Dear Editor,
Astoria Pool will open on June 26. That’s good news, but not for everyone. Unfortunately, many seniors will be denied enjoying this summertime pleasure.
The steep stairs and steps at the main entrance to the pool on 19th Street are too difficult for many seniors to negotiate. So for many years pool management has allowed seniors to enter the pool at a rear gate on Shore Boulevard.
Now with the closure of Shore Boulevard to vehicles, seniors will not be able to park there. The lot in the park is not viable as there is a steep hill from there to the Shore Boulevard gate.
I know of one senior who recently suffered a serious leg injury and will be unable to swim in the pool unless parking is available on Shore Boulevard. After more than 50 years of enjoying Astoria Pool, she will be shut out.
Many seniors will be unable to take part in the senior swim program and other activities at the pool.
This is just another example of how our senior population is becoming increasingly isolated as the city continues to close more and more streets, eliminate parking spaces for bicycle lanes and racks, and allow restaurant kiosks to proliferate in the streets.
I urge the Department of Transportation to reopen Shore Boulevard to automobiles, at least during the pool season.
Sincerely,
Richard Nebenzahl
Astoria