liQcity

The days of 5pointz are numbered, but it's not going down tomorrow

2008-05-13T19:50:06Z

Graffiti in the making at 5pointz, Court Sq, Long Island City

Here’s the article about the eventual transformation of 5pointz into a 1.2 million sqft high-rise. Accordingly:

“Wolkoff [the owner] is now waiting for the fortunes of Long Island City to change. For now, 5 Pointz will remain what he calls “the largest aerosol art building in the world,” but he is looking to leave a legacy for his grandchildren.

“Eventually we will build there, but in the meantime, we’ll still let the artists go,” said Jerry Wolkoff. “We have some plans and renderings, but nothing concrete.”“

There’s going to be mixed feelings about this, as there always is, but it’s safe to say that 5pointz has definitely held a special legacy in LIC, and liQcity will be sad to see it go. It kind of makes one think of 11 Spring Street: a gallery of streetart & graffiti buried under the sheetrock and Viking appliances of fancy condos. 5pointz is definitely a knock down, so maybe at least the diehards can get a piece of the rubble a la the Berlin Wall.

Graffiti now, condos later in LIC [Real Deal]

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Hunters Point South again; City discovers ferry service; Artists in LIC?

2008-05-12T12:35:26Z

Long Island City Community Garden, 49th Ave, LIC

More buzzing about Hunters Point South going on. In the latest meetings, participants continued the debate around the ‘affordability’ of housing that will be allegedly created by the project. Some also voiced concern about traffic implications, lack of safety amenities included in the planning, such as fire stations and hospitals, and seemingly general myopia regarding basic infrastructure.

In other LIC news, the city is finally getting around to subsidizing ferry travel along the crazily developing waterfronts of the outer boroughs. LIC of course, is included in this plan. It would be nice if there was a designated walkway to get there… sometimes the parking lot can be a twister of cars and people sort of haphazardly getting around each other. Regardless, the ferry service is a nice way to get over to Manhattan, especially with a bicycle on a sunny spring day.

Here’s an interesting article about artist and community displacement in Williamsburg that seems relevant to LIC. Williamsburg of course is a diffierent flavor of gentrification, but we’re both industrial waterfronts transitioning into mixed affluent, residential communities… and rapidly losing the artist colonies that spirited the culture. Well LIC hasn’t quite lost them yet, but considering the news that 5pointz is eventually going to be knocked down for a glassy tower project - we’re not that far away.

Can middle class afford Hunters Point South [Queens Gazette]
Bright Future for New York’s waterways [NY Sun]
Displacement at Greenbelt, Williamsburg [Brooklyn Rail]
New Act would expand study of Newtown Creek [Z wire]
Finnish art headed for LIC. To PS1 of course.

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If you plan on raising kids in LIC, you might want to start building a school.

2008-05-09T16:43:22Z

A high school in Dutch Kills, Long Island City

We’ve been noticing in LIC lately, there definitely seems to be a huge baby boom. Don’t freak out - it’s not Park Slope, it’s not even Williamsburg… but our little friends in LIC are certainly growing in number. Well at some point, the tater tots are going to have to go to school…and coincidentally, here’s some bad news about the NYC Public School System:

“In a 114-page report to be issued on Friday, William C. Thompson Jr., the city comptroller, derided the school system’s capital planning process as “broken,” concluding, “There are far too many neighborhoods with overcrowded schools and no hope of relief for at least several more years.”

Mr. Thompson said in the report that the city’s School Construction Authority did not sufficiently account for new residential construction projects when it estimated how many seats would be needed in which school districts.

He pointed to neighborhoods like the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Long Island City and Flushing in Queens, Downtown Brooklyn and Dumbo in Brooklyn, and Soundview and Throgs Neck in the Bronx, saying he was concerned that residential construction in those places was outpacing new schools.”

