Tonight, on Nov. 13, the Queens Community Board 9 will be taking a vote to advise NYC Parks on whether or not to reopen Freedom Drive, a 0.3-mile stretch of road that cuts through Forest Park in between Woodhaven and Richmond Hill . The meeting will take place at Queens Borough Hall, 20-55 Queens Boulevard, at 7:15 p.m. with a period of public comments to gauge the community’s feelings.

Five years ago, the road was closed down and turned into a pedestrian and bike path due to the NYC Open Streets plan during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing park-goers to enjoy nature while social distancing. According to resident Andrew Smith, the road quickly became utilized by neighborhood kids to play on and ride bikes and has become a major thoroughfare for people on their way to hike the trails of

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