Senator James Sanders Jr. Hosts Community Forum to Address Safety and Improvements on Snake Road

QUEENS, NY – On the evening of December 10, 2024, New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. held a well-attended community engagement forum at the Chick-Fil-A in the Five Towns Shopping Center, bringing together local residents, community leaders, and elected officials to discuss the ongoing issues with Brookville Boulevard, locally known as "Snake Road."

Snake Road is a critical thoroughfare that serves as a vital connection between mainland Queens and the Eastern Rockaways, providing essential access for residents of Southeast Queens traveling to and from the Rockaways. The road, which runs between 149th Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard, is prone to flooding and has long been a source of concern due to hazardous conditions, including dangerous blind spots, sharp turns, and the lack of space for U-turns. Tragically, more than 10 lives have been lost on the road in the past decade.

"Snake Road is not just a shortcut; it's a lifeline for many of our residents and an evacuation route in times of crisis," said Senator Sanders. "It's crucial that we address the safety concerns and flooding risks to ensure that the road is both safer and more resilient. I'm committed to working with local agencies, the community, and other stakeholders to make these improvements a reality."

The event featured a presentation by our office on updates of ongoing efforts to improve the road. While the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), NYC Parks, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) were not present, we remain committed to working with these agencies to bring about the necessary improvements. Senator Sanders, who joined the forum via Zoom, spoke directly with attendees and addressed their concerns.

"I know that working with multiple agencies can be a challenge, but I assure you that I am on top of this issue," Senator Sanders stated. "We need your continued engagement and advocacy to make sure the Department of Transportation respects the voices of the community and moves forward with the changes we need."

Faran A. Sharif, the Senator’s Community Liaison, and Lisa George, Senior Deputy Chief of Staff, shared exciting news regarding funding and upcoming studies. They announced that $3.4 million in FEMA grant funding had been allocated to the NYC DOT to conduct a comprehensive 30-month study of Snake Road. The results of this study will provide a clear blueprint for future improvements. The study will be conducted by AKRF Engineering, and the firm will be required to hold regular public meetings, consult with community boards, and work closely with elected officials throughout the process.

The forum’s high turnout highlighted the widespread concern among community members and leaders about the urgent need for changes to Snake Road. Many residents expressed frustration with the current state of the road and voiced their determination to ensure that this project receives the attention it deserves.

"This project is not just about fixing a road—it's about protecting lives and ensuring the safety of our community," said Sharif. "We are committed to advocating for the changes that will make Snake Road safer and more accessible for everyone who depends on it."

Special thanks to Marc Thompson Jr., owner of Chick-Fil-A in the Five Towns Shopping Center, for graciously hosting the event and providing a welcoming space for this important community forum.

Senator Sanders and his team remain dedicated to working with local residents and stakeholders to ensure that the issues affecting Snake Road are addressed swiftly and effectively.