Not enough schools in transitioning neighborhoods? [NY Times]
Find a school in LIC [NYC Dept of Ed]

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CB2 responds to LIC community concern about life and bizz on Vernon

2008-05-07T14:37:47Z

After the Blend bloodbath ensued, we contacted Joe Conley, the chairperson of the Community Board (CB2), in order to gain some clarification and address concerns about businesses and residents living amongst each other on Vernon Blvd. He’s agreed to hold a Q&A with concerned LIC’ers, and we’ll announce the date and location of the Public Hearing when it’s been coordinated. In the meantime, Chairman Conley did pass along a response he wrote to a liQcity commenter who sent him an email regarding the Blend liquor license denial:

Dear LIC Resident:

Thank you for your comments.

The application for a liquor license at Blend has been a subject of discussion in our community for a long time. The applicant [Blend] was put on notice of objections when work commenced at the location. The applicant decided to continue work. Based on concerns from the community and the lack of response from the applicant, the Community Board made a request to NYS SLA to enforce the 500 Foot Rule.

The applicant, knowing the SLA application faced opposition, and would most likely be rejected, decided to continue renovations and construction.

A Public Hearing was held on Vernon Boulevard to hear comments from the community. Many of your neighbors came to speak in opposition and some in favor of the application. The meeting was contentious as a result of the applicant’s legal representative who would not agree to commit to several requests, such as not using the rear yard or limiting the hours of operation. There was a Public Hearing at the NYS SLA and again there was a large number your neighbors who traveled to Manhattan to object to a liquor license at this location. The application for a full liquor license was rejected by NYS SLA.

The applicant has now come back to the board requesting a Beer and Wine License. A presentation was made to the community board and again concerns were raised. The applicant agreed to make changes to his application, including not using the rear yard and limiting the hours of operations. I suggested the applicant knock on his neighbors doors to work on objections and to find solutions. As of this date this has not happened.

A Public Hearing is scheduled for May 29th. As soon as we have confirmation on the location for the hearing I will send you an email.

We are most interested in your comments and urge you to attend the Public Hearing.

Hunters Point/Long Island City is an emerging community and many people are concerned and complained about the negative quality of life issues that have come with new development. Although you expressed “there is lack of local establishments”, I think many of your neighbors would disagree and would suggest there are many fine restaurants that serve alcohol in Hunters Point/Long Island City.

Once again, thank you for your email. I look forward to seeing you at the Public Hearing.

Sincerely,

Joe Conley Community Board 2, Queens

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Fast and Delicious by Brasil Coffee House; Hookah bar 'The Butcher Cafe'

2008-05-05T15:22:25Z

Looks like Vernonites are expanding their business empires these days… and why wouldn’t they?

1) The Brasil Coffee house has an offshoot called Fast & Delicious around their corner of 49th Ave. Rather interesting Brazilian menu actually: rotisserie meats, steak, rice & beans, pita sandwiches, salads, and empenadas/croquettes.

2) Last week we spotted this seemingly new sign above the Butcher Deli on Vernon @ 50th Ave. A juice and hookah bar called The Butcher Cafe. Interesting combo. Well…many stranger concepts have succeeded in NYC so it’s fair to say anything has a chance around here. (Or does it?)

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'The L Haus' condos deliver some spring green to the Pulaski Bridge

2008-05-02T14:48:45Z

Development at the Pulaski Bridge & Jackson Ave, Long Island City

The mystery building that we’ve been wondering about for a while (the far greenish construction in the photo), is indeed a condo building called The L Haus, named after it’s, well… L-shape. Rumors: The offering plan is about to hit the street; Apple Bank is the investor; Eliman is the marketer; price/sf starts in the $6/700’s; only 5000ish sf of retail (perhaps Apple Bank?). Limited parking spots. Oh and it’s going to be green. Not as in sustainable development, but as in the color.

Folks who buy in The L Haus will certainly enjoy traversing the treacherous trail across the Pulaski Bridge entrance on the south side of Jackson Ave to get to the 7-train & Vernon. It’s much safer and now sweeter, if ones cross Jackson east of the bridge entrance and then 11th to hit the new cafe Sweet Leaf on the way to the subway to pick up a cup of joe/exotic tea to spill during the morning commute. The 7-train entrance is right at the Chase.

