Friends of the QueensWay Appoints New Executive Director
John Surico takes the lead as the city moves forward with the first phase of the long-awaited linear park project.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Should your community prioritize converting abandoned rail lines into public parks over restoring train service?
In October 2026, Friends of the QueensWay officially appointed John Surico as its first executive director. This leadership move arrives as the organization continues work on the Metropolitan Hub, a 5-acre park and 0.7-mile greenway in Queens.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a pivotal moment for the 15-year-old project, which aims to improve local pedestrian navigation while connecting schools, businesses, and parks. The leadership transition follows a recent resolution of support from Queens Community Board 6 for the project's first phase.
The city has allocated approximately $50 million for the Metropolitan Hub, a 5-acre park and 0.7-mile greenway. This initiative follows the project's 15-year development period and the prior loss of $117 million in federal funding.
The players
John Surico
He is the newly appointed first executive director for the QueensWay project.
Friends of the QueensWay
This organization advocates for the transformation of an old railway into a public linear park.
Queens Community Board 6
This local government body is responsible for reviewing and supporting land use and development projects in its district.
Trust for Public Land
This national nonprofit organization works to create parks and protect land for public use in urban areas.
The details
The project envisions transforming an old railway that ceased operations in the 1960s into a continuous green space. The organization maintains engagement through site cleanups and tours to help residents and stakeholders visualize the plan for the area near Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park.
Timeline
The Rockaway Beach train line ceased operations in the 1960s.
Federal funding for the second phase of the project was eliminated in 2025.
John Surico provided a guided site tour in September 2026.
Queens Community Board 6 approved the project's first phase in October 2026.
Market Landscape
The appointment of an executive director marks a strategic organizational pivot for the QueensWay following the 2025 federal budget elimination of funds. This leadership consolidation positions the group to better manage its current city-funded scope against the loss of major external capital.
Residents can expect increased transparency as the new leadership conducts site tours to showcase the impact of the upcoming 5-acre park. These efforts aim to clarify how the project will improve pedestrian safety and park access for the community in Forest Hills.
The takeaway
The addition of professional leadership signals a transition from long-term conceptual planning to active project management for this urban rail-to-trail conversion. Residents interested in the project should monitor upcoming community meetings for opportunities to view site designs.
Further reading
For more updates on local organizational developments, visit the New York City People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Queens Daily Eagle.
Live Poll
Should your community prioritize converting abandoned rail lines into public parks over restoring train service?
