The Avenue of the World
A Brighter Sunnyside, A Safer Greenpoint Avenue
A new lighting initiative by Sunnyside Shines BID, Queens Lighting Collective, and Holiday Street Lights.
On July 7, 2025, the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District, in collaboration with the Queens Lighting Collective and Holiday Street Lights — and with support from the NYC Department of Small Business Services — unveiled a bold new project: transforming Greenpoint Avenue into the “Avenue of the World” with a stunning new lighting installation.
This lighting tribute honors the rich cultural heritage of the neighborhood and reinforces Greenpoint Avenue’s new identity as the Avenue of the World.
Celebrating Diversity Through Light
In addition to the main fixtures, several poles will be wrapped in programmable lights capable of displaying the flag colors of the countries represented by Greenpoint Avenue’s merchants — including Peru, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, the Philippines, Korea, Chile, China, and more.
Designed by Sunnyside, For Sunnyside
The lighting was created by local design group Queens Lighting Collective, who previously lit up Sabba Triangle with the acclaimed “Gateway to Sunnyside” installation. Their new concept centers around a radiant “Sun” motif — a symbol of warmth, diversity, and unity — now mounted on light poles throughout the avenue.
Lighting Up the Avenue
Thanks to a $100,000 Public Realm Grant from SBS, this initiative brings vibrant, welcoming, and energy-efficient lighting to one of Sunnyside’s most vital commercial corridors. Designed to increase visibility, foot traffic, and community pride, the new lights aim to make Greenpoint Avenue safer, brighter, and more beautiful.
Community-Led, City-Supported
This initiative would not have been possible without the teamwork of:
- Sunnyside Shines BID
- Queens Lighting Collective
- Holiday Street Lights
- NYC Department of Small Business Services
- NYC Department of Transportation
Two community meetings shaped the final design, ensuring it reflected local voices and needs. Installation began in late June 2025, and excitement has been growing ever since.
What Leaders Are Saying
“This project reflects the vibrant cultures of our small businesses. It’s a beacon of community pride.”
Julie Won
Council Member
Council Member
“Effective street lighting supports economic growth and public safety. We’re proud to help Sunnyside shine.”
Ydanis Rodriguez
NYC DOT Commissioner
NYC DOT Commissioner
“We’ve heard our merchants. This lighting makes Greenpoint Avenue safer, more attractive — and more welcoming to visitors.”
Dirk McCall de Palomá
Sunnyside Shines BID
Sunnyside Shines BID
“A sound investment in a safer, more inviting street — and a vibrant corridor of small businesses.”
Donovan Richards Jr.
Queens Borough President
Queens Borough President
“A beautiful tribute to the communities that power our local economy.”
Claire Valdez
Assembly Member
Assembly Member
“This illuminating project celebrates the diversity of every storefront.”
Michael Gianaris
Senate Deputy Leader
Senate Deputy Leader
“Inspired by Art Deco roots and Sunnyside pride, we’ve created something iconic and accessible for all.”
Masha Tsimring
Queens Lighting Collective
Queens Lighting Collective
“The Sunnyside team made magic happen. We’re proud to help reimagine what street lighting can be.”
Michael Laino
Holiday Street Lights
Holiday Street Lights
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