AS seen on http://www.LICityGuide.com

                                                           " LIC EXPRESS PLAN "

Once again the #7 train service interruption in Long Island City on the weekends in conjunction with the closure of the Borden Avenue Bridge will cripple the local business. Business here is down up to 70% as a direct result of this double whammy. On the weekends nobody can get to the restaurants, art galleries, and shops in this area, furthermore apartment hunters are seeing yet again how difficult it can be to live in Hunters Point.
 
There is more to the story then just service interruptions as many business may be forced to close if this continues. The Borden Avenue Bridge is still not open, a direct pipeline that normally allowed for the easy and direct flow of traffic off the L.I.E. up to Vernon Blvd. As President of the Hunters Point Merchants Association we need the MTA to get these repairs done already and we need a direct shuttle bus to and from Manhattan at the Vernon Blvd Station during these repairs. During this past year when faced with tuff economic conditions, the Hunters Point Merchants Association launched a aggressive and effective marketing campaign to generate people and tourist into our area to support local business,art,and entertainment venues and now we are derailed by the MTA.

The Hunters Point Merchants Association has come up with a alternative plan should the MTA fail in providing direct shuttle service to and from Manhattan. This plan will require the participation of several of the area’s premier real estate developers,donated or discounted mini shuttle buses. This plan and all updates can be viewed on www.LICityGuide.Com and is called “ The L.I.C. Express ". The LIC Express will be comprised of 2 to 3 weekend mini shuttle buses that would be leased and funded by the real estate developers and participating businesses in Hunters Point. Traveling directly to and from Grand Central Station to Vernon/Jackson these shuttles will carry inside printed posters, postcards, and mini 1 page printed " Explore L.I.C. " promotional flyers that will list all our great restaurants, business, and art institutions that agree to participate. During these tuff economic times we need to be creative to effectively ensure a steady flow of people into our neighborhood. This plan can only succeed with the help of everyone affected by the # 7 train service interruptions and support of our business community but we must act fast. If you have any ideas or suggestions that can help make this transportation nightmare better for our community, Please respond so together we can plan a meeting, discuss ideas,and perhaps get the NY WaterWay Ferry and Bus service started in Hunters Point on weekends with our " Explore L.I.C. " tour guides.

Thank You,
Brian Adams
President
Hunters Point Merchants Association
Board Member Hunters Point Community Development Corporation
49-10 Vernon Blvd
L.I.C., N.Y. 11101
718-786-9245