for breaking news visit www.timesnewsweekly.com SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 • times 21 MTA Chairman & CEO Prendergast to keynote November’s QNS Real Estate Conference by the RIDGEWOOD TIMES STAFF editorial@ridgewoodtimes.com @ridgewoodtimes MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast will headline the QNS Real Estate Conference scheduled to take place on Nov. 19 at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Presented by the Star Network and The Queens Courier, in association with the Real Estate Board of New York, the conference provides the opportunity for professionals in the real estate industry to network with one another and learn more about Queens. The conference begins at 8 a.m. on Nov. 19 with breakfast and networking. Prendergast will take the podium at 8:45 a.m. 14 The QUeeNS CoUrier • SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com High Line-style park might be making its way to LIC: reports The MTA is reportedly turning to the community for ideas on how to put a stretch of unused railroad tracks in LIC back to use, possibly by creating a park like the High Line in Manhattan (pictured). bY tHe QUeens CoUrier staff editorial@queenscourier.com/@QueensCourier Some unused railroad tracks in Long Island City might soon be given new life, as the MTA begins to reach out to the community for ideas on how to put the space to use, according to published reports. The transit agency is currently looking for local groups to aid in restoring two sections of the Long Island Rail Road totaling more than a mile, which haven’t been used since the 1990s, the New York Post reported. The sections include parts of the old Montauk and Main Line tracks located by the intersection of Skillman and 49th avenues. According to Curbed, the MTA has released a Request For Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for that section as a way to examine different options from businesses, nonprofits, community groups and individuals. Ideas can include, but are not limited to, public open space, urban farming, or museum or sculpture garden space. The stretch used to connect the LIRR’s Lower Montauk Branch, running along Newtown Creek, to the Sunnyside and Arch Street Yards to the north, according to the RFEI. For anyone looking to submit concept ideas, they must offer access points; plan to bring utilities such as electricity and water to the area; and plan for site maintenance, according to Curbed. This isn’t the first time a High Line-style park has been proposed for Queens. Plans were announced last year for a 3.5-mile stretch – dubbed QueensWay – of recreational, walking and biking trails crossing through the neighborhoods of Rego Park, Forest Hills, Glendale, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven and Ozone Park. and address guests about the state of the nation’s largest public transportation system. Prendergast started his career with the Chicago Transit Authority and has 30 years of experience in mass transit. Having previously served as Long Island Rail Road president before departing for other opportunities, Prendergast rejoined the organization in 2009 as New York City Transit president; he was later appointed interim director of the entire MTA in 2013, and was later named chairman and CEO following reorganization. During his tenure, Prendergast committed toward making service and technology improvements throughout the entire MTA system while maintaining a balanced budget. The MTA employs more than 48,000 people, has an annual operating budget of $6 billion and invests $2.5 billion annually toward capital improvements. Following Prendergast’s keynote speech, the guests will then participate in panel discussions among real estate experts from across the city. The Queens real estate market has tremendous opportunity and projects underway changing the landscape of many neighborhoods,” said Schneps Communications Co-Publisher Joshua Schneps. “This event will bring together experts in the industry to share insight and network with others working or interested in the Queens real estate industry.” “The QNS Real Estate Conference is a great showcase for the increasingly important Queens residential and commercial markets,” said REBNY President John Banks. “REBNY members are deeply involved with a growing number of game-changing projects throughout Queens, our largest borough and top tourist destination.” Tickets are $55 per person; tables of 10 are available for $500 each. Register online at www.queenscourier.com/ reconference. For sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities, contact Amy Amato by calling 718-224-5863, ext. 201, or emailing aamato@ queenscourier.com. Photo courtesy of MTA Thomas Prendergast, the MTA’s chairman and CEO, will be the keynote speaker at the QNS Real Estate Conference this November. by the RIDGEWOOD TIMES STAFF editorial@ridgewoodtimes.com/@ridgewoodtimes
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