State, city unveil plan to speed NYC buses
Faster commutes, expanded service and upgraded bus stops are all part of a new statewide and city initiative that targets some of the system's slowest routes while investing in new buses and transit infrastructure.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service on July 8, a joint plan by the city’s Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that calls for upgrades along 50 priority bus corridors across the city. Work on the first round of projects will begin this year, with a new generation of rapid bus routes advancing in 2026, officials said.
EYorkers rely on buses to get around this city,” Hochul said in the release. “Now, working with Mayor Mamdani, we are advancing a bold and ambitious plan to move buses faster, dramatically expand bus priority, reduce delays and make our bus system the envy of the world.
Officials said improving bus service is especially important because riders are disproportionately working-class residents, women and people of color, with many living in households earning less than $100,000 annually.
very day, millions of New Yorkers rely on buses to get around this city.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. welcomed the announcement, noting that more than 800,000 borough residents ride MTA buses each day.
“From the Queens Bus Network Redesign to the action plan we're announcing today, we continue to make historic investments in the speed and reliability of our buses,” Richards said in a news release. “I look forward to the work ahead of finally giving Queens residents that quick and effective bus service they have always deserved.”
While New Yorkers make roughly 2.75 million bus trips each day — more than the combined bus ridership of Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia — buses in New York average only about 8 mph, making them the slowest among major U.S. cities.
“Every day, millions of New
The initiative identifies 50 corridors where the city and MTA will focus investments to reduce delays and improve reliability.
Five routes were selected as the first phase of a next-generation rapid bus network: the Kensington-JFK corridor spanning Brooklyn and Queens, Northern Boulevard in Queens, Flatbush Avenue and Utica Avenue in Brooklyn and Tremont/Cross Bronx in the Bronx.
“For working New Yorkers, every minute matters," Mamdani said in the release. “We're investing in faster, more reliable buses because New Yorkers deserve a transit system that respects their time.”
Beginning this year, those routes are expected to receive protected bus lanes, upgraded stations with shelters, more frequent all-day service and other improvements modeled after rapid bus systems in cities around the world.
The plan also includes major investments in the bus fleet and rider experience. Through the
MTA's $68 billion capital program for 2025-29, the authority plans to purchase about 2,500 new buses, replacing roughly 40 percent of its aging fleet.
Officials also said all-door boarding is expected to be implemented in 2027 following the full transition to tap-andride fare payment.
Over the next decade, the city and MTA plan to expand accessibility improvements to 65 stops annually by 2030, install 300 new bus shelters by 2028, add seating at 875 stops each year, increase shade through tree plantings and install nearly 2,900 real-time passenger information displays citywide by 2030.
Keeping bus lanes clear is another major component of the plan. Officials said automated camera enforcement has already increased bus speeds by as much as 30 percent while
reducing collisions by 20 percent.
To build on those gains, the city plans to expand busmounted automated camera enforcement to 25 additional routes each year in 2026 and 2027, install 200 more stationary bus lane cameras by 2027 and increase targeted New York City Police Department enforcement from 14 to 20 corridors beginning next year.
“Our partners today ... all want to make sure that riding the bus is always faster than walking," MTA Chair and Chief Executive Officer Janno Lieber said in the release.
“They will ramp up traffic enforcement to keep streets moving.”
The plan also calls for expanded public outreach before projects begin, including community meetings, surveys and partnerships with advocacy organizations. After improvements are completed, the city and MTA said they would publicly release performance data measuring travel times, reliability and rider experience.
— Jeffrey Bessen
Marc A. Hermann/MTA)
MTA Chair & CEO Janno Lieber with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to his right presented the Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service on July 8.
Kathy hochul
New York state governor
Putnam Park playground re-opens in A. B.
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Laughter returned to Putnam Park this weekend as Atlantic Beach celebrated the grand reopening of its newly renovated playground, a yearlong community project that village leaders say represents far more than new swings and slides.
Residents gathered on July 5 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the state-of-theart playground, followed by a community celebration sponsored by the Friends of the Village of Atlantic Beach, a nonprofit that funded much of the project. Families also enjoyed treats from a Hewlee ice cream truck later in the day.
