Eyes on the Street: Runoff Retention? Sidewalk Extension!

Clarence files these photos of a dual-purpose street reclamation in Queens.

By Brad Aaron

2:05 PM EDT on July 3, 2012

Clarence files these photos of a dual-purpose street reclamation in Queens.

In Woodside at the intersection of 39th Ave and Woodside Avenue they have put in a massive traffic calming/bioswale-ish extension of the sidewalk! It looks like a standard Portland-style bioswale for water runoff.

We have queries in with the city for more information, but as Clarence says, it looks like this is another in a series of joint ventures between multiple agencies — DOT, DEP and Parks — designed to absorb runoff while taming traffic. The initiative is a product of PlaNYC.

Though this one looks mostly complete, says Clarence, “It looks like they haven’t removed the sharrow just yet, which will put you right into a curb.”

More shots after the jump.

Barring any major breaking news, this will be our last post until Thursday. Happy Independence Day, everyone.

Brad Aaron

Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.