Editing IND Queens Boulevard Line (section)

===Construction===
The Queens Boulevard Line, also referred to as the Long Island City−Jamaica Line, Fifty-third Street−Jamaica Line, and Queens Boulevard−Jamaica Line prior to opening,<ref name=NYTimes-OurGreatSubway-IND2ndSystem-1929 /><ref name="NYTimes-QBL-AheadSched-1929">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/04/07/archives/queens-subway-work-ahead-of-schedule-completion-will-lead-to-big.html|title=Queens Subway Work Ahead of Schedule: Completion Will Lead to Big Apartment Building, Says William C. Speers|date=April 7, 1929|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=September 1, 2015|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134155/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/04/07/archives/queens-subway-work-ahead-of-schedule-completion-will-lead-to-big.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=BklynEagle-QnsBestBoro-1929>{{cite web|title=Queens Lauded as Best Boro By Chamber Chief|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/58266784/?terms=%22178th%22%2Bsubway%2Bqueens|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|newspaper=[[Brooklyn Daily Eagle]]|access-date=October 4, 2015|page=40|date=September 23, 1929|archive-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026232315/https://www.newspapers.com/image/58266784/?terms=%22178th%22%2Bsubway%2Bqueens|url-status=live}}</ref> was one of the original lines of the city-owned [[Independent Subway System]] (IND), planned to stretch between the [[IND Eighth Avenue Line]] in Manhattan and 178th Street and Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, Queens.<ref name=NYTimes-OurGreatSubway-IND2ndSystem-1929 /><ref name=BklynEagle-QnsBestBoro-1929 /><ref name=NYTimes-HylanSubway-CulverCrstwnQBL-1925>{{cite news|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/03/21/archives/new-subway-routes-in-hylan-program-to-cost-186046000-board-of.html|title=New Subway Routes in Hylan Program to Cost $186,046,000|date=March 21, 1925|issn=0362-4331|page=1|access-date=December 28, 2020|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134156/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/03/21/archives/new-subway-routes-in-hylan-program-to-cost-186046000-board-of.html?searchResultPosition=1|url-status=live}}</ref>

As originally proposed in 1925, the line's junction with the [[IND Crosstown Line]] in Long Island City would have been a T-junction, allowing trains from Manhattan to travel south to Brooklyn via the Crosstown line.<ref name=NYTimes-HylanSubway-CulverCrstwnQBL-1925/> A map from June of that year shows a proposed alternate routing for the Queens Boulevard Line,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/16006113422/in/photostream/|title=1_8aaaf683001d5e21891cb425b64de612-1|work=Flickr – Photo Sharing!|date=December 12, 2014|access-date=September 27, 2015|archive-date=November 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109074628/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/16006113422/in/photostream/|url-status=live}}</ref> that would have had the line turn via Kew Gardens Road after the Union Turnpike station instead of continuing via Queens Boulevard. After proceeding via Kew Gardens Road, the line would have turned via Hillside Avenue.<ref name="KGR" /> The proposed route via Kew Gardens Road was supported by Queens Borough President Maurice Connolly because it would have served Richmond Hill as well. He also pointed out that there was considerable opposition to building a subway line in front of Maple Grove Cemetery.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%25201925%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%25201925%252000347.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D726dfe2b%26DocId%3D5505495%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D15%26hits%3D75%2Bb9%2Bba%2Bd6%2Be7%2Be8%2B11a%2B11b%2B127%2B147%2B16c%2B1a6%2B566%2Be5e%2B1185%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%25201925%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%25201925%252000347.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D726dfe2b%26DocId%3D5505495%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D15%26hits%3D75%2Bb9%2Bba%2Bd6%2Be7%2Be8%2B11a%2B11b%2B127%2B147%2B16c%2B1a6%2B566%2Be5e%2B1185%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=Movement To Change Subway To Richmond Hill|date=August 28, 1925|work=The Richmond Hill Record|access-date=April 24, 2018|page=1|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134155/https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%25201925%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%25201925%252000347.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D726dfe2b%26DocId%3D5505495%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D15%26hits%3D75%2Bb9%2Bba%2Bd6%2Be7%2Be8%2B11a%2B11b%2B127%2B147%2B16c%2B1a6%2B566%2Be5e%2B1185%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%25201925%2FRichmond%2520Hill%2520NY%2520Record%25201925%252000347.