The renovation transformed what had become an aging, unusable playground into a modern, ADA-accessible destination designed to serve children for generations.
“This is one of the many projects we’ve needed to work on,” Mayor Barry Frohlinger said. “We’re so grateful that this came together the way it did. It really is quite amazing.”
Planning for the project began shortly after the current village administration took office last summer.
Frohlinger credited Trustee Laura Heller, the Village Board, the Department of Public Works, local beach clubs, nearby condominium residents and approximately 80 village families whose donations helped make the project possible.
“We really view this as a public-private partnership,” Frohlinger said. “The board, residents, businesses and volunteers all came together to create something that benefits the entire community. It’s a great model for future projects.”
The redesigned park features separate play areas for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12, a six-seat swing set, climbing structures, slides, interactive play equipment, a musical drum feature and a fire truck-themed play element honoring the Atlantic Beach Rescue Department.
The playground also includes a poured rubber safety surface that is fully ADA accessible, new fencing, retaining walls, landscaping, bicycle racks and
The Putnam Park features a brand-new play structure,
ages to explore.
engraved commemorative pavers recognizing many of the families who contributed to the fundraising effort.
Frohlinger said the village selected equipment specifically designed to withstand the challenges of Atlantic Beach’s coastal environment, including salt air, sand, sun and wind.
“We had the time to design it correctly,” he said. “Everybody put their minds together, and I think we ended up with the best of the best.”
Heller said the project would not have been possible without the Friends of the Village of Atlantic Beach, whose fundraising campaign brought together residents and local businesses to finance the improvements at a time when the village faced financial constraints.
“The village simply couldn’t afford to replace the playground on its own,” Heller said. “The outpouring of support from the community was phenomenal.”
The original playground had fallen into disrepair and could not have safely reopened this summer with-
out major renovations, Heller said.
Now, she hopes the park becomes a gathering place where children create lasting memories and neighbors strengthen community bonds.
“I’m so happy for the village,” she said. “It’s a shining moment to have such a beautiful improvement that everyone can enjoy together.”
The Playground Committee Chair said the project demonstrates what can be accomplished when a community rallies around a common goal.
“This playground is the result of a true community effort,” the chair wrote in a statement. “A playground is much more than a place to play — it’s where children make friends, parents connect and families spend time together.”
In an era when children spend increasing amounts of time on screens, the chair added, investing in inviting outdoor spaces is an investment in the future.
“By building this playground,” she said, “we’ve strengthened our community.”
Alice Moreno/Herald photos
poured rubber safety surface and areas for children of all
Village of Atlantic Beach Mayor Barry Frohlinger welcomed residents to the grand re-opening of the Putnam Park on July 5.
Nearly 7,000 fans packed Aqueduct Racetrack June 28 for its final day of racing after 132 years.
Racing fans say final goodbye to Aqueduct
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
There were plenty of cheers along with some tears in South Ozone Park June 28 as 6,866 horse racing fans bid farewell to Aqueduct Racetrack.
The crowd at ‘The Big A’ roared one last time as Assume Nothing, with jockey Jaime Rodriguez aboard, went wire-towire to capture the final race of the track’s storied 132-year history.
“This is where my career started in 2010 and it feels amazing to win the last race on the last day,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve ridden the horse a few times and knew if he got a clean break, he’d have a great chance to win.”
After the finale, Rodriguez and the rest of the jockey colony celebrated with fans along the rail, giving out high fives and fist bumps. One fan hoisted a cardboard sign that read: “One more day! Give me a chance to win it back.”
Several thousand fans arrived two hours before the nine-race card began at 1:10 p.m. The first 1,000 through the doors received a small mason jar containing dirt from the main track.
One of the highlights on Aqueduct’s final day came not on the dirt but the turf in the penultimate race when Highway Harmony set a new track record at
the 6-furlong distance, taking the last stakes race at the track in 1:06.44 under jockey Edgard Zayas.
Ron Berkowitz, a Merrick resident who grew up in Lynbrook, had the closing date circled on his calendar once it was announced by the New York Racing Association.
“It’s a bittersweet day,” Berkowitz said. “I’ve been coming here since the late 1970s and really fell in love with the track and the sport. I haven’t been here in a couple of years, but there was no way I was missing today.”
