MetroPlus

Long Island City 2

A stones throw away from the sparkling East River Long Island City shore line is the mouth of the Newtown Creek.  Heavy industry and constant street construction keep the blue collar feel of LIC real and raw.

Long Island City 1

Just a few short years ago this waterfront area was case study in neglect.  Rotting and abandoned piers and piles of junk made it a no mans land.  It now sports a beautiful park making full use of the magnificent panorama of Manhattan.  It appears by the looks of the work being done sinking piles in the riverbed, that the park will be expanded all the way to the Pepsi Cola sign.

Shore Boulevard

Shore Boulevard runs along the East River in Queens under the Triborough Bridge and the Amtrak Hellgate Bridge.  Joining Long Island City to Astoria, its a favorite spot to stop for lunch, a quick jog or a long lovers stroll.  Astoria Park is nestled under and between the two bridges along the boulevard and with a City pool and large lawns it offers a cool spot to hang anytime of year.  [unrelated:  Check out NYC Photobloggers at Vanity Fair]

Long Island City

Long Island City is known for its waterfront industrial complex and a surprising artistic and educational community.  Almost directly east from Socrates Sculpture Park is 10 Street and 33rd road  where this abandoned factory serves as a canvas for the local High School.

Socrates Sculpture Park 3

The 4.5 acre park has a large area for works in progress and for emerging artist to hone their crafts.  Since its inception the park has operated as an outreach program for neighborhood youths and residents. The views of Manhattan are the upper east side and the north end of Roosevelt Island.  This will be the last post from the park.

Socrates Sculpture Park 2

In 1993 Socrates Sculpture Park officially became part of the NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation.  The first new addition in a decade.  And in 1995 it was designated as one of sixty three " Great American Public Places".

Socrates Sculpture Park

On Vernon Blvd and Broadway in Long Island City is the Socrates Sculpture Park. A formerly illegal dumpsite, it is now one of the few places in the city where large outdoor sculptures can be enjoyed by the public.  All of the exhibits are hands on and have the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop.

Vernon Blvd.

After spending 2 days this week in classrooms, one 8 hr day with OSHA, one with fellow company geeks on training for new portable laptops for the vehicle,  I was in no mood to peruse the neighborhood on the way home.  But there seems to be a wealth of material to shoot on this road way from Queensbridge to Astoria. "I'll be Bach."  P.S. the last shot is Tuckahoe Rd.