years. Fresh Pond Depot is a very
important part of my district, an
economic generator and a people
mover, it allows people the ability to
travel all over Brooklyn and Queens
from the Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenues
and Fresh Pond hubs,” said Nolan.
The Q58, QM24, QM25 and QM34
— each of which traverse Fresh Pond
Road — see a daily ridership of about
30,000, the administration said, and
average bus speeds are 5.9 miles per
hour in the morning hours and 3 miles
per hour in the evening.
“Every element of our mass
transit system must be improved
dramatically for our city to achieve
its full potential. Buses are a vital part
of our transportation infrastructure,”
said State Senator Michael Gianaris.
Further changes will be made
using feedback from the public in
consultation with community boards,
elected offi cials and other stakeholders,
according to the administration.
The full report can be seen on the
MTA’s website, mta.info.
Another new member
for Glendale Kiwanis
During their April 18 luncheon at Zum Stammtisch restaurant, the
Kiwanis Club of Glendale proudly welcomed Mikaela “Mickey” Zacarias
as their newest member. The Rego Park resident was presented with
a club pin and apron in recognition of the organization’s volunteer
work in the community. Shown at the induction ceremony are (from
left to right) Glendale Kiwanis President-elect Gary Milau, Mikaela
Zacarias, Immediate Past President Kerrie Hansen, Past President
Deborah Kueber and President Tony Sauro.
Photo courtesy of Kerrie Hansen
Ridgewood Property Owners
& Civic Association
General Membership Meeting
Thursday, May 2nd at 7:00 pm
Ridgewood Presbyterian Church
59-14 70 Avenue
between Forest Ave and 60th Street
(entrance on ground floor Senior Citizen’s Center)
What is Happening in Albany
that will affect Ridgewood Homeowners?
Our Honored Guests
Assemblywoman
Cathy Nolan
State Senator
Joseph P. Addabbo
Will give us a status report
State Senator
Michael Gianaris
Assemblyman
Michael Miller
GRRC's 9 Programs Helping Landlords & Tenants - Presentation by Angela Mirabile
Catered sandwiches & salads by Frank’s Deli (Maspeth)
Courtesy of Kerzner Realty, Inc
Property owners in Ridgewood are always welcome to submit
a membership application, subject to RPOCA Board approval.
For information: Paul Kerzner, Counsel - 718 381 3366
link
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