A few points on One Hunters Point.
Directly Above The Midtown Tunnel
So this building on Borden Ave, One Hunters Point. Let’s just say I live near the construction site. According to the website and the hype etc, the condos seem like they’ll be the standard lux coming through LIC - perhaps even decently constructed. The developers had an extra obstacle to deal with while erecting the building - the Mid-town tunnel runs underneath part of the lot. They couldn’t build directly on the tunnel (someone’s thinking), but close enough that plans were scrutinized, and one can only hope this means intelligent engineers were actually hired. Of course, that has nothing to do with the interior finishings on the apartments…
I know these guys went around the block trying to buy everyone’s air rights…they definitely managed to get some since the building is 13 stories… and they got them at a steal if the $100/sf rumor is true.
So here’s something no one else will probably tell you: if you’re buying in this building, try to get a unit towards the back, away from the rail yard. Facing the rail yard 1) you don’t really have an interesting view unless you have some altitude, and 2) the rail yard idles a diesel engine all day from about 7am-6pm.
If you don’t know what that sounds like… you’re about to find out. It’s a remarkably loud, sustained, low-toned, vibrating drone. People facing the yard are going to get that sound full on from right across the street until someone figures out how to get them to shut it off, or the rail yard to close/move (haha - that’s a joke of course). For those buyers who are 9-5ers, it shouldn’t impact you so much. But if you work from home in any capacity… maybe invest in a nice stereo system.
Incidentally, that LIRR station services the very curious route of LIC –> Jamaica, Queens… it would be at least worth the drone if it went directly to Penn Station. The one perk is that we LIC’rs can use the rail’s limited service to get to JFK around 5pm M-F. Woohoo.
Anyway, back to One Hunters Point. The developers also had a party at PS1 congratulating themselves and their initial sales figures. LIC is definitely kicking strong in the market these days, and I’d say despite all the controversy and lack of grocery store, it’s still a decent investment. (Albeit not necessarily a bargain.) So kudos to you One Hunters Point buyers. I wish you great journeys to JFK or wherever else the LIRR droning into your living room decides to take you.
I, too, have been by the site at numerous times and did think the noise could be a factor. I bought a unit in Hunter’s View to avoid this issue. To be fair, the developers allowed for windows with a very high noise-reduction factor. They should go a long way to cut down, if not cancel the train noise. Maybe it won’t be an issue, I just didn’t want to take the chance. The sales folks are billing the southern exposure as the best views. Again, I’m not so sure. Northern views starting at the fifth floor will be pretty good. Southern views are not of the best part of the skyline. Still, they will be fine. Northen exposure apartments also won’t have to worry if the train noise will ruin their quality of life.
It seems OHP has been the lightning rod for comments when it comes to Hunters Point Condos, yet whenever anyone posts a picture online, it’s a picture of Hunter’s View. I spent months researching this development and decided on the purchase at HV for location and to get a parking spot. Wonder why more people haven’t been discussing that building as well.
I agree - southern views are great once you get off the ground. Probably true of the northside as well. I will say the train drone these days is a bit drowned out by all the noise of the insane level of construction going on around the block. The true day of peaceful bliss in LIC is Sunday. You feel it a bit on Sat, bc the population drops signficantly, but there’s still lite (occasionally not) construction going on. But SUNDAY is the golden day. Super quiet, chill- I can actually hear birds. Even the LIRR is quiet.
Some of us are more sensitive than others… I definitely felt the train drone as a nuisance and I live within a stone’s throw of OHP. But the pile driving from the construction of OHP really takes the prize for Most Obtrusive Sound Coming From the Outside of My Apt.
I saw an update on another blog that the MTA will have to shut the train engines down while they sit in the station now. The developer of Hunters Point found out it is illegal to let the trains idle all day.
Working on Skillman Ave, right over the rail tracks, I can affirm that the rumble of the trains is quite bothersome. We’re close enough that the building shakes, and it’s an old factory building. I wouldn’t want to live overlooking that.
I think you are overstating the noise a bit. I went by there several times mid-day. The rumble is noticeable, but it is not so loud that it is that bothersome. If you live in Manhattan, regular street noise is just as bad or worse.
How can you say that the view south will not be good? From the 3rd floor or higher you will have views of downtown Manhattan. The views are definitely better than the north side apartments.