Site to Host Tribute to Women of Queens, Public Space Designed to be Enhanced and Utilized by All

QUEENS, NY – Restoration work began this week on the long-neglected, fenced-in fountain located in the plaza on the corner of Queens Boulevard and Union Turnpike, at the edge of the grounds of Queens Borough Hall.

The $720,000 restoration project contracted by the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) will repair the damaged stonework at the base of the fountain, improve landscaping and install plantings, new lighting and benches for public use. Once completed, the site will also include a ceremonial plaque indicating that the site has been rededicated in honor of the women of Queens.

“This restoration project will create a fitting tribute in a prominent location in our borough’s civic center, dedicated to the women of Queens,” said Borough President MELINDA KATZ. “The site will soon host a visible, meaningful tribute to the women of Queens and become a public space utilized and enjoyed by all.”

“We are proud to partner with Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services for the historic restoration of the Queens Boulevard Plaza Fountain,” said DDC Commissioner Dr. FENIOSKY PEÑA-MORA. “We look forward to enhancing the community and contributing to the City’s growth by designing and building a public space dedicated to the women of Queens.”

“I am pleased that that the restoration of this site will include a significant tribute to the people who helped to build and shape our wonderful borough; the women of Queens County,” said City Councilmember KAREN KOSLOWITZ.  “This new public space will now be able to be enjoyed by everyone, and will contribute to the quality of life enjoyed by the residents of our great borough.”

“I am thrilled that Borough President Katz and Council Member Koslowitz developed a wonderful plan and work has begun to repair and enhance the Queens Boulevard Plaza Fountain,” said State Senator LEROY COMRIE. “It is a testament to the dedication and commitment of these outstanding public servants, that Queens residents will have a beautiful newly restored public space to enjoy. I applaud them both for their vision to include a plaque commemorating the legacy of the women of Queens, who have worked to make our borough the best place to live, work and play in our city.”

DDC presented the project’s progress to the New York City Public Design Commission in January 2016. The contractor is Prespective Construction Company, which submitted the winning proposal as part of the DDC’s competitive bid process. The restoration work is not anticipated to affect vehicular or pedestrian traffic patterns in the vicinity. The project is projected for completion by Spring 2017.

Follow Borough President Katz via @melindakatz or www.facebook.com/queensbpkatz