Astorians for a Safe 31st Street

Days until launch: 12

Today’s newsletter isn’t about 31st Avenue. It’s about 31st Street.

At the Collective, we believe that the residents of Western Queens deserve safer, more livable streets for all. That’s why every weekend, from April to December, we show what’s possible when our roadways are designed around people, not motor vehicles.

So when we heard that the city was finally moving forward with its long awaited redesign of 31st Street, which they’ve been talking about for five years now, we were thrilled. The corridor underneath the N/W line, which intersects with 31st Ave just two blocks west of the Open Street, is quite literally one of the most dangerous in Queens. And the proposed measures—shortened crossings, slower turns, and a protected bike lane on both sides—are proven life-savers.

But a handful of businesses are spreading misinformation that the corridor is too chaotic for a street safety redesign. (Spoiler alert: that’s actually exactly why it’s so badly in need of one.) And we’re hearing word that the city may back out from implementing it as a result.

So the time to act is NOW.

If you can spare a second, tell the city you don’t want to fear for your life every time you or your loved ones cross 31st Street by signing this petition.

And if you can spare a few more, make your voice heard this Tuesday night (04/15) at the Queens Community Board 1 hearing (6:30pm, Astoria World Manor) during the public comments section. (If you can’t make it, you can email QN01@cb.nyc.gov at any time.)

Outside of all that, you, too, can help spread the word—attached is a flyer that lays out just why exactly our neighborhood needs streets that prioritize safety, not high-speed traffic.

Because if it saves lives, it’s worth doing. 

Thank you for your support.

31OSC