By Alexander Dworkowitz
As part of an effort to improve the safety of Whitestone streets, Community Board 7 voted Monday to make 20th Road a one-way street in two sections of the road.
The board approved a proposal to make 20th Road one way westbound from Clintonville Street to Willets Point Boulevard and one way eastbound from 160th Street to Francis Lewis Boulevard.
The four roads converge on 20th Road at varying angles on a 1 1/2 block section of the street.
“It’s the wackiest intersection you ever saw in your life,” said Victor Ross, who presented the proposal.
Ross said the angles of the roads make the small network of streets unsafe.
“There’s an awful lot of accidents,” he said.
The board’s recommendations will be presented to the city Department of Transportation for approval.
According to Ross, the DOT has already voiced support for the plan.
After the vote, Ann Jawin, founder of the Queens Women’s Center, spoke in front of the board to discuss the center, which was slated to be evicted from Fort Totten this week as part of a deal to transfer ownership of the park from the federal government to the city.
“They defend their actions by constructing legalistic barriers,” said Jawin, referring to the Fire Department, which is taking control of the property. “We can only come to the conclusion that they do not value women.”
After several speakers voiced support for the center, Adrian Joyce explained that Jawin had signed a lease agreeing to leave the property if asked.
“It’s a technicality, but that’s the law,” said Joyce. “That’s the way things are.”
The board also elected members to its executive committee. All members of the committee were re-elected to their positions, with Eugene Kelty as chairman, Robert LoPinto as first vice chairman, James Crisafulli second vice chairman, Frank Macchio third vice chairman and Joseph Governale fourth vice chairman.
At the beginning of the meeting, Susan Lacerte, executive director of Queens Botanical Garden, presented the garden’s grand plans to redesign itself over the next 15 years. The plans include green roofs, plants from around the world and an emphasis on water.
Lacerte urged the board to support the garden in tough financial times.
“We were packed Sept. 12,” said Lacerte. “When there’s a real need, people come. Choices will have to be made.”
Reach reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 141.
