Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #16-102
Friday, December 16, 2016
Scott Gastel/Gloria Chin (212) 839-4850
Southeast Queens Elected Officials Join NYC DOT, NYC DDC, and NYCHA to Announce New Sidewalks at South Jamaica Houses
State Senators James Sanders and Leroy Comrie, Council Member Ruben Wills and Assembly member Vivian Cook celebrate New York City’s expanded financial commitment to sidewalk repair outside NYCHA properties
Officials from the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Construction (DDC) and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) were joined today by southeast Queens elected officials to unveil newly repaired sidewalks at NYCHA’s South Jamaica II Houses in Jamaica, Queens. State Senator Leroy Comrie, State Senator James Sanders, City Council Member Ruben Wills and Assembly Member Vivian Cook hailed the sidewalk reconstruction, as well as the City’s commitment to more than double its annual investment in sidewalk repairs citywide – from $20 million to $46 million - and triples its annual commitment to $3 million for sidewalks outside of NYCHA properties.
“The de Blasio Administration has made enormous investments in sidewalk repair, and have made an unprecedented investment in NYCHA,” said DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia. “For DOT, that translated into millions of dollars dedicated to improving the quality of life for New York City residents by providing safer sidewalks We owe nothing less to the thousands of New Yorkers who call the Jamaica Houses home.”
Repairs began to the crumbling sidewalk outside of the South Jamaica II Houses in November 2016. The last of the concrete was poured last week, with event attendees completing the project by shoveling the last of the top soil into the tree pits. In total, these repairs included 12,882 square feet of newly poured concrete sidewalks, upgrades to pedestrian ramps at three corners, and 523 linear feet of curb. Important repairs such as these help make the sidewalk safer for the more than 2,380 residents of the South Jamaica Houses.
“DDC works with DOT throughout the City to improve infrastructure for a safer and more equitable New York,” said New York City Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora. “Sidewalks are often an overlooked part of larger reconstruction projects, but they are critical for pedestrian safety. We are very pleased to be able to provide new ones here near NYCHA housing in Queens.”
"The residents of South Jamaica Houses now have newly paved walkways and ramps thanks to the City’s increased investment for sidewalk repairs in NYCHA developments,” said NYCHA General Manager Michael Kelly. “These physical improvements are consistent with our NextGeneration NYCHA vision of making our developments safe, clean and connected communities.”
"DOT, DDC and NYCHA's critical investments in improving the sidewalk infrastructure in South Jamaica Houses is paving the way for long term sustainability," stated Council Member Ruben Wills. "The elimination of trip hazards and improved access for wheelchairs and strollers will go a long way in not only enhancing safety but improve upon the community's aesthetics."
DOT, DDC, and NYCHA worked closely to ensure repairs at this site. In 2016, the City has repaired sidewalks on 13 NYCHA properties. In addition to this Queens location, the agencies addressed the Melrose Houses in the Bronx, Vladeck Houses in Manhattan and Tompkins Houses in Brooklyn. Improved and smoother sidewalks without defects provide a much safer passageway to all New Yorkers, whether they are walking, using a wheelchair, walker or stroller. The DOT oversees over 12,000 lane miles of sidewalks citywide.
—30—