Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Astoria

Eyes on the Street: Filling the Void Left By Astoria’s Missing Plaza

A Key Food delivery truck in Astoria blocks a crosswalk and a fire hydrant.

Last month, Queens Community Board 1 voted down DOT's proposal for a pedestrian plaza at the intersection of 30th Avenue, 33rd Street and Newtown Avenue, opting instead for curb extensions that will keep the block open to vehicle traffic.

The curb extensions are set to be installed next year. In the meantime, as shown in this photo sent in by reader Todd Schultz, trucks unloading at the Key Food on Newtown Avenue are parking illegally in the crosswalk, endangering pedestrians crossing the intersection.

At the CB 1 meeting, Thomas Anderson of Key Food spoke against the plaza, saying it would "eliminate convenient access to our store" and "potentially threaten our viability," despite a DOT survey of the store's shoppers showing that 90 percent arrive on foot or by transit.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

U.S. DOT Moves to Rescind Billions for ‘Woke’ Transportation on Feb. 18 — So Advocates Must Speak Up Now

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has promised to call on Congress to slash vast funding for climate and DEIA.

February 14, 2025

Friday Video: Catch the Green Wave

Even the Times loves it.

February 14, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Pressure on City Hall Edition

The MTA needs more and more money from the city — is Mayor Adams too distracted to ensure New York City gets bang for its buck? Plus more news.

February 14, 2025

ACE In The Hole: MTA’s Bus-Mounted Cameras Nab Over 400K Bus Stop Blockers

Bus enforcement cameras are working way better than cops.

February 13, 2025

City E-Bike Swap Program Uses Bikes from Fly, a Company With Safety Violations

A Streetsblog investigation found Fly, a popular e-bike and moped vendor, has consistently skirted city regulations, but now the company is at the heart of the city's first e-bike trade-in program.

February 13, 2025
See all posts