Queens Borough President Melinda Katz announced Tuesday that she is allocating about $1.1 million in capital funds to pay for streetscape improvements along a number of main commercial strips throughout the borough, including in Woodhaven and Rockaway.
Katz noted that the improvements are intended to revitalize shopping districts in an effort to jumpstart business development and investment in those areas, as well as encourage residents to patronize area establishments.
“The commercial corridors found in the diverse neighborhoods throughout Queens are key assets and economic engines for our borough,” Katz said in a prepared statement. “The funds I am allocating to enhance these commercial corridors will help them maximize their potential as retail centers and civic gathering places. These capital improvements will help our borough’s small businesses and create jobs and offer quality goods and services for many years to come.”
The funding includes $250,000 for the installation of energy efficient LED street lights underneath the elevated subway along Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven, as well as $75,000 to plant new greenery, including trees, at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard.
“The addition of plantings with trees and the new street lighting along Jamaica Avenue is so very welcome,” said Maria Thomson, executive director of the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation. “The greenery will enhance our community of Woodhaven, and the new lighting will improve our safety, as well as positively affect our quality of life.”
Another $200,000 is slated to go to streetscape improvements, including fencing and directional guides for Beach 116th Street from Beach Channel Drive to the ocean.
Both Danny Ruscillo Jr., president of the 100th Precinct Community Council, and Friends of Rockaway Beach Co-Founder John Cori praised Katz for the funding.
“Any money being put towards Beach 116th Street in Rockaway Park is a home run for the betterment of that area,” Ruscillo said.
Cori stressed that the “allocation will go a long way towards the betterment of one of our finest commercial districts on the peninsula and will brighten another jewel in the wonderful borough of Queens.”
Other funding will go to projects in downtown Jamaica, Sunnyside, St. Albans, and Astoria.
By Anna Gustafson
