Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens, is set to undergo a significant transformation thanks to a $12 million investment announced by the Adams administration. The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of City Planning (DCP) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), aims to revitalize this crucial commercial corridor, enhance pedestrian safety, and create more vibrant public spaces for residents and visitors alike. This strategic funding injection promises to breathe new life into Steinway Street Nyc, making it an even more attractive destination for shopping, dining, and community engagement.
The comprehensive street redesign project, led by NYC DOT, will focus on key improvements along Steinway Street between 30th and 34th Avenues. A cornerstone of the plan is the implementation of midblock curb extensions. These extensions are designed to calm vehicle traffic naturally, creating safer and more pedestrian-friendly crossings. Furthermore, the project will introduce new public spaces at three strategic locations along this stretch of Steinway Street NYC.
Enhancements extend to the creation of new green spaces at two notable landmarks: the iconic Steinway Landmark Clock and Municipal Parking Lot #2, situated between Broadway and 31st Avenue. These green spaces will provide much-needed respite and aesthetic appeal, transforming these areas into more inviting and enjoyable parts of Steinway Street NYC.
Alt text: The historic Steinway Landmark Clock stands tall on Steinway Street NYC, a focal point for planned green space improvements.
Dan Garodnick, Director of the Department of City Planning, emphasized the strategic nature of this investment, stating, “With this catalytic investment in Steinway Street, we are supporting local small businesses, improving pedestrian safety and circulation, and helping create a more vibrant corridor for neighbors. With the SEED Fund and City of Yes zoning changes, we’re supporting neighborhoods and communities across the city.” This statement highlights the broader vision of the initiative, linking Steinway Street NYC improvements to wider city-level strategies for economic development and community enhancement.
Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez of the New York City Department of Transportation echoed this sentiment, noting the tangible benefits for the community. “These capital investments will deliver concrete safety upgrades and help beautify what is one of Queens’ premier shopping and dining corridors. These mid-block curb extensions, which will naturally calm vehicle traffic, and new pedestrian space enhancements will together help make Steinway Street an even more welcoming destination,” Commissioner Rodriguez stated. He also acknowledged the crucial collaboration with sister agencies and community partners in bringing this project to fruition.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. expressed his enthusiastic support for the allocation of SEED funds. “I am thrilled with this allocation of $12 million in SEED funds, which will greatly benefit the small businesses on Steinway Street and all those who patronize them,” said President Richards. He further emphasized the project’s role in supporting post-pandemic recovery, stating, “These funds will strongly improve pedestrian circulation and safety along Steinway Street and help support a deep, equitable, and sustainable post-pandemic recovery of that corridor and of the entire Astoria neighborhood.”
Alt text: Active pedestrian traffic along Steinway Street NYC, showcasing the vibrant commercial environment targeted for revitalization.
Council Member Tiffany Cabán acknowledged the positive steps towards street safety while advocating for broader, neighborhood-wide planning. “I welcome these streetscape improvements, which are a good step on the way to what we truly need in order to end traffic violence and save the lives of our neighbors: neighborhood-wide street safety planning,” Council Member Cabán commented. She specifically praised the midblock curb extensions as a valuable traffic-calming measure and called for more extensive implementation of such improvements across the neighborhood to ensure comprehensive pedestrian and cyclist safety on Steinway Street NYC and surrounding areas.
Marie Torniali, Executive Director of the Steinway Astoria Partnership, conveyed the local business community’s long-standing advocacy for these improvements. “The Steinway Astoria Partnership is grateful and delighted to see these long desired streetscape improvements coming to Steinway Street. We have advocated for these green spaces and public spaces for many years and are heartened to see them come to fruition. These elements will go a long way in creating our vision of creating a pedestrian friendly environment here on Steinway Street which will help revitalize this great commercial corridor,” Torniali explained. She expressed gratitude to Mayor Adams and the involved commissioners and departments for their collaborative efforts in supporting small businesses and enhancing Steinway Street NYC.
This Steinway Street redesign is part of a larger citywide effort to improve commercial corridors. DOT has nearly 100 similar projects planned, in design, or under construction across the five boroughs, representing a significant investment of nearly $3 billion. These projects, including those on Grand Concourse in the Bronx and Atlantic Avenue in East New York, demonstrate a city-wide commitment to enhancing pedestrian experiences and bolstering local economies through strategic streetscape improvements, all contributing to a more vibrant Steinway Street NYC and a more accessible city.
The improvements to Steinway Street NYC directly support the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity initiative. This citywide zoning plan aims to modernize regulations, support small businesses, and revitalize commercial corridors throughout New York City. By making Steinway Street more walkable and appealing, this project aligns perfectly with the initiative’s goals of fostering economic growth and filling vacant storefronts, ensuring Steinway Street NYC remains a thriving hub for years to come. This investment is a key component of Mayor Adams’s “Working People’s Tour,” highlighting the city’s economic recovery and ongoing efforts to create opportunities for all New Yorkers.
Funded through the NYC SEED Fund, this allocation marks the third round of investments from this equitable capital planning framework. The SEED Fund is designed to strategically distribute resources across the city, supporting projects like the Steinway Street NYC revitalization, improvements to St. Andrew’s Playground in Bed-Stuy, and infrastructure upgrades near Broadway Junction. This demonstrates a holistic approach to city development, ensuring that investments reach diverse communities and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous New York City.
