Queens residents weren't shy about offering their opinions on the proposed Brooklyn-Queens streetcar system during a meeting hosted by the agencies planning the $2.5 billion project Monday evening.
Officials from New York City Department of Transportation and the Economic Development Corporation convened with neighbors to talk about who would ride the streetcar, what the streetcars would look like and which actual streets it would go on.
And as officials rolled out the maps, Astoria residents rolled out their own visions for the connector -- and the discussion was expectedly colorful.
"It takes a long time from here to here," one attendee said authoritatively, tapping a pen on two points on a map.
"Theoretically, there will be more people on the streetcar, and less people in their cars, and that will help congestion," said another man.
"Come on!" the first man countered, adding sarcastically, "'We're going to put streetcars here and here and here.' Come on, guy!"
Under Mayor de Blasio's vision, the streetcar would run for approximately 16 miles along the waterfront that stretches between Brooklyn and Queens. That area has seen rapid recent growth but has limited subway service.
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Councilman Costa Constantinides, who represents Queens' District 22, wanted to know how the streetcar would get integrated into the changing neighborhood.
"That's the question I think many of us have," he said. "How do we stitch this into the fabric of who we are?"
There were also concerns about the $2.5 billion price tag for the project, as longtime residents raised sensitivities to rising rents and costs in the gentrifying neighborhood.
"I'm sure it's going to be beautiful, but can we afford to stay here?" said Mary McClary of Justice for All.
Pete Trilivas, who's lived in Astoria for 60 years said, "Why do all this cost now, when you could provide the buses and you're done?"
Construction on the new line is estimated to begin in 2019 and it would not be operational until 2024. Planning is still in the very early phases, and the EDC and DOT want more public input.
The next meeting for the public will be in Red Hook, Brooklyn Thursday night.
