The Horticultural Society re-beautified Easter Rising Way to ensure the passage way is maintained for the summer.
The municipal staircase between 53rd AVenue and 64th Street – renamed Easter Rising Way by Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley in November to commemorate the fight for Irish independence – used to be plagued by litter, graffiti and overgrown weeds. DOT filled cracks in the stairs, installed a barrier between the steps and homes and painted the chipped railing.
The Horticultural Society put in fresh soil and seasonal flowers and shrubs. Earlier this month, they came back to weed the area, prune shrubs planted last fall and plant new perennials.
“Step Street was always known very well locally, but did not have the best reputation. Though it was an eyesore in the community, it remained a main, convenient cut-through along 53rd Avenue for local residents,” Crowley said. “It was important to me that this unique passageway is safe and welcoming for everyone, and that it stays this way for years to come.”
“It was so great to be back in Maspeth, at Easter Rising Way, working on this passageway for another season,”added Nick Guntli, the Horitcultural Society’s Manager of Horticulture and Workforce Development. “We look forward to the perennials and shrubs coming back to life each year, and hope this all makes a lasting impact on the community.”
