QueensWay: Could a Derelict Railway Become NYC's Next Park?

For decades, a section of the Long Island Rail Road in Queens has sat unused, slowly returning to nature. Known as the QueensWay, this stretch of abandoned railway is now the focus of a growing movement to transform it into a public park, similar to the successful High Line in Manhattan.

The QueensWay offers a unique opportunity to create a linear park that would connect multiple neighborhoods, providing much-needed green space and recreational opportunities for residents. Supporters of the project highlight the potential for improved pedestrian and bicycle access, as well as the creation of new community gathering spaces.

Currently, the area is a mix of overgrown vegetation and remnants of its railway past. Coyotes and other wildlife have made the area their home, adding to the unique character of the space. Any development would need to carefully balance the needs of the community with the preservation of the existing ecosystem.

While the project faces challenges, including funding and community consensus, the potential benefits of the QueensWay are significant. If successful, it could become a model for urban revitalization and a valuable asset for the borough of Queens.