Bell Malls Reconstruction Project To Add Trees, Raise Curbs

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — A construction project in Bell Malls will add more than 70 trees in the stretch of greenery along Bell Boulevard, according to the New York City Parks Department.

The project to reconstruct Bell Malls, located at Bell Boulevard, from 48 Avenue to Horace Harding Expressway, recently completed its design phase and entered the procurement portion.

The reconstruction will remove and reset granite block pavers located on both ends of the Mall, install pedestrian ramps, and raise the curbs to up to 7 inches in height to deter vehicles from driving over the curb.

The project will also add 41 flowering trees and 32 canopy trees.

The reconstruction is part of a larger project to upgrade and replant Merrick Boulevard Mall and Elmjack Mall as well.

The average time for construction is 12 to 18 months. The construction timeline for the project will be determined at the end of the procurement phase, which is expected to be in January 2024.