The pedestrian crossing on the south side of Jackson at the Pulaski is something that CB2 or whoever is responsible might want to take a look at. The B-61 bus from Greenpoint lets off on the south side of Jackson east of the bridge, and throngs of Gpoint commuters already have to cross the uncross-marked, and constantly trafficked trek to connect to the 7train.

In other news about that triangle, the rental buiding in process (the closest construction in the photo) is progressing at breakneck speed. 38 units and some rumored ground floor retail to manifest there.

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Another building bites the dust in LIC - Say goodbye to CANGRO

2008-04-30T16:07:25Z

The Cangro building destruction in process, Vernon/Jackson, LIC”

The CANGRO building right at the actual corner of Vernon and Jackson is in the process of being torn down. Combined with the now empty lot next door, the site will host a 12 story residential glass condo tower. Hold on to those coffee cups.

Vernon/Jackson Then & Now [liQcity]

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Vernon restaurant Blend facing staunch opposition to getting liquor license

2008-04-29T12:27:51Z

Blend on Vernon Blvd @ 47th, LIC

The Latino fusion restaurant, Blend is jumping through hoops of fire with the community board to get their liquor license, and seems to be getting burned. Which is too bad, because one really does crave wine with their food. Not to mention, it really sucks for a restaurant business to not get those precious alcohol sales…which is where they make the bulk of their money.

It seems though, from a fervently supportive tipster and general word on the street, that the trouble is not with the board itself, but with a disgruntled neighbor(s) brandishing a conspiracy theory:

“…the owners of Blend took over a year to open up and can’t get their liquor license - not because of permits or construction delays, but because of a neighbor who delusionally insists the fine dining establishment is a devious cover for an illicit night club. As if anyone can really hide a nightclub on Vernon Blvd. Blend was forced to open without a liquor license and still operates without one. This is truly a shame! How can anyone say that there are too many bars/restaurants on Vernon Blvd? A strip that is probably 30 somewhat blocks long where you can almost count the restaurants on one hand. Now they’re going up against the community board again, with a strong chance that they’ll get denied. Why oh why are some people so primitive in their way of thinking… ? This restaurant is without a doubt fantastic, and they deserve to be able to complement their great food with some gorgeous Spanish wine. And we deserve to be allowed to drink it!”

What’s interesting about yesterday’s Daily News article about the matter (which has now been mysteriously removed) is that the alleged accusing neighbors are referred to as ‘activists’. ? And noteworthy, is commentary from the CB2’s chairmen Joe Conley: “”There’s a saturation of bars and restaurants in Long Island City, people are saying enough is enough.”

Also noteworthy, is commentary from one of the opposing neighbor/activists: “We’re not anti-business. We’re not even anti-bar. But the next thing you know, Vernon Blvd will become a mess like the Lower East Side.”

Is Vernon Blvd the next Rivington St? Hmmm… seems unlikely.

Activists opposing Long Island City eatery’s liquor license—THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN REMOVED [Daily News]

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"Sweet Leaf" sprouting at the corner of Jackson Ave & 11th Street

2008-04-28T14:30:47Z

Site of Sweet Leaf on Jackson Ave, LIC

The storefront right in front of the B61 bus stop on 11th St at Jackson is producing a small cafe called Sweet Leaf. Beautiful little spot that should be opening towards the end of May. It’s very small - just pop in and get your morning latte and a croissant type of place. The owners have kept a lot of the old school finishings…tin ceiling, quaint fixtures etc. It’ll be nice for those waiting for the bus, and the newcomers to the multiple buildings in progress right around that intersection.

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Eastcoasters get the birdseye view of Avalon Riverview's new "roof garden"

2008-04-28T13:42:05Z

A hawk eyed East Coast tipster sent in a photo of the progress on Avalon Riverview North roofdeck:

“The pool was green for a few days, and just recently turned a nice blue, the roof-deck is Astroturf…so much for a “green” roof-deck. Wonder if they’ll still try to snare a tax rebate for having a roof garden” from the city.”

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This weekend Dutch Kills sprouts the Queens is Green Fashion Show in LIC

2008-04-25T18:45:29Z

Queens is Green tomorrow

The Queens is Green Fashion Show hits Dutch Kills this weekend, offering a “free fashion competition that highlights clothing and accessories from local designers that not only look good, but are good for the planet.

