Queens, often celebrated as one of the most diverse places in the world, is home to hundreds of small, locally-owned businesses — many hit hard by Covid-19.
Join Open House New York on Wednesday, June 17 at 4pm for Conversations on the City | John Choe: On Commerce to learn how the economic development efforts in one neighborhood, Flushing, are responding to this moment.
As the executive director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, John works every day to advocate for and mobilize a multicultural community of entrepreneurs, business owners, and civic leaders in one of the fastest-growing business districts in the United States. This conversation will explore how small business support and economic development is critical for the city’s recovery.
The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce (GFCC) and the Institute for Rational Urban Mobility (IRUM) invite you to a walking tour of the past, present and future of Flushing’s transportation:
Central Flushing Transportation
Past, Present and Future
Tour and discussion Tuesday, August 15, 2017
6-7:30 PM: Walk in downtown Flushing meets at the NW corner of Main St./39 Avenue (one block north of Main St. Flushing #7 terminus at St. George’s church) led by Dr. Jack Eichenbaum, Flushing native and Queens Borough Historian
7:30 onward: Discussion and refreshments at the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce
Cost: $5 fee (for expenses and refreshments)
Maximum 30 participants
Transportation in Central Flushing
Main St/Roosevelt Ave is the third busiest pedestrian intersection in NYC
Public Transportation (MTA):
LIRR Port Washington line to Main St.
Number 7 Subway to Main St.
More than 20 MTA buses including Q44 and Q50 from the Bronx and N20 and N21 from Nassau County.
Public Transportation (Privately owned and operated)
Chinatown Shuttles to Manhattan and Brooklyn
Korean van services to Fort Lee and Palisades Park, NJ
Van services to shopping malls
Frequent Casino bus schedules
Driving on congested arteries with complex one-way patterns, restricted turns and parking difficulties
Historical Transportation Options in Flushing
Former railroads (see on walk)
Former trolley
services
Former ferry services
Former Bus terminal and unfilled promises for a new one(see on walk)
Commuter parking at Shea Stadium
The walking tour will highlight current projects:
ADA accessibiity for the LIRR Main St. station, Widening of Main St. sidewalks, Conversion of a municipal parking lot into affordable housing, Two megamalls under construction
Current traffic problems:
Interrupted street grid, Bus turn-around routes, SBS priority route compromised, Illegal motorist turns, Motorists impeding bus mobility.
Parking: Disappearance of municipal lots, Police appropriation of parking, Illegal parking
Obstacles to safe pedestrian experiences: Pedestrian crossing maintenance, Autos parked in crosswalks and on sidewalks, construction, City agencies and elected officials unresponsive to citizen complaints
Ideas for Improvements in Central Flushing:
About the Institute for Rational Urban Mobility, Inc.
The Institute for Rational Urban Mobility, Inc (IRUM) is a nonprofit organization that studies and promotes the enhanced livability and increased economic competitiveness of New York City through a program of innovative transport reforms. IRUM’s goals are articulated in its Livable City Transport Plan, which contains 15 interrelated strategies for improving public transport, reducing car use, and enhancing the walking environment. Upon its formation, IRUM assumed responsibility for Auto-Free New York (AFNY), a committee formed by Transportation Alternatives in 1989. IRUM also hosts the Regional Rail Working Group (RRWG) of transit experts from the tri-state metropolitan area. Since July 1999, IRUM has hosted Vision42, a citizen initiative for an auto-free light rail boulevard on 42nd Street. For more information, visit irum.org.
The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership association that fosters the economic growth, inclusive diversity, and shared prosperity of our community through advocacy, networking, and education. The Chamber is promoting the Tour de Flushing as part of the new “FlushingFantastic” district marketing campaign, which is designed to boost the local economy by supporting small business owners and attracting more visitors. For more information, go to flushingchamber.nyc.