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D726dfe2b%26DocId%3D5505495%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D15%26hits%3D75%2Bb9%2Bba%2Bd6%2Be7%2Be8%2B11a%2B11b%2B127%2B147%2B16c%2B1a6%2B566%2Be5e%2B1185%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|url-status=live}}</ref> The map shows a second line branching off and continuing along Queens Boulevard, then running under private property on a diagonal line to Sutphin Boulevard, where it would continue south until it reached the [[Jamaica station|LIRR Jamaica station]].<ref name="KGR"/> Later plans eliminated the dual branches, and consolidated them along Queens Boulevard. This moved the initial alignment of the Sutphin Boulevard branch west to Van Wyck Boulevard (now [[Interstate 678|Van Wyck Expressway]]), which was to extend as far south as Atlantic and 94th Avenues. This change caused a conflict between local business groups who wanted the subway under one or the other road. Ultimately, Chairman of the Board of Transportation John H. Delaney sided with the Van Wyck Boulevard alignment due to the fact that the Sutphin Boulevard alignment would have required buying more private property.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1929-11-15|title=Delay is Gained by Sutphin Blvd. Tube Delegation|pages=10|work=Times Union|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-delay-is-gained-by-sutphin-b/136851393/|access-date=2023-12-15}}</ref>

During construction, only [[Bellmouth (railroad terminology)|bellmouths]] were built for the line, however, they were eventually used for the [[IND Archer Avenue Line]]. As documented by the map, the Queens Boulevard Line, as originally planned, would have had the express trains travel on a more direct route, via Broadway and Queens Boulevard, while the local trains would take a less direct route hitting larger population centers. There were to be two such instances, however, only one was actually completed. The first one, which was not constructed, would have gone through Winfield (now [[Woodside, Queens|Woodside]]), west of the existing [[Elmhurst Avenue (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|Elmhurst Avenue]] station, and the local tracks would have diverged, continuing via Queens Boulevard before turning onto 69th Street (Fisk Avenue), rejoining the express tracks at Broadway in Woodside. The second instance, the one that was built, was planned to have the local tracks continue via Broadway west of the [[65th Street (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|65th Street]] station, and then it would turn south via Steinway Street before rejoining the express tracks at the [[36th Street (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|36th Street]] station. The express tracks here would take the more direct route, via Northern Boulevard.<ref name="KGR">*{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15387179193|title=Possible routing of queens blvd line via kew gardens rd|work=Flickr|date=December 12, 2014}}
*{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/16006113552/in/photostream/|title=1_8aaaf683001d5e21891cb425b64de612|work=Flickr|date=December 12, 2014|access-date=September 27, 2015|archive-date=November 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109061027/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/16006113552/in/photostream/|url-status=live}}
*{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201927/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201927%20-%203294.pdf|title=Rapid Transit Factor Key To Quick Growth Of Industrial Queens: Fifty-third Street Line and Brooklyn Crosstown Subway Plans, Now Under Way by City, Forecast Still Vaster Developments in Future|last=Nordman|first=Guy|page=3B|date=October 20, 1927|newspaper=The Daily Star|access-date=August 21, 2016|via=Fulton History|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134155/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201927/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201927%20-%203294.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Originally, the [[New York City Board of Transportation]] (BOT) did not plan for a [[50th Street (IND Lines)|50th Street]] station on the Queens Boulevard Line. This station was to have only been served by Eighth Avenue trains heading north toward Washington Heights. The Eighth Avenue Association petitioned the BOT for an additional stop at 50th Street. On November 21, 1926, it was announced that the BOT had agreed to construct a stop at this location for the Queens Boulevard Line.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/22/archives/new-subway-stop-planned-in-8th-av-between-49th-and-51st-streets-on.html|title=New Subway Stop Planned; In 8th Av., Between 49th and 51st Streets on Queens Line.|date=November 22, 1926|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 21, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020338/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/22/archives/new-subway-stop-planned-in-8th-av-between-49th-and-51st-streets-on.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{multiple image
| align     = right
| direction = vertical
| image1    = Interboro Kew G Interchange jeh.JPG
| image2    = Queens Blvd East 06.jpg
| width =  250
| footer          = As part of the subway line's construction, underpasses were built at Kew Gardens (top) and Woodhaven Boulevard (bottom).