The catwalk begins at 4:00PM.

Location: Greenspace, 37-24 24th St

Subway: NW train to 36th Ave.

“Green Fashion isn’t just clothing made with sustainable fabrics like hemp or bamboo silk, but also includes items that are handmade or refashioned from recycled or reusable products.”

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EVERYTHING MUST GO this weekend. Come say goodbye to the Flux Factory.

2008-04-25T17:52:14Z

Flux Factory, April 4 - 27, 2008

Well, we’ve arrived at the end of this yellow brick road: the Flux Factory is singing the fat lady’s song this weekend. And the swan’s. Will definitely be an interesting tune for sure. You can check it out the EVERYTHING MUST GO installation and the final party this Saturday, April 26th, 8pm.

EVERYTHING MUST GO info [Flux Factory website]

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Hunters Point South manifests some destiny today; Queensbridge all lit up

2008-04-21T15:52:49Z

Hunters Point South, photo by Nathan Kensinger

Hunters Point South is on the table today:

“The city intends to certify the Willets Point and Hunters Point South plans into the land-use process [today], setting the stage for a seven-month battle as the projects are scrutinized by the communities, the City Planning Commission and the City Council.” -Crains

In other news, the Queensbridge Houses are going to start using energy efficient fluorescent bulbs from now on. It’s kind of funny that this is news, but it’s featured in two distinct articles, so we thought we’d follow suit as well. You can sleep in peace now. Seriously though, what is interesting about the Queensbridge Houses in general, is that it’s the largest public city housing development in NYC and the country. That’s a whole lotta light bulbs.

Hunters Point South Rezoning Decided Today [Crains]
Queensbridge gets new lightbulbs [Newsday]
Queensbridge gets new lightbulbs (2) [Metro]
Water Taxi Beach highlighted [Gridskipper]
Sister Powerhouse Conversion in RI [Providence Journal]
G-train hearings bypass Queens [Queens Tribune]

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The beginning of the beginning - a glimpse at Hunters Point South

2008-04-18T19:37:05Z

Proposed map of Hunters Point South Development (4.4MB)

Yesterday, we took a look at the proposed future of Jackson Ave and Queens Plaza, today we have a peek at the promised promise-land of Hunters Point South. Again, brought to us by the NYC Economic Development Corporation:

“The purpose of the proposed action is the implementation of a large-scale, mixed-use development plan, Hunter’s Point South, that provides a substantial amount of affordable housing on publicly owned land and allows for the residential redevelopment of a privately owned adjacent site, Site B. The development of the Hunter’s Point South site would be an integral part of the City’s plan for the provision of affordable housing over the next 10 years. In addition to housing, the Hunter’s Point South site would also include retail uses, community/cultural facility space, a public school, public parkland and other public and private open spaces, and accessory parking. Redevelopment of the privately owned site would include public waterfront access.”

This map is not really news, nor is the development - but in the coming weeks we’ll be taking a closer look at the major development plans in the works for LIC, and there’s so much info to this one, we could do a whole blog on it. But don’t worry, we won’t.

Hunters Point South

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A new vision for Queens Plaza; park project to break ground this summer

2008-04-17T19:28:59Z

The future of Queens Plaza, Long Island City

The last in our series of posts on the neighborhood development plans by the NYCDEC is a new vision for Queens Plaza. This park project, which also has been threatening to break ground for a while now, has new wind in its sails starting this summer.

Here’s the plan:

Queens Plaza Vision, Reinventing Queens Plaza “Queens Plaza is a major transportation hub, providing roadway access to the Queensboro Bridge as well as subway and bus connections to much of Queens and Manhattan. The goal of the Queens Plaza project is twofold: to enhance the public environment and improve pedestrian safety, while reconfiguring streets to allow traffic to move more smoothly.”

New Gathering Place: Lushly landscaped and dotted with seating, the proposed 1.5-acre park at Queens Plaza East is envisioned as the new gathering place for residents and workers and is the centerpiece for new development. The new open space will offer a cool respite from the elevated subway, traffic and summer heat, while providing a dramatic splash of landscape colors in the fall. Information panels will be located at the park’s main entry points.

