The Department of Transportation recently held a community planning workshop in Douglaston to gather public input on the proposed Queens Waterfront Greenway project. The workshop started calmly but quickly turned into a heated debate, causing many attendees to leave without giving their input.
Over a hundred people attended the workshop, with opinions split between those who opposed the project and those who supported creating safe spaces for biking and walking. The project aims to connect Long Island City and Fort Totten seamlessly.
City Council Member Vickie Paladino mobilized opposition to the project, urging her constituents to attend the workshop and voice their concerns. However, the workshop was not set up as a public forum, leading to confusion and tension during the event.
Despite the initial chaos, attendees were able to engage peacefully with the DOT after Paladino’s supporters left. Safety was a key concern for many participants, with some sharing personal stories of accidents and emphasizing the need for safer corridors for pedestrians and cyclists.
Transportation advocates argued that Paladino misled her constituents by misrepresenting the workshop as a public forum. They also highlighted the benefits of greenways as linear parks that promote recreation and exercise.
The debate also touched on political tensions, with some residents feeling that outsiders were trying to impose changes on their neighborhoods. However, supporters of the project emphasized the importance of safety, access to green spaces, and the interconnected nature of Queens communities.
Overall, the workshop highlighted the complex dynamics at play in urban planning projects and the importance of open dialogue and community engagement. The final workshop for this stage of the Waterfront Greenway project will be held virtually on October 29, focusing on the entire proposed 16-mile connection.
