DEFINING THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, NY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE
2.3 million people. As many as 138 languages spoken here. Over 125 different neighborhoods.
Northwestern Queens: Hunters Point
Hunters Point is a middle class commercial neighborhood on the south side of Long Island City. Hunters Point is a peninsula bounded by the Newton Creek & the East River. In the early 1900’s Hunters Point became a highly industrial area. By the late 1970’s the area started experiencing deindustrialization. Deindustrialization left many abandoned warehouses in the area and made the neighborhood a prime location for drugs and prostitution. In May 1998, Gantry Plaza State Park was built and prompted gentrification in the neighborhood. Today the townhouses that line 45 Ave between 21st & 23rd Streets make up Hunters Point Historic District.
Pictured is Hunters Point South Park opened in August 2013. The park features a dog park, b-ball courts, sandy beach & access to the East River Water Ferry.
On October 4th 2013, the late Avonte Oquendo sadly was able to slip away from the confines of The Riverview School on 51st Ave.
The History section is in collaboration with Steve Vazquez of Queenscapes.