Redesigned Roadway: The new roadway design improves pedestrian and bicycle safety as well as traffic flow. Wider medians will provide new space for bikes and pedestrians. New crosswalks and additional green light time will be provided for pedestrians crossing between Queens Plaza North and South. Traffic will move more smoothly through improved turning radii and more efficient merging areas.

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A new Jackson Avenue for Long Island City - Beautification starts in May 2008

2008-04-17T19:11:59Z

Some more news from the NYC Economic Development Corporation(NYCEDC): the planned Jackson Ave beautification project, which has threatened to begin for a couple years now, is threatening yet again to break ground next month. The project plans to divide Jackson Ave with a landscaped median, incorporating outdoor furniture and sculpture.

From the NYCEDC:

“Jackson Avenue, running diagonally through LIC, is the key thoroughfare for the LIC Core. Historically, it was the route for horse-drawn carriages carrying passengers from Eastern Queens to the Manhattan-bound ferries departing from LIC’s East River shoreline. The new design will transform Jackson Avenue into LIC’s main boulevard. The design features planted medians and sidewalks accented with new lighting, street furniture and artistic elements, perhaps taking the form of new sculptures along the path of this critical roadway.”

Nobody seems to know how or when the term LIC Core replaced Court Square, but liQcity is not having it.

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The many villages of Long Island City: Hunters Point breakdown

2008-04-17T17:02:54Z

LIC Neighborhood Map by NYCEDC, liQcity additions in red.

Check out this map of Long Island City, put out by the NYC Economic Development Corporation. What’s interesting is how they designated the many sub-neighborhoods of LIC. For instance, I was always under the impression that Hunters Point (no apostrophe) was the whole region of LIC located south of the Queensboro Bridge (outlined in red).

Right at the bridge is the hub of Queens Plaza (also called Queensboro Plaza it seems), which slightly overlaps Dutch Kills, which continues on northward bleeding into a very fuzzy boundary with Astoria. Then west of 21St st and still north of the bridge is the Queensbridge Houses, which also is considered Ravenwood until it also merges with Astoria.

In Hunters Point, there is the hub of Court Square (on the NYCEDC map as LIC Core?), which by the way probably has the fastest acceleration of development in Long Island City, and largely overshadowed by the waterfront area. Which west of Vernon Blvd (actually 5th St) has now come to be Queenswest, up until the Anabel Basin.

Vernon/Jackson - also a hub of Hunters Point fills in most of the gap between Queenswest and Court Square, leaving last but certainly not least: Hunters Point South. LIC’s proposed future middle-income utopia. Coming soon to a sub-neighborhood near you.

Oh yeah. And then there’s Blissville.

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Yoga and Pilates in Long Island City - Radiant Movement Studio

2008-04-15T20:16:30Z

Radiant Movement Studio, LIC

Last week I visited Alexandra Shilling, who runs a Pilates, yoga, and dance studio called Radiant Movement in the Arris Lofts. Really nice, intimate space offering private and small group instruction. Alexx writes:

“The RADIANT MOVEMENT comes to Long Island City!

The RADIANT MOVEMENT is a fusion of Pilates, Kundalini and Anusara inspired Vinyasa Yoga, Fleming Elastics and dance.

Inspired by the work of Joseph Pilates, John Friend, Juliu Horvath, Maureen Fleming, Jeanne Donohue, Bill Hastings, Ohad Naharin and the potential of every one of us.

Join us on Tuesdays from 7-8:15pm for an intimate group class. $25/person includes tea and cookies. In addition to our classes, experimental movement, dancing, events and art will happen here. Artist rate and work study available.*

Radiant Movement Studio, Arris Lofts

Coming soon to Radiant Movement:

Saturday morning class. One Sunday per month, the RADIANT MOVEMENT plus a gourmet meal cooked for you! Beginning Sunday May 4th. Weekend workshops in Pilates: spinal articulation, moving from your center. Weekend workshops in healthy cooking.

