ASTORIA – Family Day was celebrated for yet another year in the neighborhood of Hallett’s Point in Astoria.
The Hallett’s Point Alliance, a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life of Hallett’s Point Peninsula residents, hosted the Astoria Houses Tenants Association and other community members for a full-day barbecue and ribbon cutting ceremony at the brand-new event space.
The outdoor, waterfront property is complete with soundstage and picnic tables, and will feature Backyard Games by Zog Sports, Sunset Silent Discos hosted by Quiet Events, and other recreational activities for the residents of Hallett’s Point and the public.
Congresswoman Maloney, whose district encompasses both sides of the East River, advocated for a ferry connection to serve all constituents in her district.
As she said to TNH, she will do her best to link Astoria with the east side of Manhattan as there is no train in the area and the distance between the two spots are only five minutes apart by boat.
“The infrastructure exists, the boats exist. Wouldn’t it be simple for the city to run the ferry between these two areas? It would make this wonderful community more accessible, and it would make people’s commutes into Manhattan so much easier. Hallett’s Point is far from the nearest subway, but its right next to the dock!”
Karen Imas, Senior Director of Programs, Waterfront Alliance echoed the Congresswoman’s sentiments, “Barely 1,000 feet of East River separates the docks at East 90th Street and Astoria, yet a trip between the two points on mass transit currently requires a bus, two trains and a 10-minute walk – and it takes at least an hour,” she said. “A ferry would take about five minutes. Five minutes! This is about fairness – bringing opportunity and vitality to neighborhoods like this one, long isolated from mass transit.”
Hallett’s Point residents were joined by Council Member Costa Constantinides and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney as well as tenant and civic leaders like Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO, Urban Upbound, to celebrate the new investments in Hallett’s Point and advocate for additional resources.
Emcee Claudia Coger, President of the Astoria Houses Tenants Association, welcomed all to the event. “Our community was disconnected, and thanks to the Durst Organization and our community partners, we are now connected and better than ever,” she said.
Council member Costa Constantinides talking to TNH said, “every year we celebrate “Family Day” in this community. I am glad to see all these people here. Together with Carolyn Maloney, Mike Giannaris, we do our best for this community. The more we do together, the stronger we’ll be”.
In this new outdoor space with the breathtaking view of Manhattan residents will have the opportunity to do waterfront yoga, organize festivals, dance events and spend their free time in the outdoor space that designed especially for them.
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