If you smell something, say something.
Queens West remediation, Hunters Point, LIC
There seems to be some continuing issues with the toxic remediation of the remaining portion of the Queens West site at the Hunters Point waterfront. There’s been a growing number of complaints about petroleum-like odors emanating from the site and causing illness in the neighborhood. This week on Vernon Blvd, the fire department responded to suspected gas leak. None were found, and it was concluded that the callers had mistaken fumes from the nearby development sites (OCA as well) for the gas leak.
Joe Conley of CB2 and Paul Januszewski of Queens West Development Corp are requesting LIC residents to confirm the presence of odors/fumes emanating from the site, and/or any suspected related illnesses »
Mainco building on 51st Ave to host MetFoods, Vernon/Jackson, LIC
Yes, the rumors about MetFoods coming to the old Mainco elevator building on 51st Ave between Vernon & 5th St are true »
Casa Vizcaya - circa Aug 2008, Hunters Point, Long Island City
Last we checked into Casa Vizcaya, they were having some trouble regarding damage to a neighbor’s home. Work on the new dev was shut down for a couple months, and we checked in with the sales office and the neighbor for an update on where things are.
Casa Vizcaya has 4 units left for sale, all 1-2BRs with 1000+SF of space. Looks like the sales office on Vernon is being transitioned by Corcoran for another new condo project further down Vernon in Astoria/LIC, called the Orient.
ZIKRAYAT, a Long Island City based Arabic Music & Dance Ensemble
The ‘Live at the Gantries’ summer performance series brought to us by the QCA continues tonight at Gantry Park with an Arabic Music and Dance Ensemble, ZIKRAYAT »
Duane Reade manifesting on 47th Rd @ 5th St, Long Island City
Queens West continues with its late summer bloom, as Duane Reade catches up with its neighbor, foodcellar, which has been open since Wednesday and already starting to pick up a decent bustle. The store is still being stocked, and there is a lot of grumble »
OCA/CUNY Dev Site, July 2008
The next BSA hearing for the very controversial OCA/CUNY development site on 5th Street is set for next Tuesday, August 19th. According to Queens Chronicle, the latest issue on the table is whether or not the OCA’s granting of space to the Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) counts as an official community benefit:
Verizon Wireless coming to LIC
Well, maybe some will sing a happy tune for Verizon Wireless in LIC, but at liQcity, we’re always hoping for more independent commerce to serve the needs of the exploding community. A liQcity tipster sent a photo of the Verizon Wireless sign in the right ground floor retail spot of the Echelon condos. (No word on what’s happening to the left retail spot.)
5 Star Banquet, Long Island City
liQcity would like to say welcome to it’s newest sponsor, 5 Star Banquet, though it’s not a newbie to the LIC restaurant scene. The four year old Indian restaurant is more commonly known for the 5 Star Punjabi Diner, the cult and cabbie favorite, which is right next door. 5 Star Banquet is, as the name implies, is a huge banquet hall that can accommodate various events: weddings, private affairs, corporate events, TV/Film productions, and more. Eye (and stomach) candy »
Here’s a real estate video displaying a 5SL 2BR condo unit for sale, reduced to $799K. It’s interesting in the sense of following the video trend in real estate marketing… and if you never got over to 5SL to check out the lofts.
- All Sales Listings 5SL [Streeteasy]
- 5th Street Lofts [website]
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?)
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]
Filming of Gossip Girl on Vernon Blvd, Long Island City
Is your legally parked car missing? Notice the film shoots in the hood? If you haven’t read the pink signs: it’s Gossip Girl. And they’re also looking to shoot scenes inside a LIC townhouse apartment. I received notice on my door this weekend. How cute.
The destruction of What Should Have Been Landmarked continues with the leveling of the Star Building. And here’s what’s to come in its place.
The NY Post article about inland LIC is a must read. It’s a decent chronicle of what’s going on around the Queensboro Bridge, though funny at times. It’s interesting who is considered (and considers themselves) pioneers of a neighborhood.
Looking at Queenswest through Hunters Point South, LIC
“Across from the United Nations in Long Island City, Queens, lies one of the last empty pieces of land on the East River. This 24 acre lot boasts dramatic views of the Empire State building from 30-foot-high cliffs, rolling hills covered in wild trees, and more access to the river’s edge than any other site in Queens. Currently it is an idyllic, private barbeque spot, with homemade swings and benches looking out across the water at Manhattan’s midtown rush.” -Nathan Kesinger
The rain’s coming folks.
Some great photography of Hunters Point South, LIC [Nathan Kesinger Photography]
Made in Queens - Japanese artist Murakami nests in Long Island City [NY Sun]
Nigel Rollins exhibit open at Art-o-mat, Vernon Blvd [liQcity]
Artwork on 5Pointz Studios, Hunters Point, LIC
Ok it’s time for the weekend. Looks like a bit of snow coming our way. If you missed Bjork’s screening of Wanderlust, you’ve got another shot tonight. It starts at 7pm, but get there early!
Bjork’s ‘Wanderlust’ premiered in LIC’s Deitch Studios last night [Gothamist]
Queenswest library set for 2009 [Times Ledger]
Is Long Island City the next big thing? [Gridskipper]
City View Raquet Club is now open in LIC [City View website]
Music Events in LIC this weekend [LICpop]
Site of Long Island City’s first Green Building, 48th Ave between Vernon & 5th.
File this under ‘RUMOR’, though it seems to be confirmed by a few sources. Long Island City’s going green, and no we’re not getting a park though who would complain about that (actually someone probably would) but LIC’s first documented Green building. There’s no direct confirmation from the developers, who supposedly are the brains behind the Galaxy, but word on the street is that the existing building is to be razed, and a new, greener building will sprout in it’s place. They’re going for the Gold, in LEED certification. Maybe setting a standard? Blazing a green pathway? Or just a wise marketing gimmick? Regardless of what it is, it’s a welcome breath of greenness.
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