John Surico Named First Executive Director of Friends of the QueensWay
Astoria resident John Surico, a public space expert, has been appointed the first executive director of Friends of the QueensWay, an organization working to transform an abandoned LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch into a 3.5-mile linear park in Central Queens, New…

New York, NY, September 1, 2026 —
John Surico, a resident of Astoria and an expert in public spaces, has been appointed as the inaugural executive director for Friends of the QueensWay. This organization is dedicated to the development of a linear park in Central Queens, New York.
The project aims to transform a disused portion of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Rockaway Beach Branch into a 3.5-mile greenway. The initiative is focused on creating a new public space for the community.
As the first executive director, Surico is expected to lead the Friends of the QueensWay in advancing its mission. His background as a public space expert is anticipated to be a key asset in guiding the transformation of the abandoned rail line into a functional and accessible park for residents of Central Queens.
Further details regarding the timeline for the project’s development or specific plans for the park’s features were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by Renee DeLorenzo on qns.com, see more information here.
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