Urban Tides: Rediscovering a Living Waterfront

Rich in history, diversity, economic activity, cultural institutions, and local support, the Astoria and Long Island City, Queens, waterfront is ripe for rediscovery. From the East River, the preponderance of industry along this waterfront is apparent. At the same time, one cannot overlook the abundance of open space interspersed between these industrial land uses. With much of the Astoria/Long Island City waterfront taken up by industry and park-land, there leaves little room for residential and commercial development on the East River waterfront. With changed zoning in Hunter’s Point, a neighborhood within southern Long Island City, the area is trying to accommodate more residential and commercial land uses. In an effort to allow the sustainable growth and development within the area while supporting the local industrial sector, the Capstone team is developing a comprehensive waterfront access plan. The team is making recommendations to improve transportation, active and passive recreation opportunities, and streetscape design, and aims to improve public accessibility to and utilization of the seven miles of East River waterfront.

This Capstone was made possible with the support from an anonymous donor through FJC: A Donor-Advised Fund.