| footer_align      = left
}}
On February 26, 1927, the [[New York City Board of Estimate]] awarded and approved a $10,481,550 contract to the Patrick McGovern Company. Ground was broken at Vernon Boulevard and 44th Drive in Long Island City on April 2, 1927. The first contract for work entirely within Queens was given to the Atwell-Gustin-Morris Company by the BOT on December 14, 1927. The contract covered the section of the line under Jackson Avenue between the junction with the under-construction Crosstown Line near Queen Street and 44th Drive. The section between Arch Street and Steinway Avenue was awarded to the W.G.T. Construction Company, which required moving the support pillars for the elevated IRT Flushing Line to the sides of the street. Triest Construction Company was awarded the next segment, which was between Queen Street and the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 37th Street. The following section was awarded to J.F. Cogan Company, which was required to build the section between the intersection of Steinway Street and Broadway and the intersection of 53rd Street and Northern Boulevard. The remainder of the line was called Route 108, and it was divided into six sections. The first section, between 53rd Street and Pettit Place via Broadway went to Atwell-Gustin-Morris Company, while the section between along Broadway and Queens Boulevard from Pettit Place to 55th Avenue went to George H. Flynn Company. The sections from 55th Avenue to 64th Road and from 64th Road to 71st Road went to Arthur A. Johnson. The final two sections were from 71st Road to Union Turnpike, and from 137th Street (now the [[Van Wyck Expressway]]) to Hillside Avenue.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|url=http://digitalarchives.queenslibrary.org/vital/access/services/Download/aql:12691/SOURCE1?view=true|title=Elmhurst : from town seat to mega-suburb|last=Seyfried|first=Vincent F.|publisher=Vincent F. Seyfried|year=1995|access-date=September 20, 2016|archive-date=September 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923094202/http://digitalarchives.queenslibrary.org/vital/access/services/Download/aql%3A12691/SOURCE1?view=true|url-status=live}}</ref>

The two tubes of the 53rd Street Tunnel under the [[East River]] began construction in spring 1927, and were fully excavated between Queens and Manhattan in January 1929, with a ventilation shaft built on Welfare Island (today's [[Roosevelt Island]]).<ref name="LIDaily-QBL-Mar151930">{{cite news|title=L.I. City-Jamaica Subway To Open Between Plaza and Manhattan Next Year; City Will Extend Service With Completion of Each Section; Sullivan Reveals Plans of Board of Transportation|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201930/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201930%20-%200205.pdf|access-date=July 27, 2016|work=Long Island Daily Star|agency=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|date=March 15, 1930|page=1|archive-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504023210/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201930/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201930%20-%200205.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 4, 1928, the Board of Estimate approved the construction of the Queens Boulevard Line.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/10/05/archives/17146500-voted-for-new-subways-estimate-board-appropriates-more.html|title=$17,146,500 Voted For New Subways; Estimate Board Appropriates More Than $9,000,000 for Lines in Brooklyn. $6,490,000 For The Bronx Smaller Items for Incidental Work --Approves the Proposed Queens Boulevard Route|date=October 5, 1928|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726005923/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/10/05/archives/17146500-voted-for-new-subways-estimate-board-appropriates-more.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Construction on the line began in December 1928, and the whole line cost $58 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201933%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201933%2520-%25207059.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D5c09354%26DocId%3D3181260%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520I%252dE%252dV%26HitCount%3D21%26hits%3D22%2B3f%2B101%2B102%2B13c%2B157%2B158%2B1b4%2B1b5%2B1c5%2B1c6%2B1e6%2B217%2B24f%2B257%2B267%2B29e%2B2e9%2B2ea%2B344%2B37f%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201933%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201933%2520-%25207059.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D5c09354%26DocId%3D3181260%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520I%252dE%252dV%26HitCount%3D21%26hits%3D22%2B3f%2B101%2B102%2B13c%2B157%2B158%2B1b4%2B1b5%2B1c5%2B1c6%2B1e6%2B217%2B24f%2B257%2B267%2B29e%2B2e9%2B2ea%2B344%2B37f%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=More Subway Links To Open|date=August 17, 1933|work=The New York Sun|access-date=April 24, 2018|page=7}}</ref> During the line's construction, several intersections of [[Queens Boulevard]] with major roads were grade separated, in a similar manner to [[Grand Concourse (Bronx)|Grand Concourse]] in [[the Bronx]] during the building of the [[IND Concourse Line]] around that same time.<ref name="BklynEagle-QnsBestBoro-1929" /><ref name="NYTimes-QBL-PlansChanged-June1930" /> At adjacent intersections with [[Woodhaven Boulevard]] and [[Interstate 495 (New York)|Horace Harding Boulevard]] (now the Long Island Expressway) in Elmhurst, Queens Boulevard's main road was depressed into underpasses.