Page 6 - QT Eedition #41

PAGE 6 THE QUEENS TIMES THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025

QEDC + Accessible Travel NYC Announce Inaugural
New York Accessible Travel Conference

Tourism leaders, policymak-
ers, and advocates to gather in
Queens

The Queens Economic De-
velopment Corporation and Ac-
cessible Travel NYC are proud to
present the inaugural New York
Accessible Travel Conference
(NYATC) at the Helen Marshall
Cultural Center in Kew Gardens
(Queens) on Thursday, Nov. 6,
from 9 am to 3 pm.
NYATC will convene leaders
from across the tourism industry,
accessibility experts, and poli-
cymakers to discuss how NYC,
which receives an estimated 65
million visitors each year, can Attendance is free. Highlights nication access;
become the world’s most inclusive include the following: 3. Guidance on communicating
travel destination. With nearly 1. Keynote sessions and panel accessibility features confidently
29 percent of adults living with discussions with accessibility and transparently;
a disability, accessibility is not advocates, travel professionals, 4. Insights into authentic dis-
just a social imperative, but also and government representatives; ability representation in tourism
a major opportunity to expand the 2. Practical strategies for improv-
tourism-related economy. ing physical, digital, and commu- (Continued on page 8)
Queens Welcomes New Plaza And Halloween Festivities
With NYC DOT’s Trick-or-Streets 2025 Park Side Restaurant

The New York City Department Queens’Finest Italian Restaurant
of Transportation (NYC DOT)
kicked off October with a festive
ribbon-cutting ceremony at the
newly unveiled 29th Street Plaza
outside LaGuardia Community
College, marking the start of its
fourth annual “Trick-or-Streets”
celebration. The plaza transforms
17,390 square feet of former road-
way into a vibrant pedestrian hub,
complete with seating, bike cor-
rals, and one of the city’s largest
asphalt murals.
Commissioner Ydanis Rodri-
guez announced that this year’s About Park Side Restaurant - An Italian Landmark in the heart of Corona,
Trick-or-Streets will feature a re- Queens, Park Side Restaurant is truly a destination that is worth the trip.
cord-breaking 137 car-free events After one visit, you will be sure to be back again and again for one the
across all five boroughs from Oc- city’s Best Italian restaurants. Bring your appetite and enjoy authentic
tober 17 through Halloween night. 29th Street Plaza features one of New York City’s and always delicious dishes using the freshest ingredients and attention to
The initiative, part of NYC DOT’s largest asphalt murals currently on display detail served by our professional staff. Park Side is also happy to host your
Open Streets program, aims to next function with our private dining area and flexible banquet packages.
create safe, inclusive spaces for Trick-or-Streets 2025 promises President Donovan Richards Jr.
New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy pumpkin patches, live music, in- “It’s a safe, welcoming space for 107-01 Corona Ave. Corona Heights, NY
seasonal festivities. teractive performances, and Día students and neighbors alike.”
Art Meets Asphalt de Muertos celebrations in part- Councilmember Julie Won added, (718) 271-9274 • (718) 271-9871
The plaza’s centerpiece is a nership with the Mayor’s Office “Thanks to tireless advocacy, 29th - Reservations Suggested -
block-long mural titled “Keep it of Immigration Affairs. Signature Street Plaza is now a year-round
Movin!!” by Fernanda Contreras, events will take place at locations destination for community joy.”
a Fine Arts student at LaGuardia. like Franklin Avenue in Brook- The plaza joins a growing list
The design celebrates walkability lyn, Manor Avenue in the Bronx, of pedestrianized spaces under
and transit, incorporating colorful and Harlem Lane in Manhattan, the Adams administration, which
walking signals and symbols of with local organizations bringing has added over 1.5 million square
the subway lines that run through dance, crafts, and cultural pro- feet of public space citywide. With
Long Island City. Painted with gramming to the streets. Trick-or-Streets in full swing,
help from student and faculty A Plaza for the People NYC DOT continues to reimagine
volunteers, the mural reflects the Local leaders praised the how New Yorkers move, gather,
spirit of community and creativity transformation. “This new plaza and celebrate.
that defines the new space. is a celebration of culture and con- For a full list of Trick-or-Streets
Trick-or-Streets Expands nection,” said Queens Borough events, visit nyc.gov/dot.

Baisley Park Library Expansion Breaks Ground in Jamaica
Queens District Attorney
Melinda Katz joined the Queens
Public Library, the New York City
Department of Design and Con-
struction, Queens Borough Presi-
dent Donovan Richards, library
staff, and local leaders to celebrate
the groundbreaking of a $17.6
million renovation and expansion
project at the Baisley Park Library
on Sutphin Boulevard.
The long-anticipated project will
modernize the existing facility and
significantly increase its capacity
to serve the Jamaica community.
Plans include upgraded infrastruc-
ture, expanded public space, and
(Continued on page 8)