Under new regulations from the Department of Transportation (DOT), local business owners and shoppers will receive parking improvements in the neighborhood of Sunnyside.

DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, Congressman Joe Crowley and State Senator Michael Gianaris held a press conference on Thursday, September 29, to announce parking adjustments and the addition of short-term parking meters along Queens Boulevard.

The DOT reprogrammed more than 150 meters to incorporate short-term parking from 33rd Street to Greenpoint Avenue, giving motorists the option to pay for less than 12 hours. Located under the 7 train, 60 muni-meter spaces will now have a maximum four-hour time limit.

“Through collaboration with the DOT, and in response to requests from the community, I am thrilled to announce these two major changes to the parking landscape of Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside,” Van Bramer said. “These 60 new muni-meter spaces will reduce commuter parking, which gobbled up space for an entire day, preventing the turnover that many small businesses desire.”

In addition, the weekday “No Standing 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.” regulation on the north curb of the westbound side of Queens Boulevard between 48th Street and 32nd Place will be eliminated and the existing two-hour muni-meter regulations will be extended.

“Sunnyside is more than a stop along the 7 train, it’s a destination for shoppers that local retailers depend on,” Sadik-Khan said. “By expanding short-term parking, we’re balancing the needs of commuters while providing access that will help boost the local economy.”

These changes were studied by DOT at the request of Van Bramer. The department evaluated parking conditions during morning peak hours and concluded that the “no standing” regulation could be eliminated because it would not significantly impact traffic.

Street-cleaning regulations will be changed from 7:30 to 8 a.m. daily, and metered parking will begin two hours earlier. Changes will be implemented on October 31.

“I am pleased that these parking regulations are being changed to better reflect the needs of our community members and small businesses, which will allow Sunnyside to continue to flourish,” Gianaris said.