LIC residents and business owners ask the City to help the community.
Hello liQcity readers. If you’ve noticed since the holidays posting has been sparse, it has. It will continue to be so until the end of Jan, picking up steam as some new contributors and partners come on board in Feb. We’ll throw some linkage and vitals out to you as we can, and please stay tuned for a greatly improved liQcity thanks mostly to all of your feedback. LIC is a great community and we are proud and honored to be a part of it.
Speaking of LIC community, a group of LIC business owners and residents are actively campaigning to get the City to help LIC business and general activity continue on the weekends while the 7 train is shut down for the next two months. (Seems they have wisely given up on our very disappointing transportation authority.)
An LIC business owner and resident writes:
The #7 train service interuption in long island city on the weekends in conjunction with the closure of the Borden Avenue bridge is crippling the local business here in Hunters Point. Business here is down up to 70% as a direct result of this double wammy. On the weekends nobody can get to the restaurants, art galleries, and shops in this area. There is more to the story then just service interruptions as many business may be forced to close if this continues. As President of the Hunters Point Merchants Association I represent over 37 local businesses whom are suffering in this tough economic time and we need the city of New York to step in and help by providing a direct shuttle bus through the Midtown Tunnel that stops at the #7 train station in Manhattan.
If you are a local merchant affected by these closures, please contact me at info@deltaforcearmynavy.com.
Thank You, Brian Adams
President
Hunters Point Merchants Association 49-10 Vernon Blvd L.I.C., N.Y. 11101
Sorry, but I don’t see yuppies in NYC’s next great neighborhood piling onto a shuttle bus. I also don’t understand why the local community doesn’t adequately support the businesses in their midst. There are thousands upon thousands more people in the area now than there were when say, Dorian’s first opened.
2, they pile onto the No. 7. So why wouldn’t they take a bus home instead of freezing their asses walking from Ely Avenue?
There were yuppies waiting for the shuttle bus at 44 Dr and 23rd St over the weekend. I saw them. I don’t get why a shuttle bus that goes through the tunnel is all that much more useful than the current setup. Vern-Jax folks are 2 shuttle stops from the E/G and 3 stops from the N/W… not so hard. Walking 15 min also not so hard…
Hey LIQ, we all support you so don’t you think a little more explanation on why the site disappeared for two weeks is in order? This is your readership, you know. People are happy to put up with a lot as long as they know what is going on….
How about a block party?
Hey its your friends over at Queens Crap!
As part of your orientation into our fine borough, we wanted to introduce you to some of your neighbors – you know, the people that paid for your trees while their kids go to schools in trailers, made sure you have bike lanes while their garbage remains uncollected.
Now as to transit problems take a look at the link- any idea the last time this was painted? No? Well I bet its before most or you kiddies were born!
http://queenscrap.blogspot.com/2009/01/vibrant-diversity-of-woodhaven-includes.html
Now you are bellyaching cause the trains don’t run. I bet your all happy and excited and hopeful that Team Gioia want to run a shuttle bus from Grand Central just for you! Its on the news, its in the papers! Well hell, I bet you guys think you have the big bad beast known as New York your oyster!
All tamed and just ready at your beck an call.
Keep it up. You are playing into Crappy’s hands suckers.
I’m sorry that the developers left out the “frequent weekend track work” notices from the brochures for their condos. This has been going on for YEARS, if not decades. Back in 2000, I was working in Manhattan at a job that required weekends. The 7 train did exactly what it’s doing now – stopped at Queens Plaza and you had to switch for an N to get into the City. Gioia and Liu periodically froth at the mouth about the weekend track work, but it’s all for show since they’re both running for public advocate. Do you honestly think that now because there are towers in LIC that the MTA is all of a sudden going to change its repair schedule and/or give you a special bus to get to Manhattan?
Suck it up and walk to the E.
Amen #8. Be prepared to be attacked for voicing your opinion about the whining by the tower people.
