BY: SOFIA CANONGE
A pressing issue is casting a shadow over residents in Queens Community District 2: the scarcity of parks and open spaces. The lack of parks has been an ongoing concern due to years of excessive residential development. But the issue keeps growing along with the neighborhood’s rising population, affecting seniors and youth the most.
The community, encompassing Sunnyside, Woodside, and Long Island City, has experienced substantial population growth. According to the NYU Furman Center, the district had an estimated 10% increase in its population from 2019 (136,058) to 2021 (149,487). This year’s wave of new migrants/refugees in shelters and hotels in the neighborhood will also add to the district’s population growth.
Despite this surge in residents, the district has fallen short in providing essential open spaces where individuals of all ages can enjoy the outdoors, gather, exercise, and appreciate nature.
“Our community is a vibrant and growing community that deserves quality living conditions, but we’ve lost our green spaces to the constant promise of affordable housing projects,” said Chemang Lama, Sunnyside representative of the Environment, Parks and Recreation Committee of Community Board 2 at its October 26 meeting. “It’s time to reclaim our open areas, as they are the soul of our neighborhoods.”
Continuous residential development in the area has focused mainly on accommodating the growing number of residents. The Furman Center reports that the number of housing units authorized by new building permits increased from 1,463 in 2021 to 5,418 in 2022.
While the neighborhood needs more housing, the negative consequences are evident. Developers have rushed to construct housing units, often geared towards the higher-income demographic, while open spaces have been squeezed out and recreation areas have become a scarce commodity.
Low-income residents have been hit particularly hard. They struggle to find nearby parks and open spaces where they can unwind without traveling substantial distances. Families and seniors often have to abstain from the benefits of outdoor recreation due to the lack of suitable options, further isolating these vulnerable groups.
“I got three kids with so much energy, a day in the park for us is heaven, but it doesn’t happen a lot,” said Brittany Ochoa, 31, resident of Woodside. “Yeah I feel bad I have them indoors most of the time, but the commute to the nearest park is ridiculous.” In the zone where Ochoa lives it takes 10 minutes by bus or 20 minutes on foot to get to Big Bush Playground, the nearest open space large enough for her family to enjoy time outside without overcrowding.
The number of senior residents in Queens has steadily increased in recent years. Seniors now make up about 18% of the overall population compared to less than 13% in 2010, according to data from the 2020 census. These older residents often struggle to find suitable outdoor spaces to engage in physical activities and socialize. Many seniors face mobility issues and require accessible parks with benches, walking paths, and other amenities. Unfortunately, the limited number of parks and green areas in the district makes it difficult for them to enjoy these essential resources.
“I’ve lived in this neighborhood for over a decade, and it’s sad to see how our trees and green spaces have disappeared over the years,” said Melissa Perez de Ochoa, 65, mother of Brittany. For example, a 125’ x 110’ vacant lot at 45-02 Queens Blvd in Sunnyside had been vacant for a few years. Ampiera Group recently purchased it, and signs at the site now promise the neighborhood yet another commercial and residential building instead of a much-needed park or recreational development.
Addressing this issue, the Environment, Parks and Recreation Committee of Community Board 2 held a recent meeting to discuss potential solutions. One of the primary proposals on the table involves collaborating with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to conduct feasibility studies for creating new green spaces such as a new bike/pedestrian greenway and park benches along Review Avenue. The envisioned greenway would span from Laurel Hill (Kosciuszko Bridge) to the Greenpoint Avenue Bridge, offering a public space for residents.
The greenway project aims not only to provide a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians but also include benches and seating areas where seniors and families can relax and enjoy the outdoors.
As the community board and city’s Department of Parks & Recreation move forward with their feasibility studies, residents are cautiously optimistic about the potential for increased green spaces in their neighborhood. The lack of parks and open areas has been a persistent issue in Queens Community District 2, but a proposal like the greenway project represents a promising step towards addressing this long-standing problem.
“It would mean the world to me and my family to have our spaces back and feel comfortable to leave our homes to enjoy the outside.” said Perez de Ochoa.