<ref name="NYTimes-QBL-PlansChanged-June1930">{{cite news|title=Plans Are Changed For Queens Subway: Traffic Crossings at Nassau and Woodhaven Boulevards Altered to Avoid Congestion. Viaduct Project Dropped Main Driveway to Be Depressed, Side Routes to Be at Grade-- New Bids Due Soon. How Plans Were Changed. Elimination Plans Received|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/06/22/archives/plans-are-changed-for-queens-subway-traffic-crossings-at-nassau-and.html|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=September 1, 2015|date=June 22, 1930|archive-date=September 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928015049/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D01E7D9113AEE32A25751C2A9609C946194D6CF|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BklynEagle-LIQns-BoostRealty-1932">{{cite web|title=State and City Plans For Long Island Seen As Boost to Realty|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/57287597/?terms=%22hillside%2Bavenue%22%2Bsubway%2Bqueens|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|newspaper=[[Brooklyn Daily Eagle]]|access-date=November 3, 2015|page=44|date=January 24, 1932|archive-date=October 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028091558/https://www.newspapers.com/image/57287597/?terms=%22hillside%2Bavenue%22%2Bsubway%2Bqueens|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[Kew Gardens, Queens|Kew Gardens]], [[Union Turnpike (New York)|Union Turnpike]] and the [[Jackie Robinson Parkway|Interboro Parkway]] (now the Jackie Robinson Parkway) were depressed below Queens Boulevard at the level of the [[Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike|Union Turnpike station]]'s mezzanine.<ref name="NYTimes-UnionTpkeIND-Mezz-1930">{{cite news|title=Highway Program Aids Long Island Growth|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1930/04/27/96111737.pdf|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=June 27, 2015|date=April 27, 1930|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134156/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1930/04/27/96111737.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref> From the mezzanine at Union Turnpike, an entrance was built from the Interboro Parkway, allowing passengers from buses and automobiles to be dropped off here instead of from Queens Boulevard. The subway from Long Island City to Roosevelt Avenue and 74th Street was completed by April 1932.<ref name=":3" />

During the 1920s and 1930s, in conjunction with the subway construction project, Queens Boulevard was widened with up to twelve lanes in some places, and a right-of-way of {{convert|200|ft|m}} in width was created.<ref name=QueensBoulevardWidening>* {{Cite web|url=http://www.nycroads.com/roads/queens-blvd/|title=Queens Boulevard Express Highway (NY 25, unbuilt)|website=www.nycroads.com|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=April 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401112600/http://nycroads.com/roads/queens-blvd/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15992778145/|title=Office of the President, Borough of Queens, Topographical Bureau Map Showing Roadway Treatment of Queens Boulevard From Van Dam St. To Hillside Ave. In Connection With The Proposed Improvement New York, January 31, 1922|website=Flickr|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=October 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011100302/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15992778145/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15967015766/|title=Office of the President, Borough of Queens, Topographical Bureau Map Showing Roadway Treatment of Queens Boulevard From Van Dam St. To Hillside Ave. In Connection With The Proposed Improvement New York, January 31, 1922|website=Flickr|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104052043/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15967015766/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15992778415/|title=Office of the President, Borough of Queens, Topographical Bureau Map Showing Roadway Treatment of Queens Boulevard From Van Dam St. To Hillside Ave. In Connection With The Proposed Improvement New York, January 31, 1922|website=Flickr|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104052437/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15992778415/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15805397998/|title=Office of the President, Borough of Queens, Topographical Bureau Map Showing Roadway Treatment of Queens Boulevard From Van Dam St. To Hillside Ave. In Connection With The Proposed Improvement New York, January 31, 1922|website=Flickr|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104054348/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15805397998/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15992778715/|title=Office of the President, Borough of Queens, Topographical Bureau Map Showing Roadway Treatment of Queens Boulevard From Van Dam St. To Hillside Ave. In Connection With The Proposed Improvement New York, January 31, 1922|website=Flickr|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104052516/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15992778715/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15990799021/|title=Office of the President, Borough of Queens, Topographical Bureau Map Showing Roadway Treatment of Queens Boulevard From Van Dam St. To Hillside Ave. In Connection With The Proposed Improvement New York, January 31, 1922|website=Flickr|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104052231/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15990799021/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15805398498/|title=Office of the President, Borough of Queens, Topographical Bureau Map Showing Roadway Treatment of Queens Boulevard From Van Dam St. To Hillside Ave. In Connection With The Proposed Improvement New York, January 31, 1922|website=Flickr|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104052138/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15805398498/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15806778849/|title=Office of the President, Borough of Queens, Topographical Bureau Map Showing Roadway Treatment of Queens Boulevard From Van Dam St. To Hillside Ave. In Connection With The Proposed Improvement New York, January 31, 1922|website=Flickr|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104052724/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15806778849/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15990799851/|title=Office of the President, Borough of Queens, Topographical Bureau Map Showing Roadway Treatment of Queens Boulevard From Van Dam St. To Hillside Ave. In Connection With The Proposed Improvement New York, January 31, 1922|website=Flickr|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104054256/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15990799851/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15370533604/|title=Office