I love the Queens Crappie folks. That whole site is full of non-stop whining and blaming everyone under the sun for everything including the fact that they can’t get a job and are stuck in their mommy’s basements writing racist crap. But Hunters Point people get in on the act and complain about 7 and they are just silly yuppies.
This is not TOWER people, these are business owners in LIC. Most of whom probably live on the GROUND in a HOUSE.
I was skeptical of these deltaforcearmynavy people, but they seem to be up to a lot of good in the area. I wish they would involve the community more. I would like to help, but how do I get involved?
The subway shutdowns happen everywhere on every line… it was always the L a few years ago, the far end of the E seems to have it all the time frequently, the G as well… always replaced by shuttle buses. Deal with it. It’s the price we pay for a 24/7 system.
# 2, you can only eat so much korean, thai, chinese and sushi…..We need to put a stop to this and get more diversified restaurants in the nabe.
#12, go to their store and speak with Brian or Terri. They’ve been doing positive things for the neighborhood for decades now.
Charlie.
I’m a “tower” person and you know what, I’m sucking up the 7 shut down. It happens. I wish they would have picked a warmer time for it to happen so that the walk is a little bit warmer, but so it goes. Whenever one is dependent on one train line, this is going to happen. Thankfully, we can take a bus or walk to other lines. If we lived in Inwood or parts of Brooklyn, we’d be screwed.
Please don’t judge us of us on the waterfront together. I normally spend my weekends (and my money) in LIC, but I’m using the 7 shut down to make sure that my weekend money stays in LIC. I think the more businesses advertise to ALL of the residents, the more people will venture out to the LIC businesses.
13, but it isn’t a 24/7 system when the train doesn’t run for more than 2 months of freezing winter weekends, not counting the years of similar disruptions on the No. 7. I think we have every right to be pissed about the situation. For the amount of work the MTA has supposedly put into the 7 train, you would think the line would be a marvel of public transit, and not the pile of shit it is.
So why should our taxes support you tower folks, especially since our money should stay in our communities to help us.
You guys care nothing about Queens.
What happened to liqcity? This site used to be fun. Let’s argue about Blend. I miss the good ol’ days.
These are the good new days.
How do your taxes leave the community by supporting “tower folks” who turn around and spend money in the community? And pay rent to the “towers” who will- after a certain point- be paying full taxes on the building.
You do realize that the towers used to be railroad tracks and a Pepsi plant?
Has anyone been out walking on Vernon Blvd. These passed wekends?????It is desolate! Where are the tower people that suppousedly support the local merchants?
22, they get in their cars and haul their asses out of town for the weekends. Or they are vacationing someplace warm right now.
I would love for a local merchant to chip in, but as a Tower person, I know I’m supporting the local businesses. Now last weekend, it was super cold. I did order a delivery pizza and Thai food. And I spent money at FoodCellar. So while I wasn’t on the boulevard, I was supporting local businesses.
Any word on McReilly’s? Have they found a new place or are they done with LIC?
Also sorry, the local merchants need to cater to the new clientel if they want people to spend their dollars there. I don’t see any young professions going to the check cashing place on Vernon, or any of the 5 dirty bodegas in a two block radius.
#12 please these people are looking for their 15 minutes!
I live in one of the “Towers” and I have yet to hear of anyone complaining about the “7″ train or lack of shuttle buses into Manhattan. Our only gripe seems to be for the unpaved icy walkways as quite a few of us have broken bones and bruises. In any event, I frequent one of the oldest established restaurants on Vernon. According to them, business is doing great due to many of us staying local on the weekends. I feel for the deli owners, who I’m sure are suffering due to the lack of construction workers, which isn’t helped by the closing of the Borden Ave bridge. A shuttle bus into Manhattan would do nothing to help these people. The main focus should be fast forwarding the bridge repairs. Otherwise, the rest of this is a lot of hot air for those blabber mouths on Vernon that are looking to be in the spotlight period.
