New York City Budget Plan Includes $35 million for the Met Hub, Phase 1 of the QueensWay 

The city budget announced today will provide funds to begin the transformation of the abandoned 3.5-mile railway corridor into a world-class transportation corridor and linear park 

NEW YORK — Today, Mayor Eric Adams released his September budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes dedicated funds to design the Met Hub, which is the first phase of the QueensWay. 

The mayor’s budget proposal includes $5 million in FY23 to complete an environmental review of the site and prepare construction documents for a bid package, as well as $30 million for construction of Phase 1 of the QueensWay, known as the Metropolitan Hub site. 

“We’re thrilled to see Mayor Adams prioritize funding for the QueensWay linear park project and his continued efforts to provide high-quality public open spaces for a healthier, safer city,” said Carter Strickland, VP of the Mid-Atlantic Region and New York State Director for Trust for Public Land. “Together with other greenways under development, the QueensWay will provide new recreational and transportation options for Queens residents, including safe walking and biking routes to schools and transit.” 

The QueensWay would turn a 3.5-mile abandoned railway corridor into a 47-acre park and pedestrian and bicycle pathway to connect the communities of Rego Park, Forest Hills, Richmond Hill, Glendale, Woodhaven, and Ozone Park to Forest Park with 12 schools, 7 subway lines, the Long Island Railroad, and shopping districts. This would provide much needed public green space, recreation areas, opportunities for safe alternative commuting, and community spaces to celebrate the cultural diversity of Queens. 

“This is a historic and remarkable moment for those living, working and visiting Central Queens.  Today, after over 60 years of abandonment and decades of grassroots advocacy, the work begins to transform this 3.5 mile, 47 acres greenway into space our communities can enjoy,” said Travis Terry, President of Friends of the QueensWay.  “When the QueensWay is completed, community organizations and schools will be enhanced, neighborhoods will be re-connected, social and cultural programs will emerge, local businesses will get a much-needed boost, environmental conditions to improve air quality and reduce flooding will be achieved and children, seniors and residents will finally have a safe and beautiful place to bike, jog or take a stroll.  The Friends of the QueensWay is extraordinary grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, Council Member Lynn Schulman and all the dedicated elected officials, civic leaders and volunteers who helped make this investment towards Central Queens and parks equity possible.” 

Over 244,000 people live in high-density neighborhoods within a mile of the QueensWay.  The area lacks neighborhood parks and is separated from Forest Park by multi-lane, dangerous highways such as Woodhaven Boulevard and Union Turnpike.  For those reasons the neighborhoods surrounding the QueensWay have some of the lowest parkland per person in the city. 

North of Forest Park, adjacent to a high-use commercial area, Phase 1, or the Metropolitan Hub, will offer many active learning and recreational spaces by utilizing Metropolitan High School complex and the Glendale ballfields. In partnership with local institutions, there are plans for an outdoor nature classrooms near the school, food concessions, batting cages, and bleachers by the ballfields. 

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About Trust for Public Land   

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors.  As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most.  Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 3 million acres of public land, created more than 5,000 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $84 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected more than 9 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.