QueensLink: A Vision for Revitalizing Transit and Open Space in the Borough
New York City’s borough of Queens may be on the cusp of a transformative infrastructure project decades in the making. The QueensLink, a proposal to reactivate a 3.5-mile abandoned railway line, aims to connect the Rockaway Peninsula to the city’s subway system via the M train, while simultaneously creating new public parkland. “When this is built, I wish New Yorkers to take it for granted” that there’s a north-south train line in Queens, says Andrew Lynch, the chief operating officer of QueensLink. “I want people to take this and never think about it.” The ambitious plan, though, faces headwinds as the city moves forward with a competing project focused solely on converting the line into a park.
The Rockaway Beach Branch, originally built by the Long Island Rail Road, ceased passenger service in 1962 and freight service in 1998. For over two decades, the elevated structure has fallen into disrepair, becoming a symbol of forgotten infrastructure. QueensLink, a grassroots organization founded in 2015, envisions a different future for the line – one where it serves as a vital transportation link and a recreational resource for residents. The group, operating as a project of the 501(c)3 non-profit QueensRail, is funded primarily through discretionary grants from the New York City Council and individual donations, deliberately eschewing corporate funding to maintain independence.
Addressing Transit Deserts and Economic Isolation
The Rockaway Peninsula has historically faced challenges related to economic isolation and limited transportation options. The area has struggled with these issues for centuries, with improvements only coming with the advent of modern transportation infrastructure. QueensLink proponents argue that reactivating the railway would dramatically improve access to jobs, education and healthcare for residents of the Rockaways and surrounding communities. The project aims to connect to the M train line at Queens Boulevard, providing a one-seat ride to Manhattan and other parts of the city. This would alleviate the current reliance on buses and the A train, which can be overcrowded and subject to delays.
Andrew Lynch, QueensLink’s Chief Operating Officer, brings a unique perspective to the project. A geographer and cartographer with a background in urban exploration, Lynch has been documenting the city’s infrastructure for over 20 years through his blog, vanshnookenraggen. He graduated from CUNY Hunter College in 2009 with a BA in Geography and has been a New York City resident since 2005. His expertise in mapping and spatial analysis has been instrumental in developing the QueensLink proposal.
The Battle for the Right-of-Way
QueensLink’s vision, however, is not without opposition. The city, under Mayor Eric Adams, recently announced the receipt of a $117 million federal grant from the Department of Transportation for the construction of a 3.5-mile elevated park along the Rockaway Beach Branch. This project, known as the Queensway, prioritizes the creation of green space and recreational amenities. According to reports, the city believes that constructing a park first would preclude any future rail connection.
QueensLink has actively campaigned for the reactivation of the line, gathering a 15,000-signature petition, conducting studies, and securing public endorsements from local elected officials. Despite these efforts, the organization feels its concerns have been overlooked. They continue to advocate for a $10 million Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be included in the park project, arguing that it is essential to assess the feasibility of integrating rail infrastructure in the future. The group maintains that a combined park and rail solution is possible and would maximize the benefits for the community.
A Complex Legacy and Future Uncertainties
The history of the Rockaway Beach Branch is a testament to the evolving transportation needs of New York City. Originally built to serve as a commuter rail line, it played a crucial role in the development of the Rockaway Peninsula as a popular seaside resort in the early 20th century. The line’s decline mirrored the area’s economic fortunes, and its eventual abandonment left a void in the transportation network.
Rick Horan, Executive Director of QueensRail, has been a public transit advocate since the 1980s, previously leading efforts to improve service on the A train, and shuttle. He founded QueensRail in 2015 specifically to champion the reactivation of the Rockaway Beach Branch. Horan’s long-standing commitment to transit equity underscores the dedication of the individuals driving the QueensLink project.
The current impasse between QueensLink and the city highlights the challenges of balancing competing priorities in urban planning. While the creation of green space is undoubtedly valuable, proponents of QueensLink argue that the long-term benefits of improved transportation access and economic opportunity outweigh the immediate gains of a park. The debate raises fundamental questions about how to best serve the needs of a growing and diverse population.
As of March 8, 2026, the future of the Rockaway Beach Branch remains uncertain. The city is proceeding with plans for the Queensway park, while QueensLink continues to push for the inclusion of rail infrastructure. The next key step will be the completion of the environmental review process for the park project, which will determine the extent to which future rail connections can be accommodated. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to follow updates on the project through the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation website and to engage with their local elected officials.
The debate over the Rockaway Beach Branch serves as a microcosm of broader discussions about infrastructure investment, transit equity, and the future of urban development. The outcome of this project will have significant implications for the residents of Queens and could serve as a model for other communities seeking to revitalize abandoned infrastructure.