of the President, Borough of Queens, Topographical Bureau Map Showing Roadway Treatment of Queens Boulevard From Van Dam St. To Hillside Ave. In Connection With The Proposed Improvement New York, January 31, 1922|website=Flickr|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104052236/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/15370533604/|url-status=live}}</ref> With the widening, Queens Boulevard was wide enough for the construction of a four track subway line without serious disruption of surface travel, with the area alongside the boulevard not built up in many places. More often than not in some places, billboards would be visible instead of buildings. During the construction of the line, electric utility service was temporarily provided by a wooden pole line. Once the construction of the line was completed, the utility service was underground, and the [[Queens Boulevard Line (surface)|Queens Boulevard trolley line]] was replaced by bus service (today's {{NYC bus link|Q60}}), in part due to competition with the newly constructed subway line.<ref name="NYERA-QnsboroBridgeTrolley-2009">* {{cite journal|date=March 2009|title=Queensborough Bridge Centennial|url=http://issuu.com/erausa/docs/2009-03-bulletin|journal=New York Division Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders Association|volume=52|issue=3|pages=1–5|access-date=January 1, 2016|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134157/https://issuu.com/erausa/docs/2009-03-bulletin|url-status=live}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/56150089/?terms=%22queens%2Bblvd%22%2Bbus|title=Hylan Jitney Bus In Elmhurst Crash Overturns; 27 Hurt: Locked Wheels With Touring Car in queens Boulevard Jam. Both Cars Wrecked|date=August 30, 1920|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|newspaper=[[Brooklyn Daily Eagle]]|access-date=January 2, 2016|archive-date=October 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028091821/https://www.newspapers.com/image/56150089/?terms=%22queens%2Bblvd%22%2Bbus|url-status=live}}</ref> Because the construction of the Queens Boulevard Line utilized the [[cut-and-cover]] tunneling method, Queens Boulevard had to be torn up and in order to allow pedestrians to cross, temporary bridges were built over the trenches.<ref name=":04">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yfz7w8mogvEC|title=Forest Hills|last1=Hirshon|first1=Nicholas|last2=Romano|first2=Foreword by Ray|date=January 1, 2013 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=978-0-7385-9785-0|language=en}}</ref> Like other IND lines, many stations' mezzanines stretched the full length and width of their stations, and are now considered to be overbuilt.<ref name="LIStar-QBL-Phantom1-Jan191959-pg1">* {{cite news|last1=Marks|first1=Seymour|title=The Phantom Subway: Ideal Spot to Park Underground|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959%20-%200561.pdf|access-date=August 12, 2016|work=Long Island Star-Journal|agency=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|date=January 19, 1959|page=1|archive-date=June 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629213444/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959%20-%200561.pdf|url-status=live}}
* {{cite news|last1=Marks|first1=Seymour|title=The Phantom Subway: Ideal Spot to Park Underground|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959%20-%200564.pdf|access-date=August 12, 2016|work=Long Island Star-Journal|agency=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|date=January 19, 1959|page=2|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134156/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959%20-%200564.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 16, 1930, James A. Burke, the chairman of the Hillside Avenue Subway Extension Committee stated that the extension of the line to Springfield Boulevard was a certainty after receiving a letter from the Transportation Commissioner.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%25201930%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%25201930%2520-%25204955.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffff845d8fc9%26DocId%3D4723933%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D15%26hits%3D2c1%2B2cb%2B2cc%2B2cd%2B2d2%2B2d3%2B2d5%2B2d6%2B2e7%2B2e8%2B2e9%2B30e%2B314%2B315%2B32a%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%25201930%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%25201930%2520-%25204955.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffff845d8fc9%26DocId%3D4723933%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D15%26hits%3D2c1%2B2cb%2B2cc%2B2cd%2B2d2%2B2d3%2B2d5%2B2d6%2B2e7%2B2e8%2B2e9%2B30e%2B314%2B315%2B32a%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=New Queens Subway Extension Assured|date=October 16, 1930|work=Standard Union|access-date=April 25, 2019|page=16}}</ref> On December 1, 1930, the BOT announced that a station would be constructed at 178th Street and Hillside Avenue, but would be done under the section between 178th Street and Springfield Boulevard, which was to be constructed simultaneously with the section from 137th Street to 178th Street. This announcement was made in response to a request by the Jamaica Estates Association for a station at 178th Street. At the time, BOT engineers were completing the design for the extension to Springfield Boulevard and the BOT said that bids on its construction might be let in the near future. On December 23, 1930, the contract for the construction of the section between 137th Street and 178th Street, Route 108, Section 11, was let.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201930%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201930%2520-%25206775.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D635b2c61%26DocId%3D4773327%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D8%26hits%3D30e%2B33a%2B33c%2B33d%2B382%2B384%2B385%2B3b7%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201930%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201930%2520-%25206775.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D635b2c61%26DocId%3D4773327%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D8%26hits%3D30e%2B33a%2B33c%2B33d%2B382%2B384%2B385%2B3b7%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=178th Street Subway Stop Now Assured. Place Is Designated for Station by Transportation Board.|date=December 1, 1930|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 25, 2019|page=1}}</ref>

