Queensbridge to Gantry Riverwalk Yes! Cost?

SEVERAL weeks ago I received an email (blast) from our local Council Member Julie Won announcing a new ‘Open Waterfront Access Plan for Long Island City.’ This plan boils down to creating a continuous Riverwalk between Queensbridge Park and Gantry Plaza State Park. Great idea!

But while transformational ideas such as this are easy to conceptualize (and announce), actually getting it done in NYC is closer to Sisyphean than difficult. I know from what I speak, here was my initial analysis on a previously announced local ‘connection’ plan which ended up dying on the vine.

Though considerably smaller in scope, and seemingly more feasible, the riverwalk plan comes across as eerily simplistic. Heading south from Queensbridge, the very first thing you encounter is a bridge. Having yet to ‘walk’ the shoreline, my first question is ‘Is there even one underneath the bridge?’ Then we get to a City lot and Con Ed, both of whom have seemingly agreed to allow – ahh but the details – liability/damages anyone, easy access to power generators?

The next stop is Lake Vernon. Privately owned and desirous of an upzoning with as few contingencies as possible. What is their pound of flesh? Then comes what I believe to be another piece of city property, except there’s a huge dilapidated barge adjacent. Non-sanctioned homeless shelter with city views anyone? Fortunately the final and largest anchor of this stretch is typically a willing one: Plaxall. Yet by the look of things there may need to be some serious buttressing before any compliant walkway can be built. My guess is this rings true along the entire span.

Leading to the question: what will this riverwalk cost? Estimates were conspicuously missing in the email. Fortunately there is an amazingly accurate pricing mechanism to determine the buildout: Vegas has the over/under at…

//Summer’s End Tidbits: Seven Scents Barbecue is coming to Court Square. Will they have burnt ends by summer’s end? I do not know, but it will be located right next door to the new ‘Hey Tea’ location at 42-20 27th Street. Per a reader recommendation, we checked out ‘Oh Calcutta,’ which we also mentioned in our last post. It’s not a play silly, it is actually a much improved Indian restaurant than it’s predecessors at 10-57 Jackson Avenue. Check it out and judge for yourself, but keep your clothes on. Finally, in the non-restaurant and non-play categories, comes the announcement that Principal Pavone will be retiring from PS78Q this year. Here’s to an endless summer!

Attaboy Alum Is Bringing A New Cocktail Bar to LIC

Soothr Thai Restaurant Is Opening a Sibling Restaurant In LIC – original is in the East Village