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 »

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 »»

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 »

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 »

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 »

Has anyone else noticed the demolition frenzy going on in LIC these last couple of weeks? It’s seriously been picking up. July 2008 is right around the corner, and Rockrose seems to be feeling the heat as well, since activity has begun on their site next to the United Nations Federal Credit Union.

Remember the beautiful building they’re knocking down? »

After two failed attempts, Starbucks is finally coming to Long Island City, and it’s going exactly where it belongs: the lobby of the Citibank tower. woohoo.

However, if your coffee sensibilities desire a more local and community brew »

Silvercup condo development site, 44th Drive, Court Square, Long Island City

The Silvercup East project at the LIC waterfront might be taking longer then expected, but the Studios are moving forward on another development project near Court Square at 21-45 44th Drive. Located right next door to the Information Technology High School.

A one story warehouse on this 164 x 100 lot has been paved away for a 7-story, 70-unit new construction condo project. Some possible ground floor retail. It will be interesting to see how this turns out, as this is Silvercup’s first attempt at a purely residential project. —Contributed by Eric Benaim

Meanwhile, the latest word on Silvercup’s stalled waterfront project »

Under Public Farm One aka P.F.1., at P.S.1., Court Square, Long Island City

Nothing marks the arrival of summer in LIC quite like the PS1 Warm Up parties. If there is any entity that can lay claim to putting LIC on the mainstream radar, it’s PS1. While many complain about the nuisance factor of the Warm Up party attendees’ disruptive passage from PS1 to Water Taxi Beach in their endeavor to continue partying, it’s really a cool event. This year, the courtyard installation kicks up more than a few notches with an urban farmland installation entitled ‘Public Farm One’. Aka P.F.1.

Having checked out the installation sans throngs of swaying hipsters »