Jackson Heights Life

I do think that for a decision to make sense it has to be thought out and studied.
As an Urban Designer and neighbor or JH I think it is very important to increase the open public spaces
that prioritize de pedestrians and not cars. But this does not mean that transportation should be integrated or thought about.
It should be an integrated planning process without a doubt.  With that said Parking in the streets have to be
thought about as well as we have seen an increase in delivery services that should have designated areas so they don't block avenues or streets.
I have seen many Amazon, Fedex, UPS and USPS trucks block a whole street while ambulances or buses need to go through.
The streets should not prioritize single user transportation. It should prioritize the community, its services and our neighborhood

Big news... the city will keep 34th Avenue "Open" (for community use) while it evaluates a longer-term strategy...

JH Post
DOT to Develop ‘Long-Term’ Plan for 34th Avenue Open Street in Jackson Heights
https://jacksonheightspost.com/dot-to-develop-long-term-plan-for-34th-avenue-open-street-in-jackson-heights
Oct. 23, 2020 By Allie Griffin

The Department of Transportation’s Open Streets program will be coming to an end this month — although not for a stretch on 34th Avenue deemed an Open Streets success.

The city will keep the 34th Avenue Open Street going as the DOT looks into a plan for its “long-term” transformation. Residents and local elected officials have called for the stretch to be made an Open Street on a permanent basis.

“The 34th Avenue Open Street will not end on Oct. 31st,” DOT spokesperson Brian Zumhagen said, as the agency looks into a long-term plan.

(follow link for complete article)

This is fantastic news.

And the sheer numbers who are pro the opening of 34th Ave permanently for pedestrians etc is wonderful.   

   It's so great the entire avenue is being seen as having one desire which is to be an Open Street. Jackson Heights as monolith! Everyone is in favor, no matter if they live on 70th street or 90th street or 114th street, if it gets extended. No matter if they are in an apt, home, have a business or garage on the open street. This is unanimous. We all want the same thing, an open street all the time...the answer to all of our prayers, 365 days a year! Let other neighborhoods have a community space with full services. We'll take an open street. It's a win people!!! No vote needed. No need to ask all residents, is there?
 
 Democracy in action.

   It's so great the entire avenue is being seen as having one desire which is to be an Open Street. Jackson Heights as monolith! Everyone is in favor, no matter if they live on 70th street or 90th street or 114th street, if it gets extended. No matter if they are in an apt, home, have a business or garage on the open street. This is unanimous. We all want the same thing, an open street all the time...the answer to all of our prayers, 365 days a year! Let other neighborhoods have a community space with full services. We'll take an open street. It's a win people!!! No vote needed. No need to ask all residents, is there?
 
 Democracy in action.

Wait. Doesn't Democracy work by everyone getting a say? And then the majority rules. The majority has spoken in this case. It is Democracy in action.  Democracy has prevailed!

The majority's wishes have been accepted over a dissenting minority.

Quote from: kscher on October 24, 2020, 11:52:56 AM

What about Daylight Savings?  Are people going to have art /zumba/yoga on a cold January night?   Any talk of the hours being adjusted?

all of the scheduled classes i've seen mentioned have been mornings and early afternoons.

Exactly my point - do we need the street open at 7:30 pm on a cold January Monday?  Can we adjust hours to close at sundown during the winter months?

Is there going to be a hearing on this for all of Jackson Heights to weigh in on? Funny that they wouldn't wait for a non-pandemic time to evaluate this one.

Open Streets will be one of several items on the agenda when Community Board 3 holds a Traffic and Transportation Committee Meeting via Teleconference on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 6:30pm.

To join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
https://www.gotomeet.me/Que.../qcb3_trafficandtransportation

i believe that holding the meeting is legal, as the committee meets on a regular basis. i also believe that the meeting has been on the board's calendar for a full month (if not longer -- i tend to look at the calendar at the first of the month). i also don't see how you've figured the shopping stretch of 73rd and 74th -- nowhere near 34th avenue -- into your argument, which seems to be growing more and more strident with each passing day.