BEER, Hot Dogs, Ice Cream, Watermelon, that’s what we should be thinking right about now here in LIC. But not fireworks, leave that to the other boroughs. And if the red, white n blue cuisine gets to be too much towards day three of a long weekend, maybe a little dim-sum. You will no longer have to travel far for that, as Dim Sum Palace has opened their branch here on Jackson Avenue in Court Square.
Sure, you can have Friday off, but be in all the earlier Monday morning Bob Cratchit, because there are buildings to be built here in LIC. The march never ends, as both a 46-story, 560-unit tower in Queens Plaza and a 124-unit residence at 30-11 12th Street were announced this past week. While the latter is technically just across the line in Astoria, it’s also adjacent to the colorful Wellington Court murals neighborhood. Of equal importance, it’s also the former home of Horstmann Cream and Mix, who until the late 1990’s was the supplier to Mister Softee. Which brings us full circle back to ice cream, Happy 4th!
//YES, I scream, but not too loudly in this case. More in simpatico, but also from a rational standpoint. Rob Basch at the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy published an editorial this week calling for Parcel D in Hunters Point South to be turned into a playing field instead of apartments. As I responded when he first advocated for this idea a year ago, more than ever I believe this is a non-starter given the outcry for more housing. Instead, I have recommended that the base of one of the last two remaining parcels be used to create a Rec Center, which would still allow a full residential tower above.
Where we are in agreement, is in our exasperation with the City for not issuing a combined RFP for Parcels D and E, instead of the sole RFP for Parcel E issued last month. Not doing so is poor planning. The economies of scale that comes with two plots versus one, and the ability (and flexibility) to amortize the public space allotment over two parcels are huge. Anyway, while I have written ad nauseam about a Rec Center in Hunters Point, I’m going to spare the argument(s) for it this weekend. I’m just glad to have a partner advocating for better utilization and what the community really needs, not what city planners and pols think we need.
//PADDLE’S Up! Celebrate Independence Day with a short paddle on one of LIC Community Boathouse’s stable sit-on-top kayaks! No advance sign up required this weekend. Just show up, sign a waiver, put on a life jacket and grab a paddle. Paddling Dates: July 4th 2pm-5pm/July 5th 2pm-5pm/July 6th 3pm-6pm. At the northeast corner of Gantry Plaza State Park where North Basin Road meets 5th Street. We provide the boats, gear and help you to launch into Anable Basin for your own 20-minute self-guided tour of this sheltered tributary of East River. It’s first come first served until capacity is reached so come early. Last check-in 30 minutes before closing. Our floating dock is now in place, but our ramp is not yet ready. We’ll access the dock via a ladder so no minors please (adults only) until the ramp is installed. Dress for success under the strong sun keeping in mind that your feet and seat will likely be wet.
Dim Sum Palace Expands to Long Island City with New Restaurant
Updated Design Revealed for 561-Unit Skyscraper at 30-25 Queens Boulevard
Permits Filed for 30-11 12th Street
Long Island City’s last public lot should serve the community, not sit vacant
The Best Restaurants In Long Island City – per The Infatuation
Taking to the big screen in Long Island City – Queens Film Festival comes to Court Square next week
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