Queens Crap has alerted us to a new reality show proposal called The Real Volunteers, which would be focused on the repair and recovery efforts of the Sandy-devastated areas from New Jersey to Long Island. From what we can tell from the proposal, it will be a mashup of Paramedics, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and good ol’ disaster profiteering. Sandy victims are certainly no strangers to exploitation, but this seems a little beyond the pale. How could they possibly justify such a show?
A Rockaway resident says rush hour buses get so packed that they regularly have to pass their scheduled stops. The MTA earlier this week said that they would be adding more rush hour shuttle buses to serve the damaged “A” train subway line, but that they are cutting non-peak buses. The number of shuttle runs overall will decrease.
Queens Public Transit Committee Member Philip McManus told Queens NYC that Rockaway residents are starting to lose faith in the democratic process, and like “slaves to the MTA monopoly.”
McManus also said;
MTA refuses to help us…Its a third world transit system in Rockaway. Rockaway has and is being harmed by the neglect of the MTA and the City.
It makes common sense. Our population is growing and we need more trains, buses and increase trackage. The Woodhaven Boulevard corridor has too much traffic, accidents, construction and too many traffic variables and we need to reduce air pollution, CO2 emissions, gas consumption. [The old line] is the best public transit option. It would improve Queens Crosstown transit and unite Queens. Not to mention increase business and employment opportunities.
McManus said the MTA is currently using three double length buses, called articulated buses, for the shuttle–but that more are sorely needed.
“Bigger longer buses will absolutely help,” said McManus.
It’s a good thing for McManus then that the Transit Workers Union Local 100, which works that line, is the permitting the MTA to use these buses. Some union heavyweights wanted to cut the use of long buses, The Wave reports. Some reportedly fear that the extra long buses will reduce jobs for drivers.
It’s a chance to make history, star in a movie and live on in perpetuity. Dan Hendrick, who is currently working on the documentaryJamaica Bay Lives, and the Queens Memory Project are looking for people to share their stories, photos, mementos and thoughts on the neighborhoods stretching from Howard Beach through the Rockaways to Breezy Point. On April 24, Hendrick and QMP partners Queens College and Queens Library will be interviewing past and current area residents during Jamaica Bay Community History Night at the Broad Channel Branch Library. Hendrick noted that this is the chance to preserve local history before it becomes a fuzzy memory. He added that Hurricane Sandy has added a whole new chapter to this project.
Jamaica Bay Community History Night
Broad Channel Branch Library
16-26 Crossbay Boulevard, Broad Channel
Wednesday, April 24
4pm – 7pm | Free
Are Rockaway commuters taking another knock from the MTA?
The agency is reportedly decreasing the number of shuttle runs that were instituted to make up for “A” train service knocked out by hurricane Sandy.
Even before the hurricane, service times from the Rockaways were not good. After Sandy, the United Nations actually recognized a Far Rockaway student for having one of the longest commutes in the world. It can take Santiago Munoz two hours and forty minutes to get to Bronx HS of Science, by way of the shuttle, a second bus, and two subway lines, according to the Post.
Which way the Queensway will go is still uncertain. We’re of course hoping that whatever gets done (if anything) to this three mile stretch between Forest Hills and Atlantic Avenue is great. Right?
We do understand that making the decision of which way to go will be rough. People have different visions of what the future of the area should look like and what interests should be served. Also, on a more here and now level, some of the rail line passes through commercial areas, some through Forest Park, while a majority passes by private backyards, e.g. privacy advocates and public access advocates have at it! (more…)
Beach Channel Dr, Rockaways
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 3 Bed 2 Bath Apt With A Master Bedroom Suite W/ Full Bath. Large Walk In Closet. Brand New Carpet Through Out, Spacious Living Room And Bedrooms, Close To A-Train, Buses, Stores, Laundry, Schools, Restaurants. See This Property »
$739,000
88-20 53rd Ave, Elmhurst
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Complete Brick Semi-Detached Colonial Located On Midblock. Very Close To Shopping, Subway, Public Transportation & School. Well Maintained And Tastefully Furnished/Decorated, Four Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths, Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Kitchen, Eat In Kitchen, Skylight On Second Floor. See This Property »
DNAinfo reports that two Queens congressmen are backing plans to restore the Rockaway Beach rail line, using Hurricane Sandy funds, instead of supporting the Queensway, a Highline-esque park. The Rockaway Beach line closed in 1962, and has become a favorite of urban explorers.
