The department is also developing several initiatives to improve the area s infrastructure and physical appearance. Working closely with the city s Department of Transportation, the Queens Borough President s Office and other appropriate agencies, the department will develop recommendations to improve vehicular flows and movements, enhance pedestrian safety and improve the street s overall appearance. The department is also seeking additional federal funds to develop a plan for pedestrian and transit improvements to better connect the rezoning area with the larger Long Island City neighborhood. Efforts are also underway by the department, the Queens Borough President s Office, the departments of Transportation and Parks and Recreation, and the Economic Development Corporation to identify potential sites within the rezoning area for public park land, and to improve unused city-owned property, such as land adjacent to the Queensboro Bridge upper deck ramp and street ends along the Sunnyside Yard.
Funding is needed for acquisition, development and maintenance.
Commuter rail access to the rezoning area will be improved significantly by 2010, when a new LIRR station resulting from the LIRR s Grand Central Connection will be constructed in the Sunnyside Yard. The LaGuardia Airport Access proposal would include a stop at the Queensboro Plaza subway station, further improving Long Island City s connection to the region s transportation network.