Franklin Square residents Anthony
and Sally Turco echoed Berkowitz’s sentiments. “Today brings back a lot of great memories of coming to the Big A with family,” Anthony said. “Lots of nostalgia. It was awesome.”
The Turcos were in the paddock prior to the fifth race with friend Bruce Brown, a longtime trainer on the NYRA circuit and Floral Park resident. Brown saddled the winner, Boston’s Phinest.
“This is where it all started for me in New York when I came over from New Jersey,” said Brown, whose first winner at Aqueduct, “Goretty” came in 2008.
“So many memories,” he added. “I won’t miss the Belt Parkway, but I’ll definitely miss the Big A.”
The closure of Aqueduct coincides with a rebuilt Belmont Park, set to open Sept. 18.
“I can see the new Belmont grandstand from my house,” said Brown, who expects to have between 15 and 20 horses in his barn once racing shifts back downstate from Saratoga. “I’ve watched the construction from the beginning to what’s almost the end and it’s going to be incredible when it opens,” he added.
Assume Nothing and jockey Jaime Rodriguez won the Aqueduct finale.
Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos
The mural outside Aqueduct depicts Secretariat, who made his career debut there in 1972.
Help Wanted
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
WAREHOUSE HELP
MAILROOM/
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Operations/ Office Coordinator Full-Time. Cedarhurst. $25–$30/hour. Seeking person with strong communication, organizational, computer skills. Resume: info@purebitessnacks.com
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDI-
ATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Stat. Assist. Compile and anal. beauty category data to identify hi-perf. SKUs & trends; Synth. hist. sales & prod. records to forecast inventory needs; Maintain DBs & create visual dashboards/reports
Eldercare Offered
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
Waterfront Dream Home
Spectacular 8,100-square-foot stately brick Colonial offering seven bedrooms, seven full and two half baths on 215 feet of prime waterfront property. Beautifully renovated throughout, this exceptional home features a dramatic two-story entry foyer that opens to a second-floor balcony. Walls of windows flood the home with natural light while showcasing magnificent water views. Designed for both comfortable living and elegant entertaining, the home offers an exceptional flow and generously proportioned rooms throughout. The main-level primary suite overlooks the water and features two enormous walk-in closets and a luxurious radiant-heated bath with double vanities, separate water closets, a steam shower, and a Jacuzzi tub. The 2,100-square-foot finished basement, renovated just 10 years ago, includes a theater, recreation room, gym, wine cellar, bonus room, and full bath. The resortstyle backyard features a heated Gunite pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, expansive patio, and a newly renovated 215-foot raised vinyl bulkhead with a private dock for your boat. Additional highlights include a grand circular driveway and an attached three-car garage. Every luxury amenity has been thoughtfully included. Located in the Hewlett-Woodmere School District #14, this remarkable waterfront estate is conveniently close to the LIRR, shopping, and houses of worship. Asking $5,570,000. Call today to arrange your private viewing of this exceptional waterfront residence.
REAL ESTATE
Real Estate
WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
Apartments For Rent
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space When Available. For Details Call 516-860-6889/ 516-852-5135/ 516-582-9978
Ronnie Gerber Licensed Real Estate Salesperson C: 516-428-4298 O: 516-623-2776
ronnie.gerber@elliman.com
For Everything 5 Towns & More Douglas Elliman / Merrick
What to do about cracking concrete, Part 2
Q. We have large cracks in our concrete driveway and garage floor, and want to make sure they are repaired correctly, since they appear to be recently done, possibly within a year before we purchased the house. In particular, there is a nearly round hole that turned to gravel, kind of, and we want to know why it happened and avoid having it happen again. What can you tell us?
A. As I previously explained, concrete reacts to extreme weather changes, and isn’t as stable as people think. Nature moves mountains, so your driveway was no challenge to the forces of nature. Extreme cold causes concrete to contract — push in on itself — while heat has the effect of stretching rigid concrete to the point of literally ripping apart.
As with any material, water and movement are the most critical factors to work with. You’ll never win over nature. The hole is basically like a zit, a buildup of pressure in a weaker place across the surface. Concrete develops strength as a chemical reaction to the specific combination of materials it is made from. With too much water in the mix, it will be weaker, especially in a particular spot. With not enough water to support the chemical reaction of Portland cement, sand and stone, the concrete will be weak. It’s important to follow the directions on the package(s) to get the correct mix.