28, are you accusing the guy from the army navy store of being a blabbermouth? Why don’t you just say so?
Actually #28 – Both situations are impacting the community. The closing of the Borden Ave. bridge is certainly hurting the delis and take out places at lunchtime during the week. It is also hurting restaurants at dinner time. The weekend situation is hurting incoming traffic for places such as the Chocolate Factory and art galleries. Even though it makes out going traffic bothersome, it is very hurtful for people who depend on incoming weekend traffic for their business.
The Delta Force Army-Navy store people are pro neighborhood; whatever that neighborhood might look like or evolve into. Their 15 minutes of fame is really 30 years or more of fame. I’ve done a lot of community volunteer work with them. They worked to get the “shady park” / Andrews Grove park completely refurbished. They’ve done so much more, over the years and decades.
It’s sad that people who do absolutely nothing but mouth off, attack and insult those who really care, get involved and actually do something.
Charlie.
I do not understand all the complaining about the closing of the Borden Avenue Bridge or the fact that the 7 train is not running on the weekends. I am one of those “yuppies” referred to and if it were not for the newer buildings, there would be less business on Vernon anyway. Did it ever occur to some of you complaining folks that The Food Cellar and Duane Reade are simply closer for us to go to and that their customer service is fantastic. Also, during the winter season many of us “yuppies” go on vacation and are not even in the neighborhood. As a driver, I know for a fact that the Borden Ave bridge needs repair and whatever time it takes to get the bridge properly fixed and safe for drivers is fine by me. As for the 7 train not running on the weekends, the only places losing business are the places in Manhattan that us “yuppies” usually go to. Further, people are just not spending as much money as they normally do due to the state of the economy. I find that most of the business on Vernon occurs during the week anyway when people are coming and going to work. I think it is a benefit to the businesses in the neighborhood that the 7 train is not running on the weekend because the folks that can’t afford to get into Manhattan will stay local. The clothing stores and boutiques on Vernon are not doing well because they do not offer the products that “yuppies” purchase. It is easier to get in a car or go into the city and purchase items because due to the economy, prices on consumer goods (especially clothing) have fallen immensely. There is just more variety, quality, and better customer service available. Stop whining people and deal with it. The economy is doing poorly and that is why businesses are suffering. Stop blaming the “yuppies” and thank us because we have increased the population in the neighborhood immensely. Anyone with half a brain should realize this has increased spending in local businesses. I guess some business owners are never happy but that is the chance you take for running your own business. Before you know it the 7 train will be running again on the weekends.
With respect to Charlie’s comment, did he even bother to review it because it makes no grammatical sense. There are many of us, including myself, who do great things for the community. As for this Delta place mentioned- what thirty years of fame are we talking about? All I see is a dumpy, eyesore of a store when I walk past. It makes the neighborhood look like a slum. Who owns the place anyway? As a 20 year real estate broker, that place just brings the neighborhood down. I direct my potential clients to walk a different way so as to avoid the store because it is hurting my bottom line.
#33, If you don’t know who owns the place, or anything concerning grammar, how can you make a statement such as that? You are uninformed. Those who make comments concerning things they know nothing about, just show everyone else how clueless and shallow they are.
Explain to me in detail why I would have to review my statement. I know exactly what I said. It’s those like you who only care about the bottom line, and who do not have the ability to see anything else, are the ones who give real estate people a bad reputation. Also, exlain why my my post makes no grammatical sense and point out where my grammar has gone wrong.
Why have you not made the attempt to know something of the neighborhood and the people in which you do business? People in your profession who do not, give innacurate, incomplete information, and judging by how you expressed yourself in your post; probably mislead and lie to prospective buyers.
Are you a broker or salesperson? What brokerage do you own, or which broker holds your sales license? I would like to submit your infomation along with your post to the NYS Dep’t of State, for review. Now, let everyone know, so they can decide for themselves as to whether they want or want not, to do business with a real estate firm which thinks as you do.
