Sep. 28, 2023 By Anthony Medina
The New York City Department of Transportation’s planned road work being conducted during the peak hours of the day is quickly becoming a nuisance to residents in the neighborhoods of Glendale, Middle Village and Rego Park.
According to a letter sent by Council Member Robert Holden on Tuesday, Sept. 26, the milling, repaving and pedestrian ramp construction during peak traffic hours in his district are causing more problems for early morning commuters.
The DOT began the milling and paving process for multiple streets in the council member’s district earlier this month and posted the day and night time scheduled streets online. Community Board 5 shared the DOT’s notification of road work earlier this month, along with a list of affected roads, and estimated completion dates.
“While I understand and value the importance of maintaining and improving our city’s infrastructure, the timing and scheduling of these works must be reconsidered,” Holden wrote in his letter to the DOT.
Holden persisted in mentioning how traffic congestion was worsened by the DOT work, especially with Cooper Avenue shut down for a period of time during peak rush hours. He also said a number of constituents reached out to his office who were just as disturbed by the road work.
Intro 0905, legislation that would ensure the DOT finalizes street resurfacing within two weeks of the start date, was introduced to the City Council earlier this year, with Holden as one of the sponsors. If passed, the bill will mandate the DOT to inform the surrounding community as to why additional time would be needed, in addition to a new expected completion date, if work exceeds the 2-week limit.
The hearing for the bill was held in committee on the same day Holden sent the letter to the DOT.
QNS is waiting for the DOT to respond to its inquiry regarding the council member’s letter.