Pols on Ditmars construction project: “A slap in the face of Astorians”

Screen shot via Google Maps

Screen shot via Google Maps

The N/W line’s Ditmars Boulevard station will undergo a 14-month construction project, officials told Community Board 1 members earlier this week.

While the station won’t fully close from April 2018 to June 2019 as part of the MTA’s Station Renewal Initiative, construction materials will be stored on 31st Street.

This means residents, commuters and business owners will have to endure congestion, noise, traffic and lack of parking throughout the project.

Don’t forget the area is also a cab hub, with taxis waiting at all hours for straphangers needing a ride.

Worst of all, the station updates won’t improve service, signals, the track or accessibility.The project isn’t going over well with local politicians.

“Our subways must serve everyone, including people with disabilities, seniors and parents with strollers,” said Councilman Costa Constantinides, State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas. “This announcement of a 14-month construction project is a slap in the face of Astorians.”

“Without needed accessibility or service updates, we cannot support this plan,” they added. “If the MTA doesn’t comprehensively address infrastructure along our subway lines with long-term improvements including modernized signals and accessibility upgrades, it will continue to fail Astoria residents.”

The elected officials are planning a rally on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in front of the station.

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