Forest Hills Community Board Calls For Open Streets, Bike Lanes

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — Members of Queens Community Board 6 are calling on city officials to pedestrianize streets in Forest Hills as part of a citywide open-streets initiative to help New Yorkers follow social-distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic.

The community board, which covers Forest Hills and Rego Park, passed a resolution Wednesday asking the mayor's office and the city's transportation department to expand the program to its district.

"Queens CB6 community members deserve ample outdoor space to recreate safely while maintaining social distancing," the resolution said, adding that the program should be implemented "fairly and equitably" across New York City.

Queens CB6 passed this resolution tonight. Our district has 0.00 miles of the @NYCMayor & @NYC_DOT’s Open Streets. Our district, like all communities in NYC, deserves access to safe, open space & protected bike lanes, now more than ever. pic.twitter.com/C35iwJcORT
— Queens Community Board 6 (@QueensCB6) May 14, 2020

In late April, city officials announced plans to pedestrianize 40 miles of streets by the end of May to allow for greater social distancing. The eventual goal is 100 miles of open streets.

The program's reach in Queens so far includes roadways in Long Island City, Sunnyside, Jackson Heights and Flushing, as well as portions of three streets inside Forest Park.

It also includes several miles of temporary protected bike lanes, like on Crescent Street in Astoria.

In response to the community board's resolution, City Hall spokesperson Mitch Schwartz said more streets are still being added and that anyone can propose a location using this online form.

"We’re thrilled to offer Queens more ways than ever to walk, bike, and play safely during our fight against COVID-19," Schwartz said in an emailed statement. "City agencies, in collaboration with the City Council, are actively considering options for future announcements, and we look forward to expanding this program even further in the weeks and months to come.”