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DOWNTOWN FLUSHING
PEDESTRIAN PROJECT: TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM II
(ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE 37TH AND 39TH
AVENUES IMPROVEMENT PROJECT)
Executive
Summary
Downtown
Flushing has an exciting opportunity. With matching
federal-city funds, several streets will receive
pedestrian streetscape and safety improvements.
These measures will enhance this vital retail
center which is the focus of $200 million of city
capital improvements and a proposed rezoning to
encourage new growth and the redevelopment of
its waterfront.
The
37th and 39th Avenues Improvement Project (Improvement
Project) will upgrade the pedestrian environment
using traffic management techniques and urban
design measures on 37th and 39th Avenues and at
Lippmann Arcade, a mid-block walkway between 39th
Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue. It will facilitate
a pedestrian link from the retail/transit hub,
through the adjacent, emerging mixed-use area
to the redeveloping waterfront area. The Improvement
Project will emphasize 39th Avenue as a major
pedestrian route.
New
sidewalks and curbs on 37th and 39th Avenues between
Prince Street and College Point Boulevard could
replace deteriorated conditions. Sidewalk extensions
on 39th Avenue could accommodate the increased
number of pedestrians anticipated from new development.
Special sidewalk treatments could draw pedestrians
to the newly developing waterfront area. East-west
crosswalks could be added at locations on 37th
and 39th Avenues where none exist now.
At
Municipal Parking Lot #1, a major Downtown Flushing
facility, the vehicular entrance on 39th Avenue
could be closed, and pedestrian signs, bike racks
and landscaping could be added. The perimeter
chain link fence could be replaced with decorative
fencing and/or bollards to make it more attractive,
improve pedestrian circulation and help create
a distinct image for Downtown Flushing.
Improvements
to Lippmann Arcade could include a widened, clear
pedestrian path; a crosswalk and sidewalk extension
at 39th Avenue; increased lighting; and signage.
The permanent re-routing of five bus lines from
Roosevelt Avenue to 39th Avenue could reduce congestion
and accidents at the Main Street/Roosevelt Avenue
intersection.
A
comprehensive directional and informational pedestrian
signage system with a new Downtown Flushing logotype,
vertical markers, sidewalk inlays and specialty
signage at key locations could vastly improve
pedestrians' orientation to Downtown Flushing
and enhance Downtown Flushing's image.
These
opportunities are being discussed with other city
agencies, elected officials, Community Board 7,
and the Flushing LDC. Because of budget limitations,
all the potential improvements discussed in this
technical memorandum may not be implemented. A
selection among the alternatives may be necessary.
Recommendations for the Improvement Project will
be coordinated with proposals for the Historic
Sites Enhancement Project and lead to a comprehensive
conceptual design.
Return to the Downtown
Flushing Pedestrian Project: Technical Memorandum
I publication excerpt.
View the Downtown
Flushing Pedestrian Project: Technical Memorandum
III publication excerpt.
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