Elmhurst developments prompt MTA to consider LIRR expansion

New construction is gaining ground in Elmhurst, leading to a revival of the Queens neighborhood that has civic leaders calling for expanded Metropolitan Transportation Authority service to the area, the Wall Street Journal reported. Two new condominium buildings, the Miramar and C Condo, have opened in recent years with an eye on luring Manhattanites to under-the-radar Queens enclave. In the next few weeks Pi Capital will bring a mixed-use development on Broadway and Queens Boulevard with 83 apartments and several retail spaces to the market.

Pi Capital also plans to convert a lot across the street into a shopping mall in the next few years.

The Journal also noted that in recent years food enthusiasts throughout the city have flocked to Elmhurst for authentic ethnic cuisine. Further, the population has increased 45 percent in the last 30 years, prompting the Queens Public Library to construct a brand new facility that’s set to open in 2014.

With all the development in the area, Long Island Rail Road officials are seriously considering reopening Elmhurst’s LIRR station as the current subway options leave residents 30 to 40 minutes away from midtown happen. [WSJ]