Come celebrate our opening with a candlelit evening yoga class at 7pm on May 1. Space is limited so please RSVP. By donation.

the RADIANT MOVEMENT studio, at Arris Lofts 27-28 Thomson Ave. #248 Long Island City, NY 11101 917.696.0648 info@radiantpilates.com

Radiant Movement Studio

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The 5pointz outdoor graffiti gallery. April 2008

2008-04-14T15:12:58Z

Lady Pink aka Pinksmith on 5pointz, Court Sq, Long Island City

I was walking around 5pointz this weekend, and saw some incredible work. The piece in the photo by Lady Pink is a smaller part of the whole.

It’s nice and chill over there on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Since it’s getting warm out, we can only assume they’ll be more to come.

If you don’t know what 5pointz is, let’s remedy that right away. It’s the gigantic yellow building covered in graffiti at the corner of 23rd St & Jackson Ave, that you’ve probably seen on the elevated 7 train. It’s very hard to miss. It’s one of the few places (the only?) in NYC where graffiti is a legal expression of creativity, instead of a punishable crime against material property. So it produces an infinitely rotating supply of art pieces created by some of the most celebrated graffiti and street artists in the world.

If you’re into it, here’s more:

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Silvercup Studios putting the brakes on; CUNY stepping on the gas

2008-04-14T13:24:03Z

The planned Silvercup Studios $1B development project, Queensboro Br, LIC

Interesting article this morning about stalled development projects. The reasons vary - seems hard to just blame everything on the credit crunch, but it’s definitely more of a trend now compared to a few years ago. Here’s the news about LIC:

…it has also been confirmed that the practice’s 185,000m2 Silvercup Studio complex on the Long Island City Waterfront is on hold. The $1 billion (£500 million) mixed-use development, which won approval in mid-2006, has stalled due to issues over protracted land sales and the delayed removal of power plants from the site.”

Meanwhile CUNY’s going forward with the dorm:

“The development at 5-11 47th Ave. would have 400 total residential units, half of which would be for public rent and the other half will be divided between 188 graduate units and 12 faculty housing units at street level. It would also include a 6,000-square-foot office for the QCA and an open courtyard for art displays.

CB 2 Chairman Joe Conley said the board approved the plan with some stipulations. CUNY, for example, has agreed to never sell the property, he said. Conley said the board also asked for 20 percent of the non-student residential units to be offered as affordable housing, though he was not sure if the developer would agree.”

Silvercup Studios development project on hold [Daily News]
CB 2 OKs divisive plan to build 13-story tower [Times Ledger]
ConEd has a $100 for western Queens blackout victims [Daily News]
Flux Factory in Flux [Artnet]
Crime Report for 114th Precinct - LIC [Times Ledger]

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You guys have got it all wrong. Arris is actually a very cool place to live.

2008-04-11T19:13:54Z

Arris Lofts, Court Sq

Arris Lofts is a building cursed with a few dark marketing clouds - those elephants and giraffes started the whole mess, which fueled further crucifixion in the form of hooker rumors, and general bashing for the sport of it.

Yet despite the bad PR, Arris has quietly blossomed like the daffodils in their enclosed courtyard. I visited the building once before today, while under construction and it sounded like a total disaster. (More unfortunate PR.) But the new inhabitants have lavishly and lovingly graced their abundantly windowed, uber-sunny, lofty lofts in various nouveau NYC styles, and created a growing and growingly tight knit community of well-heeled creative professionals. That, a pool, a gym, a gigantic Gristedes on the way in the ground floor, and great outdoor space let’s just say…it did not suck.

» » BUYER’S BEWARE Please see the comments below »»

Radiant Movement Studio, Arris Lofts

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Singing the Stepchild Blues of the G train - It could have been so good.

2008-04-09T15:08:28Z

More bad news from the MTA. How surprising. Despite rising subway fairs and tolls, there seems to be very little money for the neglected ‘stepchild’ G-train.

Poor bastardized, outcasted G-train. You really could be the lifeline subway connection between two very important and vital boroughs in NYC. BK and QNS have definitely had their fair share of rivalry, but as more people continue to move out of Manhattan and into our more ‘spacious’ boroughs, and development kicks it up hundred of notches… the stronger the bond gets between the Kings and Queens.

