By Forum Staff
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Sunday announced that transit crews have completed extensive functional and aesthetic upgrades at the Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Airport E, J, Z, and Jamaica–Van Wyck E stations.
The work is part of New York City Transit’s Re-NEW-vation Program, which utilizes planned service outages to perform stationwide repairs, enhancements, and deep cleaning.
At the Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Airport E, J, Z station, New York City Transit crews scraped, primed, and painted over 10,000 square feet of the station. Over 150 lights were converted to light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, upgrading the entire station with clearer and more energy efficient lights that brighten darkened areas. Additionally, the iconic subway stairway globes were replaced, concrete tripping hazards were repaired along the platforms, stairways were inspected and repaired where needed, and outdated signage was removed.
Photos Courtesy of MTA
Workers repaint mezzanine ceilings at the Jamaica–Van Wyck E station.
At the Jamaica–Van Wyck E station, workers carried out a specialized cleaning operation, which included scrubbing platforms clean of outdated social distancing signage, washing and removing graffiti from track and station walls, and eliminating calcium deposits and water stains from platforms. Workers also made extensive repairs to floor tiles alleviating tripping hazards. Ceilings, station booths, and other surfaces were scraped, primed and repainted. Outdated signage including legacy bus and subway maps were removed, and new Americans with Disabilities Act signage was updated, new LED lights were installed, and platform benches were sanded and restained for customers.
“The Jamaica-Van Wyck station area was a quality-of-life concern for elected officials, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and residents for several years,” Community Board 9 District Manager James McClelland said. “We are extremely thankful to the MTA for the extensive station renovation which has ameliorated many of the issues. I look forward to working with the MTA on other projects that improve our communities.”
The Re-NEW-vation Program is a permanent part of the NYCT Department of Subways, according to MTA officials, with at least 50 stations to receive repairs, upgrades and deep cleanings each year. Since the start of the program 70 stations have been beautified.
“The recent upgrades at Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Airport and Jamaica–Van Wyck E stations in Queens are a testament to the dedication of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in enhancing the commuter experience,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr (D-Woodhaven). “The completion of these functional and aesthetic improvements under the Re-NEW-vation Program exemplifies the commitment to providing brighter, safer, and more efficient transit environments for the residents and visitors of New York City.”
Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) called the station upgrades “fantastic news.” She also said she was “thrilled by the MTA’s transformative work” in Council District 29, which includes Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, South Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park.
“These stations are vital to so many people, and they deserve a pleasant experience. With deep cleaning and improvements to lighting and signage, the re-NEW-vation work exemplifies the importance of providing New Yorkers with a safer and more welcoming environment for all travelers,” Schulman added.
