LONG ISLAND CITY — A row of new hawthorn trees was revealed Tuesday along 11th Street, replacing long-dead trees on the median.
It’s not clear why the trees between 45 Avenue and 45 Road died. But last year, Peter Johnson, 66, who lives on the block, wrote Parks Department officials asking for help.
"I think they weren’t planted properly," Johnson said.
He and other residents enlisted the help of City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, and last weekend the trees were planted on the median as part of the Million Trees NYC initiative.
The trees will help improve air quality along the busy route, which connects Long Island City with Greenpoint in Brooklyn.
"This street is more than just a way for cars to get to and from Brooklyn," Van Bramer said at a press conference to show off the new trees.
"Every single day some part of Long Island City is being transformed," said Van Bramer, referring to a number of new construction projects in the neighborhood. "It’s really important that we keep Long Island City green and make it even greener."
He encouraged more Long Island City residents to come forward and point out areas in need of beautification.
"These trees make us really happy," said Ronnie Ulino, who has lived on the block for 54 years. "They had little buds when they planted them. Now they are blossoming."
