QUEENSBRIDGE, LONG ISLAND

Queensbridge, Long Island

Queensbridge is known as the largest public housing development in the U.S. which is located in Long Island City in Queens, Long Island, New York. It is part in Community Board 1. The Queensbridge Houses is within the Vernon Boulevard and 21st Street, immediately south of KeySpan’s Ravenswood power plant. There are a total of 3,142 unit complex that is owned by the New York City Housing Authority. They are responsible in providing houses for low and moderate income residents throughout the five boroughs of New York City. The housing is one of the most corrupted projects in New York City. Subway commuters will be acquainted with the complex's name from its 21st Street-Queensbridge station along the IND 63rd Street Line. The latitude of Queensbridge is 40.755N. The longitude is -73.945W. It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is 13 feet.

In 1939, Queensbridge was built by the administration of Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. It was then one of the largest housing projects ever was conceived for the neighborhood. The project has over 3 thousand dwelling units spread over some 26 blocks. It is home for more than 7 thousand people. Many of its early residents were veterans of World War II. The area got its name from the Queensboro Bridge, which is just south of the complex. The development is separated into two complexes, the North Houses on 40th Avenue and the South Houses on 41st Avenue. In 1986, Queensbridge had the most murders within NYC Projects. 40 side and 41st side refer to the 40th street side of the buildings 41st street side of the buildings. In recent time, life in Queensbridge has improved with the overall drop in crime. According to Housing Authority statistics, there were no murders and just 25 assaults happened in the year 2004.

Well-known residents living in Queensbridge include Rakim (hip hopper), Ron Artest (NBA player), Nasir Jones (Hip-Hop artist), and LL Cool J (rapper). The neighborhood is considered a major center of Hip hop and is home to many enthusiastic rap artists. This modern cultural form connects Queensbridge to young people and is a sign that the neighborhood will thrive in the future just as it has until now. Queensbridge is about more than buildings, bridges, parks and sea walls. The buildings in the complex are divided by a series of paths and small lawns. Queensbridge is now the focus of a major restoration project. The sea wall has been damaged and it will be repaired in a comprehensive way so that residents and visitors can enjoy the waterfront. The repair will add much value to life in Queensbridge. It is typical of the spirit and traditions of this neighborhood to do things of giant proportions. The Queensbridge Park is among of the best parks in town. The park is characterized by a variety of facilities, including baseball fields, a soccer-football combination field, basketball, volleyball and handball courts, a playground with see-saws, swings and jungle gyms, a wading pool, a comfort station, picnic areas, sitting areas, walkways, greenery and trees.