Charlie.
32, while you make some very good points the statement that “…if it were not for the newer buildings, there would be less business on Vernon…” is not exactly accurate. What the newcomers don’t know is that there was a Vernon Blvd prior to the era of real estate expansion. What drove many small businesses away were the non-renewals of leases, large jumps in rent, and warehousing that occurred in storefronts, industrial spaces. At the same time residential rents began to soar as did home prices. This was as the focus of public funds was fully directed toward waterfront development while locals begged for an equivalent funding for local small scale development and some protections by way of zoning.
So it’s of course true that the newcomers support the present economy but it’s been at the cost of damage to the previous economy’s potential to grow.
My personal view is that this is a time to for a more balance approach where the focus is not exclusively toward upscale.
33 you say: “Who owns the place anyway? As a 20 year real estate broker, that place just brings the neighborhood down. I direct my potential clients to walk a different way so as to avoid the store because it is hurting my bottom line.”
Strange, as a broker you should know that anyone can look up the owner in City records within a minute. The fact that you direct clients to walk a different way shows your disdain for the neighborhood. It also shows a dishonest approach to your clients. Boo-hoo about your bottom line. You deserve whatever you get.
33, go screw yourself and “the great things you do” for LIC
#30 thank you for your insightful comments, I agree with you.
#34 Your response to me demonstrates your ignorance.
So Thomas (#39), explain to all how it demonstrates my ignorance. Explain what great things you have done for the community. Also, try answering my questions, and state which broker you’re with.
Charlie.
Charlie – your behavior on this sight is making me laugh so hard. Do you really think that I would give you my personal information or take the time to explain anything to you? I do not have to answer your questions and I won’t. Adios amigo!
Only someone like you, could consider your false claims, your slights and insults, as a laughing matter.
Either put up or shut up.
Charlie.
Here’s an artice from the NY Times on the #7 train situation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/24/nyregion/24metjournal.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion
Charlie.
Thank you #38 – I am #30. Brian Adams is President of the Merchants Association. He is a lifelong resident who advocates for both the old and the new population in Hunters Point. Members of the Merchants Assoc. are made up of both new and old businesses in our community. If you have read any of the press given to this problem, you would know that many merchants have been speaking out about the situation. The NYT article further emphasizes my other point: re those venues that are suffering due to the weekend closure of the #7 train. For those of you who are newcomers here, the 7 train closures have been impacting this community for many years , and now on top of that we have the closure of the Borden Ave. bridge.
BTW – They are not the “Delta Force Army/Navy people”. They are Terri Adams and Brian Adams speaking on behalf of the Hunters Point Community Development Corporation – a group that has been here for many years – probably before some of you naysayers were even born! I am a former Manhattanite who has lived here for16 years and am proud to be a member of that group. We have never been anti development and have strived to embrace both the old and the new community in order to bring about harmony between the two.
I think blaming the closure of the Borden Avenue bridge on a lot of lost business is nonsense. There are only 2 places I can think of that could possibly be directly affected and both are on Borden Avenue; Sparks Deli and New York Deli.
The rest of the retail operations on Vernon and Jackson I am not sure how they believe it affects them, as the detour you have to take puts everyone back right on Vernon and Jackson. The entire detour is maybe a 2-3 minute inconvenience for drivers and lets face it, nobody walks across the bridge.
The #7 situation I am not too familiar with, but I somehow agree with #32 about the fact that it also forces the local residents to stay put in LIC on weekends rather than leave. So what I would do as a business is create some kind of incentive to get all these new residents to visit my business on weekends, now that you have their forced attention.
to#30 from #38 you seem to have me confused with someone else. I never mentioned Delta Force.
Hi #46 – #30 here – I wasn’t referring to you in my 2nd paragraph – It was for other commenters who kept referring to them as “those Delta Force Army/Navy people”. I just wanted to set the records straight. Brian owns that store, but he is acting as a spokesman for Hunters Point Community Development Corporation/Merchants Corporation in re: this situation.
