Restoring the El - 95th Street Station 6/20/2010
As noted last week (here and here) work has finally, at long last, begun on our elevated train line. For the past 18 months, the most frequently asked question we've received via e-mail has been -- "When is the El getting painted?" However, it needs much more than just a coat of paint. It needs massive repairs -- a complete restoration -- and that's going to take a few years. The first stage occurred earlier this year as they replaced all of the tracks.
Over the next 30 months, we'll check in periodically to see what they're up to and how they are doing. It's going to have a big impact on this community -- and, unfortunately, probably provide a bit of a temporary setback to our businesses. But they recognize that its' necessary and will benefit them in the long run.
This weekend, we take a look at the work they're doing at 95th Street and Jamaica Avenue. Standing just off the corner of 95th (towards Manor Deli) and looking East, you see a view that hasn't been seen in many decades. Or, more accurately, it's not what you see -- it's what you don't see!
Yup, the staircase has been removed! As part of the MTA's renovation they will be tearing down the old staircases and replacing them with brand new ones.
This has got to be a pain in the neck for the commuters that live over this way as there isn't a matching staircase across the street -- so they've got to walk to the Woodhaven Boulevard end of the station. No, it's not the biggest deal in the world -- but in the morning -- or at the end of a long, hot day -- walking a few extra blocks is a pain. But hopefully, this will be real temporary.
Looks freaky, doesn't it? Good thing they have those boards up there. I suppose they have the stairs on the platform blocked as well. Otherwise, you might get someone on their way home from a party taking a headlong dive into 95th Street!
We'll keep an eye on the avenue and keep bringing these updates -- in the end, it'll be interesting to look back at how it all progressed. Until next time . . . .
If you have any comments, or would like to suggest other projects, drop us a line at info@projectwoodhaven.com or projectwoodhaven@aol.com .
