City Line Ozone Park Civilian Patrol and Our Neighbors Civic Association of Ozone Park,INC-ONCA have been in contact with Council Member Joann Ariola regarding ongoing conditions at the Liberty Avenue Plaza, including furniture and other items that have accumulated there. We understand that items that do not belong in the plaza will be removed.
Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez recently announced $850,000 for the “permanent construction” of Liberty Avenue Plaza. However, the plaza itself has existed since 2013. We have written to the Congresswoman and DOT asking for clarity and accountability on how this funding will be used and what permanent improvements the community will actually see.
We have recommended improvements such as proper permanent seating, pigeon mitigation measures, signage, and other upgrades that would improve the appearance and usefulness of the plaza. BACDYS and elected officials already support regular maintenance of the space.
We will continue advocating for improvements and doing what we can, but organizations and elected officials can only do so much. The condition of this plaza did not happen overnight, and keeping it clean and welcoming takes people who actually care about the space. If you see people feeding pigeons, bringing unwanted furniture into the plaza, littering, dumping, or otherwise disrespecting the space, speak up. Report conditions to 311 and our elected officials. A better plaza will take all of us.
