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Trucks Can Use Parkway
"Nobody likes trucks, but we need them to distribute their goods and services." Mayor Michael Bloomberg told elected officials and press representatives at a news conference last Wednesday. Bloomberg was frequently interrupted by the roar of trucks passing by on Astoria Boulevard as he delivered the news that a 12-month pilot program, due to start November 17, would allow trucks with no more than three axles and no larger than 11 feet in height to proceed on the Grand Central Parkway between the Triboro Bridge and the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The program will eliminate 3,150, or 70 percent, of the 4,500 commercial vehicles from the local streets which their drivers presently use to get to the BQE from the Triboro Bridge and vice versa every day. A similar program was launched in 1996, it was pointed out. That program let only small panel trucks and vans on the parkway. It failed because even its supporters felt that the legislation did not go far enough to assist in alleviating the problem. Borough President Helen Marshall hailed the plan as cutting down on accidents, which have ranged from fender-benders to major collisions, as well as decreasing pollution and noise. "My car was dented by a truck trying to make a turn at [this intersection]," she pointed out. She thanked Assemblymember Michael Gianaris, City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., and city Department of Transportation Commissioner Iris Weinshall, all of whom were present, for making the pilot program reality. Weinshall noted that 200 accidents had taken place in five years at the site of the press conference, the triangular plot of land known as Columbus Square at the intersection of 31st Street, Astoria Boulevard and Hoyt Avenue. Data on the program will be shared with the state Department of Transportation, because in order to make the program permanent state legislation is required. Assembly-member Michael Gianaris said he would press for the change to become permanent. "I look forward to continuing my efforts to respond to the quality of life concerns of Astoria residents."
Gianaris and Vallone Jr. were noted as being instrumental in resolving the major traffic issue in Astoria through repeated meetings and consultations with state and city officials. Bloomberg also noted that Weinshall is willing to try new approaches to the many and varied traffic problems in the city of New York. "She doesn’t just sit back and say, ‘Oh, here’s a problem.’" Bloomberg said. "She’s always willing to try something new—anything to make New York City more livable." Vallone Jr. noted that the intersection where the press conference was held was among the worst in the city "I’ve seen fights, accidents, noise and pollution here—you name it," he said. "Cleaner, safer streets and air will be hugely helpful to the people of Astoria," Increased police surveillance of the vehicles using the parkway and the city regulation requiring vehicles transporting hazardous materials will reduce the possibility of spills and leaks of substances inimical to the environment. Weinshall was asked if similar programs could be instituted in other intersections throughout New York City. "This is a problem unique to Astoria," Weinshall replied. "We’re looking at other areas that will require other remedies."
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