On December 18, 1931, it was announced that the completion of the Queens Boulevard Line to Roosevelt Avenue was delayed until January 1, 1933. Previously, it has been announced that the line would open in 1931 or 1932.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252015%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201932%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201932%2520-%25200023.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D262179dc%26DocId%3D12172955%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520I%252dE%252dV%26HitCount%3D16%26hits%3D1f%2B20%2B4a%2B51%2B6e%2B99%2Bd8%2B187%2B190%2B191%2B7b8%2B7c8%2B7e1%2B87b%2Ba18%2Bc2d%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252015%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201932%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201932%2520-%25200023.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D262179dc%26DocId%3D12172955%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520I%252dE%252dV%26HitCount%3D16%26hits%3D1f%2B20%2B4a%2B51%2B6e%2B99%2Bd8%2B187%2B190%2B191%2B7b8%2B7c8%2B7e1%2B87b%2Ba18%2Bc2d%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=SUBWAY OPENING DELAY AGAIN HIT BY E. A. DANGLER|date=January 4, 1932|work=Daily Star|access-date=April 24, 2018|page=14}}</ref> On January 18, 1933, Chairman of the Board of Transportation announced that work on the first section of the line would be completed by September. In addition, Delaney submitted the capital outlay program for the year, which called for the completion of the extension of the line to 177th Street and Hillside Avenue on January 1, 1935.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201933%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201933%2520-%25200376.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffd88ac624%26DocId%3D4803157%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D15%26hits%3D3b%2B66%2B70%2B74%2B75%2B9b%2Bd4%2B29b%2B29c%2B315%2B35e%2B363%2B92f%2B943%2B967%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201933%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201933%2520-%25200376.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffd88ac624%26DocId%3D4803157%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D15%26hits%3D3b%2B66%2B70%2B74%2B75%2B9b%2Bd4%2B29b%2B29c%2B315%2B35e%2B363%2B92f%2B943%2B967%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=City Will Open New Subway This Fall|date=January 19, 1933|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 24, 2018}}</ref> The line was not completed by January 1 because the funding necessary for the final outstanding contract, which was for the installation of transformers and switch houses, was not registered until January by the Controller. In addition, one of the contractors, the L. I. Waldman Company, fell behind schedule. As a result, the company was fined and ordered to increase its labor force to complete the project on schedule. In March the September opening date was moved to August.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252015%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201933%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201933%2520-%25200958.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffff949c9f36%26DocId%3D12178795%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520I%252dE%252dV%26HitCount%3D14%26hits%3D4e%2B89%2B108%2B129%2B139%2B13a%2B167%2B1a8%2B1c1%2B1ef%2B1f0%2B201%2B202%2B12fd%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252015%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201933%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201933%2520-%25200958.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffff949c9f36%26DocId%3D12178795%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520I%252dE%252dV%26HitCount%3D14%26hits%3D4e%2B89%2B108%2B129%2B139%2B13a%2B167%2B1a8%2B1c1%2B1ef%2B1f0%2B201%2B202%2B12fd%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=New Queens Subway To Open In August, Is Latest Official Promise|date=March 20, 1933|work=Daily Star|access-date=April 24, 2018|page=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252015%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201933%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201933%2520-%25200969.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffcdfcad9f%26DocId%3D12178806%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520I%252dE%252dV%26HitCount%3D24%26hits%3Dbe%2Bf7%2B23f%2B240%2B611%2B62d%2B62e%2B6e1%2B6e2%2B711%2B712%2B72d%2B72e%2B73e%2B73f%2B12b1%2B17dc%2B1aa7%2B1b84%2B1c5b%2B1e2f%2B2002%2B2094%2B20ad%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252015%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201933%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201933%2520-%25200969.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffcdfcad9f%26DocId%3D12178806%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520I%252dE%252dV%26HitCount%3D24%26hits%3Dbe%2Bf7%2B23f%2B240%2B611%2B62d%2B62e%2B6e1%2B6e2%2B711%2B712%2B72d%2B72e%2B73e%2B73f%2B12b1%2B17dc%2B1aa7%2B1b84%2B1c5b%2B1e2f%2B2002%2B2094%2B20ad%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fNew%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=New Queens Subway Ready For Service In August, Is Latest Word; Work Now Going Ahead At Top Speed|date=March 20, 1933|work=Daily Star|access-date=April 24, 2018|page=12}}</ref>

====Building boom and the growth of communities====
[[File:Queens Boulevard west of Yellowstone Boulevard.jpg|thumb|alt=Streetscape of Forest Hills, Queens|Neighborhoods in Queens, such as [[Forest Hills, Queens|Forest Hills]] (pictured), sprung up around the new subway.<ref name=nyt19370718/>]]
