The open streets program will bring big changes to the Jackson Heights neighborhood, according to a new plan from the Department of Transportation.
According to Myrna Tinoco, organizer of Amigos del Parque Lineal on Avenida 34: “I think it is a good start but they have removed the barriers and have not changed aspects or planning of the streets to dissuade the driver from using 34 avenue I think that we can do more. “
And for Orlando, a member of the 34th Ave Open Streets Compromise: “There is a lack of transparency in the process that the Department of Transportation has used to create and modify this 34th avenue project.”
The new design of Open Streets appears to have not been well received by certain community groups in Jackson Heights. The plan was announced by the Department of Transportation at a community board meeting.
According to officials, thanks to Open Streets they have been able to reduce car accidents in this area.
This permanent program will stretch for a mile along 34th Avenue and the streets will be divided to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers.
Currently, only cars are allowed to park. The new design will have a lane for vehicles and another for pedestrians and cyclists. There will also be squares and pedestrian areas near schools and parks.
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“It is not fair that they are removing parking spaces. In this community many people work various jobs. It is a working class, a class of essential workers who come and go, take buses and there is a lot of traffic, “says Noah, a member of the 34th Ave Open Streets Compromise.
Organization members Linear Park on 34th Avenue, a group of residents who have come together to ask for this avenue to be remodeled with more green spaces point out that the design is not safe for pedestrians since the current barriers will be replaced with diverters at each corner.
However, for Myrna Tinoco: “There are no barriers to prevent high speed in its use whether cyclists or motorcyclists. So, I think other changes should be made.”
While other groups who oppose Open Streets stretching a mile for much of the day, they also complain about a lack of transparency in the approval process. Also they would like to see a pilot program before a final project.
“We don’t want to remove the Open Streets. What we want is to modify it so that it helps the community. So, at that point it is one of the things that we can do to better clarify the time that we are going to have the use of Open Streets”, says Orlando.
The Department of Transportation will present this new plan to the future Mayor of the city and the Mayor will have the final say in having it approved and implemented by next spring.
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