Residents share thoughts on streetcar proposal

Astoria residents got their chance to weigh in on the proposed Queens-Brooklyn Connector (BQX) streetcar Monday night at the Variety Boys and Girls Club.

Officials from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and NYC Economic Development Corporation were on hand to deliver presentations and facilitate small group discussions. Residents spoke about who would be impacted, what the ridership would look like and what routes they preferred.

The streetcar would run 16 miles along the waterfront from Queens to Brooklyn, connecting neighborhoods from Astoria and Long Island City to Red Hook and Sunset Park. According to the mayor’s office, it would serve about 700,000 residents and commuters, and up to 50,000 people daily.

The total cost would be about $2.5 billion, which raised some concerns among residents. One resident said a dedicated bus lane would do the job instead.

If all goes according to schedule, shovels would be in the ground by 2019.