Iggy Terranova, Sanitation Department Community Affairs Officer, (l. to r.), Joann Ariola, president of the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Association, Barbara McNamara of the HB-LCA, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder and Al Silvestri, Queens Liaison of the city DOT, recently toured the walkway. Photo courtesy of Assemblyman Goldfeder’s Office
After months of pleading with officials, Howard Beach and Lindenwood community leaders can claim victory this week as the city Department of Transportation has promised to beautify the Lindenwood pedestrian walkway from 80th to 84th Street between 157th Avenue and Shore Parkway.
The popular strip has become a neighborhood eyesore, replete with rundown, graffiti-covered walls, garbage strewn all over and broken overpass lights, which has made the area a safety concern for pedestrians. The DOT has agreed to clean the area and replace the lights.
“Summer is usually a time to slow down, but this summer was all about stepping it up,” said Joann Ariola, president of the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic. “The civic worked closely with Assemblyman [Phil] Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park) and his office team to tackle eyesores and safety conditions in the area. We are pleased to say that the majority of the work has been completed. There’s more work to be done and we look forward to partnering with the assemblyman on any future projects.”
Broken lights are one of the walkway problems city DOT has pledged to fix. Photo by Michael V. Cusenza
Earlier this year, Goldfeder and the HB-LC met with DOT officials and the city Department of Sanitation to fix the deteriorating conditions and dangerous lack of lighting. Following the meeting, the DOT took immediate action and replaced the lights as well as agreed to fix the collapsed fence, and has scheduled routine maintenance to clean up bird feces, which has become a major nuisance at the site.
Additionally, plans are being worked out to paint the walls of the overpass, which are chipped and falling apart.
“This is a huge victory for our community and families,” Goldfeder noted. “Fixing our street lights and cleaning up this neighborhood eyesore will not only beautify our community, but also create a safer atmosphere for our families to enjoy.”
Goldfeder went on to promise that he will see the beautification project through to the end, and that continued maintenance is key.
“I am proud the Department of Transportation has listened to the concerns of our community and decided to take the necessary corrective actions,” he said. “I will continue to work with DOT, the community and the civic until all work is completed.”
By Michael V. Cusenza
