The MTA rail yard located at Avalon and 54th streets stood vacant for many years. It was an eye- sore just waiting to be developed. Members of the city counsel have been trying to replace this lifeless- concrete plot with a public space for some time now. Finally, construction on a city park began this week.
After years of negotiations, the nine- acre piece of land was purchased for 19 million dollars. This park is expected to open in December 2011 (I don’t think workers will meet this deadline). This public space will provide a place for people to enjoy themselves, while beautifying the surrounding neighborhood. A spillover effect, where property values rise because of this development, is expected to occur. There are also plans to build a rail museum to pay homage to the site’s past. The benefits of this project don’t stop there.
It will also be environmentally friendly. In addition to planting many trees— which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (reducing the greenhouse effect)— a system that captures, cleans, and recycles storm water will also be built.
This development will also create many jobs for constructions workers who have been hurt by the economic turndown. More information about this project can be found in an article on KCET’s website.
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| The site before construction |
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| The ribbon- cutting ceremony |
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