"The city will allow motorists back onto Freedom Drive inside Forest Park in Queens for the first time in nearly six years starting on Jan. 5, Parks reps revealed on Monday, just one week ahead of the change. Drivers will once have control of the 0.3-mile passage between Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South - but just what Parks officials ironically call the "off season" from October to April."
"Parks spokesperson Gregg McQueen said that the agency "believes that keeping Freedom Drive closed to vehicular traffic for recreational activities is an overall benefit to the park and the neighborhood," but went ahead and restored access for car drivers after a vote by Community Board 9 "to open the road to vehicular traffic only during the off-season." McQueen said Parks officials "are pleased with the compromise.""
Freedom Drive inside Forest Park in Queens will reopen to motor vehicles starting Jan. 5, ending a nearly six-year closure. The 0.3-mile stretch between Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South will be open during the October–April "off season." Parks Department officials cited a Community Board 9 vote to open the road during the off-season and described the decision as a compromise. Local advocates criticized the expedited reopening and framed it as prioritizing cars over people and a rebuke of incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The change follows a year-long campaign by area politicians and community board appointees.
Read at Streetsblog
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