Sunnyside Yards represents one of the largest development opportunities in New York City that could shape the future of the neighborhood for generations. But too often, conversations about Sunnyside Yards happen at the citywide level without meaningful input from the people who live closest to it. Residents want to ensure that any plan reflects community priorities, not pressure from Trump’s White House. 

Steven Raga will fight for a truly community-driven Sunnyside Yards plan that prioritizes affordable housing, green space and open space, new schools and child care, and infrastructure improvements before development moves forward. He will push for strong anti-displacement protections, local hiring and union jobs, and transit investments that keep pace with growth. The future of Sunnyside should be shaped by Sunnyside residents, with responsible planning that protects neighborhood character while building opportunity.

Sunnyside residents consistently raise concerns about dangerous intersections, speeding along Queens Boulevard, and congestion on corridors like Skillman Avenue and Greenpoint Avenue. Families walking to school, seniors crossing busy streets, and cyclists navigating narrow lanes all face daily safety risks. At the same time, traffic spilling off the BQE and surrounding arterials creates gridlock that affects quality of life and small businesses alike.

Raga will push for targeted street redesigns, traffic calming near schools, and improved pedestrian visibility at key crossings. His plan also includes better signal timing to reduce congestion, thoughtful bike lane improvements that protect cyclists while maintaining traffic flow, and neighborhood-specific safety investments. Sunnyside deserves safer streets that work for everyone: pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and local businesses.

Small businesses are the backbone of Sunnyside’s identity, from long-standing neighborhood restaurants to immigrant-owned storefronts along Greenpoint Avenue and Skillman Avenue. But rising commercial rents, fluctuating foot traffic, and post-pandemic challenges have made it harder for these businesses to survive. When small businesses close, Sunnyside loses the character and community connections that make the neighborhood special.

Raga’s plan focuses on stabilizing commercial corridors and helping small businesses thrive. He will advocate for commercial rent stabilization and other small business support programs, streamlined outdoor dining and sidewalk café rules, and initiatives to reduce storefront vacancies. He will also work to promote Sunnyside as a destination for local shopping and dining. Supporting small businesses means supporting jobs, walkability, and the heart of the neighborhood.

Sunnyside residents know the impacts of climate change firsthand. From flash flooding during major storms to poor air quality from nearby highways and industrial activity, environmental challenges affect public health, infrastructure, and quality of life. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, the neighborhood needs investments that protect residents today while preparing for the future.

Raga will fight for stronger flood mitigation infrastructure, expanded green space, and investments in cleaner air and healthier streets, especially in Blissville. He will support improvements to stormwater management, tree canopy expansion, and projects that reduce the environmental burdens facing Western Queens communities. By strengthening climate resilience and environmental health, Sunnyside can remain a safer and healthier sustainable neighborhood for generations to come.

Sunnyside has long been a neighborhood where working families, immigrants, and seniors can build stable lives. But rising rents, limited accessible housing options, and growing housing pressures are making it harder for residents to stay. Many of Sunnyside’s older buildings were built before modern accessibility standards, creating challenges for residents with mobility needs who want to age in place and remain connected to their community. At the same time, neighbors want to ensure that growth does not erase the character that makes Sunnyside unique, including its walkable streets, historic areas, and diverse housing mix.

Raga will fight for stronger tenant protections, preservation of rent-stabilized housing, and policies that prevent displacement. He will support responsible affordable housing near transit, expand accessible housing opportunities for seniors and people with disabilities, protect neighborhood character, and address illegal conversions that strain infrastructure and safety. The goal is simple: keep Sunnyside livable, welcoming, and accessible for the families who call it home.