Queens prepares for its own High Line battle

Is Queens’ future better served by more green space or improved public transit? Queens activists will meet this weekend to hash out the details of the much-discussed potential for a High Line-like park and the New York Daily News provided insight into the framework of the debate.

A group called Friends of QueensWay wants to transform the abandoned Rockaway Beach branch Long Island Rail Road tracks into an outdoor park. It has raised thousands for a study of their proposal, which proponents believe would make areas of Woodhaven and Richmond Hill safer and increase foot traffic to those under-the-radar neighborhoods.

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However, others would prefer to see the tracks reactivated so that New Yorkers have better access to sections of southern Queens that lack sufficient public transit access.

Meanwhile, the Daily News said residents that live closest to the tracks aren’t thrilled with either proposal. The Woodhaven Residents’ Association said it has not taken a stance and wants to hear from those most affected by the plans. [NYDN] — Adam Fusfeld