Citing parking problems that have plagued the area surrounding MS 137 in Ozone Park, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park) is urging Con Edison to allow educators use of a vacant parking lot adjacent to the school.
“Allowing access to the vacant lot for parking will help encourage parents to be more involved in student activities with their children,” said Goldfeder, who recently penned a letter to Con Edison’s CEO asking for help. “Every organization has a responsibility to the communities they are located in and a small gesture from ConEd will go a long way in easing parking congestion for residents of Ozone Park and parents visiting the school.”
The empty parcel of land located on 98th Street, between 109th Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard, is owned by Con Edison and has not been utilized by the company for several years. The property is located a stone’s throw from MS 137 at 109-15 98th St.
A Con Edison spokesman said Tuesday that the company will take a close look at the feasibility of the proposal.
“We will review it and respond to the assemblyman,” spokesman Allan Drury wrote in an email Tuesday. “We are also reaching out to him today to discuss the matter.”
The streets surrounding the school are often extremely congested, area leaders noted, with empty parking spaces often difficult to find. The vacant lot, Goldfeder said, would address a longtime issue for area homeowners, as well as allow the school extra space to host special events.
“We must continue to provide our schools all the resources they need to be successful,” Democratic District Leader Frank Gulluscio said. “There are a variety of ways that MS 137 can put this vacant land to good use for the benefit of our children’s education. ConEd as a community partner should be doing everything it can to help our schools.”
Goldfeder stressed the positive role that faculty, parents and students at MS 137 have played in the community and stressed in his letter the boost access to parking would give to the educational facility.
“We need to provide any available resources to allow our children and families to grow and be successful for the future,” he said.
By Anna Gustafson