The construction of the Queens Boulevard subway line offered the possibility of quick commutes to the central business district in Midtown Manhattan. In the late 1920s, speculators, upon learning the route of the proposed line, quickly bought up property on and around Queens Boulevard, and real estate prices soared, and older buildings were demolished in order to make way for new development.<ref name=":04"/><ref>* {{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201930/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201930%20-%200715.pdf|title=New Subway Spurs Building on Queens Boulevard: Home Construction to $2,000,000 Value Now Going On, Says Boelsen|date=April 17, 1930|newspaper=New York Daily Star|page=2|access-date=August 2, 2016|via=Fulton History|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134157/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201930/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201930%20-%200715.pdf|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/25/archives/milliondollar-queens-borough-sale-western-syndicate-buys-vacant.html|title=Million-Dollar Queens Borough Sale; Western Syndicate Buys Vacant Plots; Properties on the Line of the Jamaica Subway, Now Under Construction, and All Have Frontages on Queens Boulevard, Where Building Is Active|date=November 25, 1928|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224123638/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/25/archives/milliondollar-queens-borough-sale-western-syndicate-buys-vacant.html|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/24/archives/block-front-sold-in-long-island-city-queens-boulevard-parcel-will.html|title=Block Front Sold In Long Island City; Queens Boulevard Parcel Will Be Improved With Stores and Apartments. Elmhurst Sites TradedBuilders and Investors Active Along Route of Proposed Subway to Jamaica|date=May 24, 1928|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134159/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/24/archives/block-front-sold-in-long-island-city-queens-boulevard-parcel-will.html|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/05/19/archives/sees-big-changes-coming-in-queens-borough-has-bright-possibilities.html|title=Sees Big Changes Coming In Queens; Borough Has Bright Possibilities for Development, Says Fred G. Randall. Traffic Is Chief Factor Queens Boulevard Areas Showing Marked Activity—Realty Values Advancing|date=May 19, 1929|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323075634/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/05/19/archives/sees-big-changes-coming-in-queens-borough-has-bright-possibilities.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In order to allow for the speculators to build fifteen-story apartment buildings, several blocks were rezoned.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/03/23/archives/queens-to-have-15story-house-tall-structure-for-new-residential.html|title=Queens To Have 15-Story House; Tall Structure for New Residential Development in Forest Hills Area. Near Boulevard Subway Several Blocks Rezoned for High Buildings Between Jamaica and Kew Gardens. Apartment Height's Increase|date=March 23, 1930|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134159/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/03/23/archives/queens-to-have-15story-house-tall-structure-for-new-residential.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They built apartment buildings in order to accommodate the influx of residents from Midtown Manhattan that would desire a quick and cheap commute to their jobs.<ref name=":04" /><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b5UiKlrlAwEC|title=The Neighborhoods of Queens|last=Copquin|first=Claudia Gryvatz|date=January 1, 2007 |publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0-300-11299-3|language=en}}</ref> Since the new line had express tracks, communities built around express stations, such as in Forest Hills and Kew Gardens became more desirable to live. With the introduction of the subway into the community of Forest Hills, Queens Borough President [[George U. Harvey]] predicted that Queens Boulevard would become the "Park Avenue of Queens".<ref name=":04" /> With the introduction of the subway, Forest Hills and Kew Gardens were transformed from quiet residential communities of one-family houses to active population centers.<ref name=nyt19370718>* {{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/07/18/archives/demand-is-noted-for-queens-homes-sales-in-many-areas-exceed-summer.html|title=Demand Is Noted For Queens Homes; Sales in Many Areas Exceed Summer Expectations of Developers; Jamaica Section Active; Buying Interest Reported at Kew Gardens—Open Roslyn Community Today Kew Gardens Activity Open Home Center at Roslyn|date=July 18, 1937|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134659/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/07/18/archives/demand-is-noted-for-queens-homes-sales-in-many-areas-exceed-summer.html|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/14/nyregion/life-beyond-the-subway-is-subject-to-its-own-disruptions.html|title=Life Beyond the Subway Is Subject to Its Own Disruptions|last=Myers|first=Steven Lee|date=June 14, 1992|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509210127/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/14/nyregion/life-beyond-the-subway-is-subject-to-its-own-disruptions.html|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/11/archives/forest-hills-is-active-renting-is-heaviest-in-years-there-broker.html|title=Forest Hills Is Active; Renting Is Heaviest in Years There, Broker Reports|date=September 11, 1938|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615111221/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/11/archives/forest-hills-is-active-renting-is-heaviest-in-years-there-broker.html|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/04/26/archives/new-queens-subway-stimulating-growth-work-now-under-way-to-kew.html|title=New Queens Subway Stimulating Growth; Work Now Under Way to Kew Gardens—Many Home Communities Well Populated|date=April 26, 1931|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=April 26, 2016}}
