The meeting began with a tour of the newly refurbished building and sculpture garden. The reconstructed interior creates modern gallery and studio space, while carefully preserving much of the architectural character of the 100-year old building.
When the tour group walked outside, where rough gravel covers pathways, peoplesı attention seemed divided between the hypnotic grinding underfoot and the controversial concrete walls. Some people in the community may find the walls functional, following the industrial theme of Long Island City. Others find the walls further alienate P.S. 1 from the surrounding community (see photo).
P.S. 1 representatives spoke with a sense of urgency. They seemed eager that community representatives approve their plans. These plans call for plant-ings around the exterior wall, a 46th Avenue road reversal (beside the building) and requistion of the traffic island at 46th Avenue and Jackson Avenue for signage. At the November 25th meeting the group was informed that the Department of Transportation has allegedly approved the 46th Avenue road reversal.
While the Coalition welcomes the opportunity to work with the directors of P.S. 1, we question whether the meetings are productive for building consensus. Discussions concerning the development of community programs seem more productive than dialogue on decisions already made by P.S. 1.
Back to The View - Volume 3 Number 3
To contact the Hunters Point Community Coalition
Call or write:
Hunters Point Community Coalition
Last Update: Dec 1996