By Forum Staff
In a joint effort to advocate for the needs of their constituents, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr.(D-Woodhaven), Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) and Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) have written a letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) expressing their deep concern over the proposed discontinuation of the Q11 bus service through Centerville in the Queens Bus Redesign. It highlights the potential significant impact of the proposed service change on the lives of the residents in the Centerville section of Ozone Park.
According to the MTA, the proposed Q11 would be combined with the existing Q21, replacing the two local routes with a single, more frequent route. The service would have two main variants: one traveling to 157 Av/Cross Bay Blvd through Lindenwood (to replace existing Q21 service) and the other traveling further south via 157 Av to serve Old Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach. The latter variant would combine existing Q11 Old Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach branches into one, and would serve both sides on every trip, doubling existing frequencies. Due to these changes, existing Q11 service north of the Belt Parkway (near the Aqueduct Racetrack) would be discontinued.
Courtesy of MTA
According to the MTA, the proposed Q11 would be combined with the existing Q21, replacing the two local routes with a single, more frequent route.
The area affected by the proposed discontinuation of the Q11 service is home to approximately 3,500 residents, primarily residing in one- and two-family homes. The letter emphasizes the essential role the Q11 route plays as a lifeline for students, seniors, and working-class adults who rely on its services daily.
The elected officials underscore the potential consequences of ceasing the Q11 service, citing the increased walking distances residents would face to access a bus stop on Cross Bay Boulevard. They emphasize that the change would be particularly burdensome and potentially dangerous for those who have come to rely on the safety and convenience of having a bus stop near their doorstep.
Furthermore, the letter emphasizes the vital role the Q11 route plays in providing a sense of security during the earlier nightfall hours in the winter months and in mitigating the exposure of constituents to inclement weather for extended periods.
In addition, the elected officials cite numerous testimonies and complaints from residents who utilize the Q11 for short trips to Old Howard Beach. These trips often include visits to Our Lady of Grace church, local VFW meetings, or quick stops at the local butcher shop for groceries, activities that are integral to the community and facilitated by the Q11 service.
The letter makes it clear that the elected officials are not requesting any changes to the proposed route into New Howard Beach. However, they respectfully request that the MTA consider maintaining a double route system like the one currently in place. Specifically, they propose the continuation of the Q11A route for New Howard Beach and the establishment of the Q11B route for Centerville/Hamilton Beach.
By implementing this solution, the elected officials believe that the MTA can continue to provide vital transportation services to their constituents in Centerville while also adhering to the proposed route changes. This compromise will ensure that the needs of community members are met, and they can continue to enjoy the convenience and accessibility they have come to rely on.
The letter concludes with a request for an opportunity to discuss this matter further with the MTA and their team to explore potential solutions that will preserve the essential Q11 service for Centerville residents. The offices of the elected officials express willingness to collaborate in finding a resolution that best serves the community’s transportation needs.
