A few weeks ago we pondered the meaning of the new naming rights claimed by TF Cornerstone for the live music presented at Culture Lab LIC: Malt Drive Stage. A few weeks later I received a press release from the new sponsor announcing the name of a new street in Hunters Point South called ‘Malt Drive,’ and their new residential towers located on the street. Aha! This is the plot of land that used to contain City Harvest’s processing center and is now described as follows:
“The 1.43 million-square-foot rental project will bring 1,386 residences to Hunter’s Point South’s Malt Drive, a new city street named as a nod to the site’s history as a sugar cane processing facility-turned-beer distribution center. The project will also significantly expand the Hunter’s Point South waterfront and bring new open space – for both residents and the public – to Newtown Creek for the first time, directly across from Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Leasing for both buildings is expected to commence this summer”
Let’s stop there and assess. 1386 new units added to Hunters Point, not a small number, I wonder how that will affect the Vernon Jackson subway platform at rush hour when they are all rented out? Moving on:
“Yadda, yadda, yadda about seamlessly integrating the landscape with the adjacent park and luxury amenities in the tower including an outdoor pool.” Sweet, as for those that don’t live in the ‘1386,’ no swimming for you! But you will get to partake in the “retail spaces along Second Street inspired by the style of the Meatpacking District.”
//Oh my, Memorial Day weekend is already here. The waterfront parks will be crowded, as will the bars and eateries on Center Boulevard. Vernon Boulevard less so given the prominent corner vacancies at 48th and 50th Avenues. Throw in the lack of fireworks on 4th of July and this summer could be as harsh as the winter for restaurateurs on this stretch. Others though seem to be thriving, here’s a heartwarming tale.
NYC hidden dining gems: Jora Peruvian food in Long Island City (nydailynews.com)
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