Still blows my mind that people want to keep Austin St as it currently is. Went out there for vday, when it should be hopping. Just honking cars not going anywhere. Places weren't empty, but they also weren't full, because it sucks to walk and it suck to bike and it sucks to drive and it just […]
.@nasas is looking for volunteers to staff a one block #OpenStreet on Austin St on weekends, if anyone's interested.. No specifics yet since they're still doing the application, but let 'em know if you'd be into it. #AustinSt #CentralQueens #SafeStreetsNYC
Hey neighbors, It has been a while since our last email, but I wanted to send out some big news coming out of the MTA Bus Redesign. As some of you know, the MTA is currently in the process of redesigning the Queens Bus Network. They just released their final proposal: https://new.mta.info/project/queens-bus-network-redesign/routes. The big news related to us is that they have moved the Q23 from Austin St; it will now follow Yellowstone Blvd to Queens Blvd, the same route it follows. This is pretty massive for our group. Last time we spoke to the MTA, they said they would not remove the Q23 from Austin St due to demand. This limited what plans could implemented (see our write-up here: https://asaferaustinstreet.com/news/a-safer-better-austin-street). This changes everything; the busway idea is now moot, while the pedestrianization and one-way ideas are now possible. That said, we're still stuck in a holding pattern with the city as they continue to "study" Austin St. That said, one way we can push the process forward is by implementing an Open Street on Austin St. The news of the bus redirection opens up more of the street for an Open Street, we'll keep you posted on that idea next year. Happy holidays to everyone!
Wow, email from @nasas :
#Queens #AustinSt #NeighborsForASaferAustinSt