Yes there are buses, but we all know it’s not the same as a subway line. And though the G train is a hike from the waterfront people of LIC, the rest of us, especially in Court Sq (we’ve officially made the switch from Courthouse Sq, you diehards) know how nicely the G-train can whisk you into Brooklyn. And LIC business owners by the way, should care about accessibility from Brooklynities, because it’s more potential business, and accessibility always helps to build a neighborhood. Yes everyone has their own agenda, and I’m sure many want LIC to remain a detached oasis, but those times are clearly over.

So another story about NYC gov’t missing the boat on supporting subway transit and fostering one of the greatest assets NYC offers, the ability to live a fully mobile life without requiring a car. Which ironically they are trying to reduce the congestion of by instituting yet another fee. Instead of doing that, or in conjunction, doesn’t it make MORE sense to also continuously improve public transit? Or maybe this is just class blindness. The 2nd Ave subway in Manhattan is clearly a favored child… we can’t all be loved.

Or can we?

The troubled G-train [NY Times]
Brooklyn’s ‘Stepchild Train’ Gets Bad Marks at City Hall [Brooklyn Eagle]

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Signage confirms the manifestation of the Amish Market & Duane Reade

2008-04-07T14:28:35Z

The Market at Long Island City, 5th St & 47th Rd, Queenswest, LIC

The Queenswest grocery store that’s been teasing us for over a year now is finally blossoming. Only it’s called The Market at Long Island City instead of the Amish Market - though operated by the same owners. I dunno, something about the Amish Market rolls off the tongue nicely… I feel like we’ll all still be calling it that anyway. Old habits die hard and you can’t teach old dogs new tricks. Right?

Also manifesting right next door is the Duane Reade. Need some proof? Here you go:

Duane Reade arriving at 5th St & 47th Rd, Queenswest, LIC

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CUNY Dorm Proposal is PASSED by CB2 - Long Island Student City lives

2008-04-04T16:47:47Z

The CUNY dorm proposal was passed last night by the Community Board, in a vote 21-10. The Queens Council on the Arts sweetened the deal, and they are very excited to move to LIC.

CUNY will have to meet certain conditions, and as far as we know so far, the building will be 13 stories. The details on this will be posted when the board releases their write -up .

liQcity spoke to QCA today, and essentially they help make sure art happens in Queens. And all kinds of art: visual and performing. They also give out micro-grants of $500-1500 to artists and organizations. Currenty located in Woodhaven, they are exited to inhabit a space so accessible and within a very alive artist’s community, though somewhat endangered.

Grad students and hipsters on the way. LIC further diversifies… that should be good news to some.

Queens Council on the Arts Website

» UPDATE »

Alternate viewpoint on the CUNY dorm received via liQcity inbox:

“The vote was 10 against, 21 for which unfortunately was predictable. There was a rather slick misinformation campaign where many local politicians were told of QCA’s and CUNY’s outreach to the arts community. This hasn’t been supported by fact.

Their lawyer has one of those curious political backgrounds where one cannot quite tell what he really stands for and I suppose he likes it that way.”

Sidney Davidoff

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CUNY dorm building up for the vote at the Community Board meeting tonight

2008-04-03T19:10:45Z

It’s the day of reckoning for the CUNY dorm proposal. Tonight’s Community Board (CB2) meeting is sure to be a riveting wrestling match: community vs developers vs gov’t. You can be sure we’ll have ringside seats.

If you want to see the action yourself, the meeting is held at Sunnyside Senior Center, 43-31 39th St (2nd floor), Sunnyside, NY 11104. At 7pm.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 1st, in the same location at 7pm. Essentially CB2 meetings are held the first Thursday of every month.

If you would like to contact the CB2, they’re located at 43-22 50th St, 2nd floor, Woodside, NY 11377. The phone number is 718.533.8773, and email addresses listed are: qn02@cb.nyc.gov and commboard2@nyc.rr.com.

Developers’ CUNY housing plan in Long Island City faces hurdle [Daily News]

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