My attention was focused on it when it was suggested that part of it be preserved in a deal with Queens West. The proposal demonstrated the distorted perceptions and lack of coherent thinking about this community and the many problems it confronts.
I designed the "Save Hunters Point" buttons and decided to use the blue bridge as an image, not for it's historic and symbolic values, but to function as a metaphor for wasteful bureaucratic bungling. Painting and refurbishing the structure when it was already scheduled to be demolished was a waste of taxpayers' money. With the high commercial vacancy rate in Manhattan, this waste continues with the overall Queens West project.
The bridge is gone and I am still feeling ambiguous. The view of Saint Mary's from the north east corner of 48th Avenue is actually better. The elegant church structure has gained presence. That view of the river is still there--well, at least until the first building is constructed. Let's face it--the conditions around the bridge made it uncomfortable to spend much time looking across the river.
The project is a shadow looming over us, that will either come or go, depending on the political and economic winds. Questions about who will maintain and secure the park area, and how, need to be answered. Trash settles in and about this once neglected area and I wonder if we will see more of the same.
Ideally the stall in the project could become a window of opportunity for the community to exert some influence on what this vast space may provide. What are the possibilities? More trees, open fields, daisies and bluebirds? Frankly, I don't know, but with the opportunity present, I hope the community will come forward with ideas and we will redeem what is otherwise a sadly inadequate concrete strip park.
by Dennis D'Amelio, Hunters Point Resident