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This Week: Tell de Blasio and DOT to Make 111th Street Safer

Last year DOT unveiled a redesign of 111th Street, a dangerous speedway that separates Corona residents from Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. The DOT plan — for fewer car traffic lanes, expanded medians, new crosswalks, and a two-way protected bike lane adjacent to the park — was developed in response to a grassroots campaign. It has the backing of Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, but Queens Community Board 4 has failed to endorse the project, and Assembly Member Francisco Moya is determined to torpedo safety improvements for the street.

DOT could implement the project over objections from CB 4 and Moya if it chooses to. Tomorrow local residents and Ferreras-Copeland will again call on Mayor de Blasio and DOT to make 111th Street safer, at a morning rally outside City Hall.

See the calendar for complete listings. Here are this week’s highlights:

  • Tuesday: Mothers and families from Corona and Jackson Heights will demand that Mayor de Blasio take action on delayed safety improvements planned for 111th Street with a rally at City Hall. 11 a.m.
  • Wednesday: Transportation Alternatives hosts the Bike Friendly Astoria Workshop, to identify potential improvements for safer cycling and walking in the neighborhood. 6:30 p.m.
  • Also Wednesday: The Manhattan Community Board 8 transportation committee will look at proposed Select Bus Service for the M79, review service on the year-old M86 SBS route, and address the two recent pedestrian fatalities at 71st Street and Third Avenue. 6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday: The City Council transportation committee holds an oversight hearing on improving city bus service. Public testimony will be accepted. 10 a.m.

Check the calendar for updates, and drop us a line if there’s an event we should know about.

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