IBX Light Rail to Connect Queens and Brooklyn

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is advancing plans for the Interborough Express (IBX), a 14-mile light-rail line designed to connect the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn. This project aims to improve transit options for New Yorkers traveling between these two areas, offering an alternative to existing bus routes.

One key proposed stop on the IBX route is Myrtle Avenue, located at the border of Glendale and Ridgewood in Queens. This station is anticipated to be the first elevated stop as the line extends southward through Queens.

Myrtle Avenue: A Gateway to Local Culture

The proposed Myrtle Avenue station is situated within a lively shopping district that spans both Glendale and Ridgewood. This area is known for its diverse retail and dining options, appealing to a wide range of visitors and residents.

Travelers using the IBX could access numerous thrift and antique stores, beauty salons, cafes, and various restaurants. The district offers a unique experience, allowing individuals to explore local shops and enjoy diverse culinary offerings.

Fresh Pond Road, which begins near the proposed IBX station, extends for several miles. This street is lined with numerous ethnic restaurants, providing a wide array of international cuisines. Options include Polish, German, Thai, Cuban, and Chinese dishes.

Traditional Polish delis and Italian bakeries also operate in the area, offering foods that reflect the community's heritage. For those commuting to work, the neighborhood provides many authentic New York coffee and bagel establishments.

Neighborhood Evolution and Real Estate Trends

The area around the Myrtle Avenue stop has experienced significant gentrification over the past decade. This trend has led to changes in the local character and real estate market.

Real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com show that one-bedroom apartments in Ridgewood currently average around $3,000 per month. This rise in housing costs has prompted some long-term residents to express concerns about losing the area's original 'neighborhood charm.'

"They essentially want to change the character of our neighborhood," said Queens City Council Member Robert Holden. "We love the fact that we can sit in our backyards and feel the sunshine on our faces. Anything that jeopardizes that, you really have to fight it."

The IBX project has received substantial support from transit officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and MTA board members. On July 30, the project's $166 million design contract was approved, marking a significant step forward.

Community Concerns and Project Challenges

Despite broad support, the IBX project faces questions and concerns from some community members and local officials. Queens City Council Member Robert Holden has voiced concerns about the project's potential impact on neighborhood character.

Gary Giordano, district manager of Queens Community Board 5, highlighted both the advantages and difficulties of the IBX. According to Giordano, public transit users would likely welcome the new options for travel within the borough.

"If you are a public transit user, you probably like it because it gives you other options," Giordano stated. "In Queens and in a lot of New York City, it's easy to get to Manhattan, but to get from one portion of the borough to another other than buses via train, there are not too many options."

Coexistence with Freight Trains

A primary concern raised by Giordano involves the coexistence of the proposed passenger light rail with existing freight trains. The planned IBX route runs along tracks currently used by CSX freight trains, which transport local trash.

These tracks are located near numerous stores and offices in Glendale and Ridgewood, including the community board's headquarters on Myrtle Avenue. Giordano questioned whether residents and workers might experience an increase in idling freight trains near their homes and businesses.

Freight trains already conduct significant activity on the tracks above Myrtle Avenue, including train coupling. Giordano described coupling as a "very noisy endeavor," often occurring after 11 p.m.

The MTA addressed these concerns, stating that the IBX will not share or cross with any freight tracks. An MTA spokesperson explained that this design ensures the new light rail will not impact existing freight service.

Development and Future Housing

Another area of concern for some community members, including Giordano, relates to potential development sparked by the new transit line. There are worries that the "City of Yes" proposal, which aims to increase housing, could lead to development that is out of character with the existing neighborhood.

The area currently features a mix of apartments and well-maintained multi-family brownstones. City officials project that the "City of Yes" initiative will result in the construction of 82,000 new housing units over the next 15 years across the city.

It remains too early to determine how many, if any, additional homes will be built specifically near IBX stops. However, the prospect of increased development is a point of discussion among residents.

As the IBX plans continue to progress, the neighborhoods of Ridgewood and Glendale are highlighted as unique areas of New York City, offering a blend of culture, commerce, and community character.

Upcoming IBX Stops to Explore

• Jackson Heights: Known as a melting pot of cultures and flavors, this northern hub is a key part of the IBX route.
• Maspeth: This neighborhood offers a distinct small-town charm within the bustling city environment.
• Middle Village: The proposed light rail will pass near a significant Queens park and under historically important ground in this community.
• Wilson Avenue: The next planned stop for a detailed exploration in upcoming reports.