Goldfeder Demands DDC Expedite Broad Channel Street Project

March 12, 2014

Assemblymember Phil Goldfeder recently sent a letter to Acting Commissioner of the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), David A. Resnick, to expedite a street repaving and sidewalk repair project that would rehabilitate damaged roadways and allow the city Parks Department to replant trees damaged by Superstorm Sandy and once again beautify the barren sidewalks in Broad Channel.

“With warmer weather quickly approaching, residents will be spending more time outside and they deserve to have the appearance of their neighborhood in top shape,” said Goldfeder. “It has been too long since Sandy for the Parks Department to be further delayed in beautifying our neighborhood due to a street repair project that should have already been finished.”

DDC’s resurfacing and sidewalk repair project includes the area along Cross Bay Boulevard from West 5th Road to West 20th Road in Broad Channel. Due to the delays in the DDC project, the Parks Department cannot move forward and replant the trees damaged during Sandy, as scheduled. The DDC project was approved pre-Sandy, in October, 2012, and was expected to be completed soon after, however, the project is at a standstill and the work has been postponed, leaving some streets in Broad Channel in disrepair and still bare, without any greenery after the storm.

“The trees in Broad Channel beautify our little town, add an element of community pride and exemplify a close knit neighborhood,” said Judy Zack, member of the Broad Channel Civic Association’s Beautification Committee. “It is reminiscent of the tree-lined streets in an old sitcom TV show. People who have trees on the sidewalk in front of their house water them, plant flowers in their pits and it makes you feel good when you walk down the street and see your neighborhood being taken care of. Now, it looks a little war-torn and depleted. Any help getting these trees replanted would be appreciated.”
In his letter to DDC, Goldfeder requested the project be expedited so residents can finish rebuilding their community and get back to normal after Sandy.

“Residents of Broad Channel have suffered enough,” concluded Goldfeder. “I urge DDC to immediately start their street repair project in Broad Channel so Parks Department can move forward and begin the replanting of trees that will greatly increase the beauty of the neighborhood. A small step on behalf of DDC will go a long way in boosting the spirits of many residents still recovering.
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