August 4, 2015

Ms. Polly Trottenburg

Commissioner
NYC Department of Transportation
55 Water Street
New York, New York 10041
Ms. Nicole Garcia
Queens Borough Commissioner
NYC Department of Transportation
120-55 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, New York 11424

Dear Commissioners Trottenburg and Garcia:

I write to request that the Department of Transportation (DOT) close Shore
Boulevard between Astoria Park South and Ditmars Boulevard to vehicular traffic.
The aforementioned stretch of road, wholly situated between Astoria Park and the
East River, is notoriously dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists, and park-goers. While
incidences of drag racing have declined since the installation of speed bumps, my
constituents persistently report speeding motorists and reckless driving along this portion
of Shore Boulevard. In addition to acting as a hazardous barrier between the waterfront
and Astoria Park, the relative seclusion of this street, situated between my communitys
principal green space and the East River, attract and facilitate criminal activity such as
public fornication, drinking and drug use.
Overnight parking is prohibited and there are no residences or businesses abutting
this part of Shore Boulevard. In short, this half-mile portion of roadway provides no
meaningful transportation purpose and contributes to a number of problems for our
community. Closing Shore Boulevard between Astoria Park South and Ditmars
Boulevard to vehicles would have minimal effect on congestion in the area, would
enhance access to the waterfront, and would undoubtedly make Astoria Park a safer and
more enjoyable space.
I respectfully request that the DOT close Shore Boulevard between Astoria Park
South and Ditmars Boulevard to vehicular traffic.