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

Mamdani’s 14th Street Redesign: The Perfect Opportunity For BRT-Style Bus Stations

A "once-in-a-generation upgrade" to 14th Street offers Mayor Mamdani a chance to make New York City's streets "the envy of the world."

March 10, 2026

The Speeding Situation in New York City Is Even Worse Than It Seems

Speed cameras can’t ticket vehicles with ghost plates — which means we don't know how often their drivers break the law.

March 10, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: Harsh Winter Edition

Sure, it was a gorgeous day yesterday — but that's only because you're not a mauled street safety device. Plus other news.

March 10, 2026

Community Boards Push Mamdani’s DOT to Use ‘Sammy’s Law’ To Lower Speed Limits

As City Hall and the Council bicker over lower speed limits, community boards are demanding action.

March 9, 2026

Urban Truth Collective: Straight Talk About The Joy Of Cities In An Age Of Disinformation

The Three Tenors of Urbanism explain their latest effort: The Urban Truth Collective.

March 9, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: Daylighting Dead-End Edition

Mayor Mamdani declined to stick up for universal daylighting when pressed about the issue on Friday. Plus more news.

March 9, 2026
See all posts