THE final week of summer comes with some good news, and some less than good. First off, following in the footsteps of LICtalk, Florence Fabricant of The New York Times gives a shout out to ‘Oh Calcutta,’ the new Indian restaurant on Jackson Avenue.
I’ll let you read the details in the link below, but when it comes to publicity, any news is good news, just make sure they spell my name correctly.
Next up comes word that the city has given approval to a project to fill the East River greenway gap between East 41st and East 53rd Streets in Manhattan. Why is this relevant to Long Island City? Because it is almost the identical span on this side of the river for the Queensbridge to Gantry Riverwalk proposed by our local councilwoman last week (approximately 47th St. to 59th Street).
Here’s the rub, the cost in Manhattan is estimated at $120 million, and not due to be completed until 2028. While the span across the river is described as an esplanade, and will have to be built atop newly constructed pillars, it starts to give an idea of what the cost and effort might be to do it on this side.
Whether that number is $2 million or $20 million, the lack of any detail in the Riverwalk plan leads one to wonder if this is just a ‘see I’m doing something’ overpromise/underdeliver smokescreen? Especially when it’s accompanied by a specious linkage to enabling the residents of Queensbridge access to jobs, transportation, businesses and resources. Whether it’s $2 million or $20 million, the Riverwalk will accomplish none of these. ‘Marginal’ improvement would be a great overstatement to the existing Q103 Bus, Vernon Boulevard bike lane, and 7 train in terms of everyday linkage between Queensbridge and Hunters Point. Zero new jobs will become more accessible.
I don’t mean to be a curmudgeon or naysayer, as I said in my original piece I am very much in favor of a continuous waterfront, but I see it as simply a very nice amenity. At $2 million it’s appealing, at $20 million much harder to swallow – even if the whole city is effectively funding it for us.
Furthermore, as much as I would like to stick to new restaurant openings and residential developments, when I see our local politicians not grabbing the bull by the horns or losing focus, I call them out on it. In this case it was several of our local politicians. And if making an impact in the neighborhood is what they want to do, previous suggestions ranging from the empty lot on 50th and Vernon (seemingly halted again) to razing Queensbridge fit this need. You’re welcome.
A New Destination For Indian Cuisine In Queens – Florence Fabricant!
$120M project to fill East River greenway gap near United Nations moving ahead
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