DEFINING THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, NY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE
2.3 million people. As many as 138 languages spoken here. Over 125 different neighborhoods.
Northeastern Queens: Wastelands
Wastelands is a small middle class residential neighborhood in Flushing that consists of numerous high rise apartment buildings. Wastelands runs the length of Colden Street from Elder Ave to Oak Ave. Is it alleged the reason this area is named Wastelands is due to the large undeveloped forest area behind Kissena Corridor Park. In crack epidemic 1980’s New York City, this is also where the NYPD would find the bodies of their rival drug gang members. Wastelands produced Hip-Hop pioneers Large Professor, Main Source, & Mic Geronimo.
Pictured is an apartment building courtyard in the heart of Wastelands, located at 45th Ave & Colden Street and where some of Mic Geronimo’s video “Shit’s Real” was shot.
On Monday, April 8th 2013 6th grade teacher at I.S. 237 on Colden Street was arrested for raping a 13 year old girl.
The History section is in collaboration with Steve Vazquez of Queenscapes.