State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, and City Council Member Tiffany Cabán Release Statement of Continued Support for DOT’s Redesign of 31st Street in Queens

In support of the New York City Department of Transportation’s (NYC DOT) safety plan for 31st Street in Astoria, Queens, and in response to the temporary restraining order (TRO) on this project, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, and City Council Member Tiffany Cabán released the following statement: 

“We are committed to making our communities safer. The NYC DOT’s Plan for 31st Street answers that call and we support NYC DOT as they defend their work in court. 

This redesign will save lives: NYC DOT rated this corridor as among the top 10% most dangerous streets for serious injuries in Queens. In the last five-year period alone, there were 178 total injuries and 2 fatalities due to traffic violence in that corridor. 

Just last week, our community suffered a devastating crash on 19th Avenue and 42nd Street. As we’re reeling from this tragedy, it is our duty as elected officials to do everything we can to prevent future tragedies with data-driven safety measures such as the 31st Street Safety Plan. 

The Safety Plan would protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers while making our streets safer and less congested. Drivers will not lose a single lane for driving or parking. 

Our offices spearheaded the Western Queens Safety Plan alongside community partners in a multi-year planning process. The Plan called for proven methods to increase street safety, including protected bike lanes, daylighting, and pedestrian plazas. The NYC DOT 31st Street Plan begins to make those plans a reality. 

NYC DOT engaged with 52 different businesses within project limits, and 90% provided feedback that has been thoughtfully incorporated into the updated redesign. This project utilizes common design elements found on streets across the city that comply with local law and ADA regulations. We continue to stand in support of the 31st Street Redesign.” 
 

###