Astoria Blvd. station to close for 9 months, install elevators

Screen shot via Google Maps

The MTA has announced that it will close the Astoria Boulevard N/W station for nine months to add four elevators to the station.

The move to make the popular station, which is connected to the M60 bus to LaGuardia Airport, ADA accessible has been a long time coming.

Lawmakers such as State Senator Michael Gianaris were initially skeptical of the MTA’s plan. In February, he chided it as a broken promise that he’s heard about for well over a decade.

All indications say the MTA is finally following through. However, none of the other N/W stations in Astoria and Long Island City will have elevator access, even as most of them undergo long shutdowns and station rehab projects.

That’s another point elected officials have expressed their anger over.

In a statement, Councilman Costa Constantinides called the MTA’s announcement bittersweet. While elevators will finally provide accessibility to people with disabilities, parents with strollers and seniors, local businesses may suffer from the closure.

Just look at how the 30th Avenue businesses have collapsed since the station was closed for repairs.

Legislators are pledging to hold the MTA accountable for their project. Let’s hope they do.