QNS transit line proponents host ‘ales and rails’ at Glendale brewery

Advocates of the QNS say the new rail line would revitalize Richmond Hill. Images via Friends of the QNS.

By Jonathan Sperling

Advocates for a proposed transit line that would potentially relieve pressure on Queens’ over-burdened subway routes will meet at a Glendale brewery today as part of a kick-off event in support of the plan.

Friends of the QNS, headed by former Queens Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley, will meet at Finback Brewery, located at 78-01 77th Ave., from 6-8 p.m. to discuss how the proposed 8.5 miles of track stretching from Eastern to Western Queens could benefit 6.6 million riders annually. The QNS would make use of existing track that currently services freight lines.

As a show of support, Finback Brewery announced it would name one of its signature beers, “The QNS” and provide attendees with a limited edition QNS Koozie.

The QNS would run from Eastern Queens to Western Queens, passing through neighborhoods that are currently underserved by the subway system.

The QNS, which would travel from Jamaica and through Richmond Hill, Glendale, Ridgewood, Maspeth to Long Island City, has received resolutions of support from Queens Community Boards 2, 5, 6, 9 and 12. A total of 10 new station stops would be established to connect to and relieve pressure from the E, F, M, R, L, M, J and Z lines, as well as the Long Island Rail Road.

The total project would cost approximately $2.2 billion, according to Friends of the QNS.