On any given morning, Astoria residents flock to Astoria Park to begin their day. Joggers put on their running shoes and take in the brisk air as they make their way down the sidewalk on Shore Boulevard. Toddlers strapped in their strollers enjoy the site of the barges making their way down the East River and under the Hell Gate Bridge. A dozen dogs of all sizes run through the grass playing with each other. One dog runs towards the street chasing a speeding car, driven by a man who is running late for work.

This is a part of daily life for the local residents, but soon the man driving that car may need to change his routine. In August of 2015 Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas proposed to close Shore Boulevard to through traffic due to the amount of vehicle related accidents that have occurred over the decades, as well has noise violations coming from the busy street Residents who utilize the 1.1-mile stretch of road oppose the proposal, claiming that closing it will take away from the traditions of Astoria residents.