Like any successful repair or construction project, analysis and planning are extremely important. You should have a professional take a look at the problem before you repair it, to decide if a repair is even worth it. A short consult more than pays for itself if it turns out you’d be wasting money on something that isn’t worth a quick fix. If that round hole reveals that there’s no steel reinforcement, for example, then the rest of the driveway is on its way to needing more serious work in the near future. If the hole reveals that the mix was too wet or too dry, or was poured in weather that was too cold, or that admixtures were the wrong combination, you’ll just be throwing good money after bad.
When I see concrete work being done in extreme cold or excessive heat, as I’m driving by, I make a mental note to double back, over time, to see how the experiment worked or didn’t work. You can only shake your head when you understand the possible outcome. There are concrete repair mixtures that include epoxy adhesives, but, again, follow the directions to the letter if you’re making the less expensive, quick repair.
It was invaluable for me to work with a mason, carpenter and painter during summers off from architecture school. The mason taught me to wet the area before continuing after our lunch break, not adding wet next to dry mortar. The dry area was already curing. The fresh mortar would have the moisture sucked right into the drier surface, weakening both, and the work in general. Good luck!
Ask The Architect
Monte Leeper
Stuff HERALD
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Appliance Srvc./Repair
SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277
Antiques/Collectibles
We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry
Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464
Finds Under $100
BOAT OARS, ALUMINUM. 8.5' $50. Extra large and medium life vests $20 each. Text 516-647-1999.
EXERCISE SEAT/ CHAIR, "Body By Jake/ Ab & Back Plus. VG condition, $15. Lido (516)705-8398".
SERVICES
APPLIANCE DOCTOR FOR ALL YOUR APPLIANCE REPAIRS! Prompt, Reasonable, Reliable. All Repairs Guaranteed. Lic/Ins. Serving Community 45 Years. $10 OFF Repairs. Seniors $12 OFF. 516-764-7011
THE APPLIANCE KING: Washers, Dryers, Dishwashers, Microwaves, Stoves, Refrigerators. WE RULE REPAIR ! $10 Off Repair With Ad. Senior Discount. Lic/Ins #201025, Call 516.640.8593
Cable/TV/Wiring
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
Cleaning Services
WENDY'S CLEANING SERVICES INC. Commercial/Residential. We Specialize In Houses, Apartments, Offices, Airbnb & More. Good References. Free Estimates. Call/Text Wendy 516-406-5375 Or Email wencruzpa@gmail.com
Electricians
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
Home Improvement
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?
STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-877-318-7982
CJM GENERAL CONTRACTING
Expert Leak Repairs *Dormers/ Extensions *Fire, Flood, Mold Remediation*Basements *Carpentry*Roofing/Flat Shingle *Attics All Masonry *Waterproofing *Power washing *Plumbing * Electric *Licensed/ Insured 516-428-5777
DO YOU KNOW what's in your water?
Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.
PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473
Miscellaneous
GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391
Power Washing
POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641
Services
INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-877-290-0023 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Telephone Services
CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
Tree Services
T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *TREE REMOVAL *STUMP GRINDING *PRUNING. FREE ESTIMATES. 516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com
Satellite/TV Equipment
DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Accounting & Tax
END YOUR TAX worries today. Let us make your tax problem our priority. Scared, stuck with high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Call for a FREE consultation. Call Priority Tax now 1877-663-7719
Health & Fitness
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-877-536-0251
ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-877-468-3979
Internet Services
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-877-461-0663
Medical
AUDIEN HEARING. THE world's first hearing aid with touchscreen controls. No tiny buttons, apps or prescriptions. 45-day risk free trial. Free shipping. Lifetime support. More than 1.5 million happy customers. Call Audien 1-855-484-2093
Tutoring
TUTOR AVAILABLE: Build skills, confidence, and academic success! Certified K-12 ENL teacher offering personalized ENL or general tutoring for elementary students. Contact me: 516-404-6785
AUTOMOBILE
& MARINE
Autos Wanted
***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS.
