Seamlessly weaving through the bustling streets of Queens, the proposed 16-Mile Queens Waterfront Greenway is set to transform the landscape, offering a continuous shared-use path that will connect Gantry Plaza State Park to Fort Totten Park along the East River and Long Island Sound. Spearheaded by the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), this ambitious project is part of the city’s broader Greenway Expansion Initiative, aiming to enhance pedestrian and cycling infrastructure across all five boroughs.
As the final scheduled public workshop drew to a close, the DOT wrapped up its series of engaging sessions designed to gather feedback from the community on this exciting development. During a recent virtual workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 28, over 128 participants eagerly shared their thoughts on the proposed waterfront greenway, highlighting key areas of concern and offering invaluable suggestions to shape the project’s future.
Engaging the Community
The workshop kicked off with an in-depth overview of the DOT’s implementation plan for the Queens Waterfront Greenway, which was first introduced in September 2024. Divided into three distinct sections—from Gantry Plaza State Park to Fort Totten—the project aims to bridge existing gaps along biking and pedestrian pathways, ensuring seamless connectivity for residents and visitors alike. Participants were encouraged to share their insights on critical issues, such as pedestrian crossings, accessibility to key locations like Willets Point, and overall navigation throughout the designated areas.
One notable attendee was Corey Hannigan, a Sunnyside resident and dedicated cyclist, who emphasized the importance of creating a connected greenway for easy access. Sharing his experiences navigating Queens on two wheels, Hannigan underscored the need for a cohesive pathway that caters to all users, from daily commuters to leisurely riders. His sentiments were echoed by other participants, including Polina Bartik, an Astoria resident, who raised concerns about safety and accessibility in specific areas of Western Queens.
Bridging Divides for a Brighter Future
While Astoria generated significant feedback, Section 3 of the greenway project—encompassing Willets Point to Fort Totten—also garnered considerable input from residents. With a focus on improving accessibility to key locations like the Malcolm X Promenade, participants emphasized the need for well-designed pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in this bustling section of the waterfront. As the discussions unfolded, it became clear that community engagement and constructive dialogue were essential in refining the greenway plan to address the diverse needs of Queens residents.
Section 3, which has seen its fair share of contentious debates in the past, is poised to undergo significant transformations as the project moves forward. Past workshops, marked by heated exchanges and political tensions, have paved the way for a more collaborative and inclusive approach in shaping the final phase of the greenway. By balancing accessibility, safety, and neighborhood concerns, the DOT aims to create a vibrant waterfront space that caters to the diverse needs of all Queens residents and visitors.
With each workshop session, the DOT continues to gather valuable insights and feedback from the community, using these thoughtful ideas to refine and optimize their concept for the Queens Waterfront Greenway. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and inclusivity, the project seeks to create a seamless and accessible pathway for all, connecting Queens residents to the beauty and tranquility of the waterfront. As the greenway project gains momentum, it promises to be a transformative addition to the vibrant tapestry of New York City, uniting communities and enhancing the quality of life for all who call Queens home.