#45 – I would suggest you speak to some people such as Mario’s Deli who have seen their lunch time business drop off considerable since the bridge closure. And – many people do walk over that bridge.
I love Mario’s as much as most people’s here and frequent it often and I am sure local lunch time crowds can still get to it very easily if necessary. He is nowehere near the Borden Ave. bridge and if you drive he is still not inconvenient.
The thing is, January has been a really bad month so far for businesses everywhere, and the bridge closure conveniently seems like an easy thing to blame it on. But there are a lot of factors at play here economically.
I personally know a few businesses that could benefit from the new detour down to 21st and Jackson Ave and have had terrible last 2 months, even with the increased detour traffic.
This is #32 here. This discussion board is simply becoming an advertisement for the army navy store that some other poster called an eyesore. I wouldn’t be surprised if the owner of the store was posting half the junk here. Also Charlie (whoever he really is) is just plain nasty. This is useless.
To change gears…
Anyone know anything about that guy who wasn’t allowed to renew his lease at EastCoast? I saw a story in today’s NYT and Gothamist.
Finally, a breath of fresh air!
I just read the article myself. I live in the same building but this is the first I’m hearing of this or anything about his message board for tenants of E. Coast. I’m curious myself…
Why wouldn’t you be surprised, #49? Do you know something about them that we don’t? What have you ever done for the neighborhood.
Now, how am I nasty, as opposed to your “Stop whining people and deal with it.” and “Anyone with half a brain”, #32/49, along with Thomas’ statements ? I call ‘em as I see ‘em. If any person can’t/won’t back up your statements, and they choose to hide behind anonymity or a pseudonym when they attack and insult others, then they are acting cowardly. “Put up or shut up” is not an insult; it’s a straightforward request.
I also see that it’s now time to ignore you, as your comments do not warrant logical or realistic responses.
Charlie.
Whoever is stating that the Borden avenue bridge doesnt hurt Vernon boulevard business and the detour is only 2 minutes obviously does not know what he is talking about! When getting off the LIE yes you do get detoured but there are no signs that lead you on to Vernon Blvd. Unless you know the area you will end up getting lost! I guide myself by the hand written sign hung by the Crabhouse Restaurant pointing you in right direction. As for the 7 train …everyone is affected especially the local merchants and restaurants ! Cant wait until this is all over. Another thing, THERE IS NO NEED TO PERSONALLY ATTACK EACH OTHER! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WILL GET RESOLVED BY INSULTS AND FINGER POINTING!
I am employed by an LIC merchant and get to see first hand how these changes are affecting business……yes it is a bad time of the year for business , the economy is bad and the bridge closure along with the 7 train closure makes it worse than past years!
#53 Thank you, you are so right.
#53 I happen to have an office in LIC and take the LIE to get to it every day and I know the area like the back of my hand. Probably more so than most locals.
If someone NEEDS to go to Vernon by car and is familiar with the area, its not a big deal to get there even now. On the other hand if you are counting on lost truck drivers and other car traffic that made it Vernon by accident before then you are out of luck I guess. But at the same time with the ZERO parking situation that is Vernon Blvd. during business hours I can’t imagine things were that drastically different. Its not like 18 wheelers were double parking and scrambling to get a Mario’s meatball sandwhich before.
The ones that know and love the places on Vernon, will still get to them in no time.
I am not referring to the 18 wheelers …….I am referring to the weekend drivers that would like to get out and venture onto the highly advertised LIC, and unfortunately cannot get there by train on their days off,saturdays and sundays (since the train is not stopping on Vernon)
For you it is obviously easy to get around since you know LIC like the back of your hand……but for those who dont ,it gets confusing.
There is plenty of parking on weekends especially now that the bridge is closed ……
Businessess are affected! you clearly see it on Vernon , please come out one weekend and see for yourself…:) and smile !
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Oy vey. The grammatical errors in that letter…