* {{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/03/07/archives/subway-link-aids-realty-activityy-broker-notes-the-expansion-of.html|title=Subway Link Aids Realty Activity; Broker Notes the Expansion of Housing Facilities in Queens District|date=March 7, 1937|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134700/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/03/07/archives/subway-link-aids-realty-activityy-broker-notes-the-expansion-of.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the line's completion, there was an increase in the property values of buildings around Queens Boulevard.<ref>* {{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/01/03/archives/subway-link-aids-realty-in-queens-civic-leaders-urge-careful.html|title=Subway Link Aids Realty In Queens; Civic Leaders Urge Careful Planning for the Future Growth of District. Apartment Trend Seen Rising Values Are Predicted for the Forest Hills and Kew Gardens Areas. Views Future With Optimism Cites New Responsibilities Subway Link Aids Realty In Queens Changing Conditions Seen Sales in Rego Park|date=January 3, 1937|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615113002/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/01/03/archives/subway-link-aids-realty-in-queens-civic-leaders-urge-careful.html|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/07/11/archives/forest-hills-rentals-demand-there-and-in-kew-gardens-higher-than.html|title=Forest Hills Rentals; Demand There and in Kew Gardens Higher Than Last Year|date=July 11, 1937|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134701/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/07/11/archives/forest-hills-rentals-demand-there-and-in-kew-gardens-higher-than.html|url-status=live}}</ref> For example, a property along Queens Boulevard that would have sold for $1,200 in 1925, would have sold for $10,000 in 1930.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/11/archives/residential-areas-in-queens-expand-plans-are-announced-for-new.html|title=Residential Areas In Queens Expand; Plans Are Announced for New Garden Apartment House in Jackson Heights. Many Small Homes Built Queens Boulevard Values Rise-- Construction Activity Reported in Woodhaven Section. Queens Boulevard Values Rise|date=May 11, 1930|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726011255/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/11/archives/residential-areas-in-queens-expand-plans-are-announced-for-new.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The population of Forest Hills in 1930 was 18,000, having increased to 100,000 in 1965.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/10/archives/queens-boulevard-once-just-a-good-route-to-jamaica-is-becoming-a.html|title=Queens Boulevard, Once Just a Good Route to Jamaica, Is Becoming a 'Golden Area'; Urban Togetherness|last=Dougherty|first=Philip H.|date=March 10, 1965|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726010617/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/10/archives/queens-boulevard-once-just-a-good-route-to-jamaica-is-becoming-a.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The construction boom was not limited to express stations, with fifteen-story apartment buildings built by Cord Meyer, an eighty-family apartment house built by the Rego Park Construction Corporation, and 300 one-family homes built along Woodhaven Boulevard by Pherbus Kaplan, all surrounding the [[63rd Drive–Rego Park (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|63rd Drive]] local station. These development companies all sought out to continue to increase the value of their properties in anticipation of the opening of the subway.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/03/09/archives/queens-boulevard-ready-for-building-subway-completion-there-will.html|title=Queens Boulevard Ready For Building; Subway Completion There Will Stimulate Large Housing Improvements|date=March 9, 1930|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726011929/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/03/09/archives/queens-boulevard-ready-for-building-subway-completion-there-will.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Queens Boulevard, prior to the construction of the subway, was just a route to allow people to get to Jamaica, running through farmlands. Since the construction of the line, the area of the thoroughfare that stretches from Rego Park to Kew Gardens has been home to apartment buildings, and a thriving business district that the Chamber of Commerce calls the "Golden Area".<ref name=":2" />

In Elmhurst, almost all of the century-old buildings in the heart of the village were destroyed for the construction of the subway. Land was taken on the west side of the Broadway to avoid the demolition of the Saint James Episcopal Church and the Reformed Church. Many nineteenth century residences and the Wandowenock Fire Company buildings had to be torn down. To allow the subway line to curve into Queens Boulevard from Broadway, the northeast corner of the two streets was removed, in addition to some stores and an old Presbyterian chapel. New buildings were built behind a new curb line once the subway was completed, bringing a new face to Elmhurst. The introduction of the subway stimulated local growth in Elmhurst. Commercial buildings and apartment houses replaced existing structures.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5myFv069DGMC&q=ELMHURST+HISTORY+QUEENS |title=Old Queens, N.Y., in Early Photographs |last1=Seyfried |first1=Vincent F. |last2=Asadorian |first2=William |date=January 1, 1991 |publisher=Courier Corporation |isbn=978-0-486-26358-8 |language=en |access-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007134709/https://books.google.com/books?id=5myFv069DGMC&q=ELMHURST+HISTORY+QUEENS |url-status=live }}</ref>

From 1940 to 1950, in large part because of the construction of the Queens Boulevard Line, the population of Queens dramatically increased by 248,678, of which, 210,000 lived in areas alongside the new line and the buses that connected to it. By 1940, there were 27.5 square miles of vacant land alongside the line that could be used for housing, compared with only 8 in Brooklyn, 4 in the Bronx, and none in Manhattan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/07/01/archives/queens-population-grew-with-subway-248678-gain-from-1940-to-50.html|title=Queens Population Grew With Subway; 248,678 Gain From 1940 to '50 Followed Opening of Land Areas Along 8th Avenue Line|date=July 1, 1951|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 4, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405183049/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/07/01/archives/queens-population-grew-with-subway-248678-gain-from-1940-to-50.html|url-status=live}}</ref>