{"@context":"http://iiif.io/api/presentation/3/context.json","id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/iiif/0000000v9p/manifest","type":"Manifest","label":{"en":["Adam Daley Oral History"]},"logo":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/010/original/Aviary_QPLlogo_192x192.png?1578574261","metadata":[{"label":{"en":["Description"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eAdam Daley discusses his personal connection to Hunters Point and Long Island City, having lived there for almost a decade. He has seen the neighborhood change in many ways during that time. When he first moved into his apartment in the CityLights Building, the neighborhood had a lot of empty storefronts. Now there are all kinds of businesses and restaurants, and even a ferry to Manhattan.\u003c/p\u003e"]}},{"label":{"en":["Rights Statement"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eCC BY-NC-SA Contact digitalarchives@queenslibrary.org for research and reproduction requests.\u003c/p\u003e"]}},{"label":{"en":["Source Metadata URI"]},"value":{"en":["http://digitalarchives.queenslibrary.org/search/browse/40572"]}},{"label":{"en":["Date"]},"value":{"en":["2021-06-02 (created)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Type"]},"value":{"en":["Video"]}},{"label":{"en":["Agent"]},"value":{"en":["Adam Daley (Interviewee)","Shelby Schwartz (Interviewer)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Source"]},"value":{"en":["Interview recorded as part of the Changing Landscape of Hunters Point project at Hunters Point Library."]}},{"label":{"en":["Coverage"]},"value":{"en":["1600s-2021 (temporal)","Hunters Point and Long Island City, Queens, NY (spatial)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Language"]},"value":{"en":["English"]}}],"summary":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eAdam Daley discusses his personal connection to Hunters Point and Long Island City, having lived there for almost a decade. He has seen the neighborhood change in many ways during that time. When he first moved into his apartment in the CityLights Building, the neighborhood had a lot of empty storefronts. Now there are all kinds of businesses and restaurants, and even a ferry to Manhattan.\u003c/p\u003e"]},"requiredStatement":{"label":{"en":["Attribution"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eCC BY-NC-SA Contact digitalarchives@queenslibrary.org for research and reproduction requests.\u003c/p\u003e"]}},"provider":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/aboutus","type":"Agent","label":{"en":["Queens Public Library"]},"homepage":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/","type":"Text","label":{"en":["Queens Public Library"]},"format":"text/html"}],"logo":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/010/original/Aviary_QPLlogo_192x192.png?1578574261","type":"Image"}]}],"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/161/048/small/QueensMemoryInterview-AdamDaley-202106021441-1.mp4_1655401379.jpg?1655401380","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048","type":"Canvas","label":{"en":["Media File 1 of 1 - Queens_Memory_Interview_-_Adam_Daley-20210602_1441-1.mp4"]},"duration":1723.88,"width":640,"height":360,"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/161/048/small/QueensMemoryInterview-AdamDaley-202106021441-1.mp4_1655401379.jpg?1655401380","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/content/1","type":"AnnotationPage","items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/content/1/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"painting","body":{"id":"https://aviary-p-queenslibrary.s3.wasabisys.com/collection_resource_files/resource_files/000/161/048/original/Queens_Memory_Interview_-_Adam_Daley-20210602_1441-1.mp4?1655401378","type":"Video","format":"video/mp4","duration":1723.88,"width":640,"height":360},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048","metadata":[]}]}],"annotations":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["Full Transcript [Transcript]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Hello. Uh, my name is Shelby Schwartz. I am a general librarian at Hunters Point Queens Library, and I am here with Adam Daley today to speak about the CityLights building in, uh, Hunters Point Long Island City. So, um, Adam, would you please tell us about living at CityLights? Um, how long have you lived there and what brought you to Hunters Point specifically?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1.0,18.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/2","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Of course, thanks for setting this up, Shelby. Um, I have lived in Hunters Point since 2014. Um, so it's been seven years and I think the key thing to know about our neighborhood is it's sort of like dog years, everyone here is relatively new for the most part. So seven years a lot has changed. Um, and I'll get to talk a little bit about that, but I was originally renting apartments in Manhattan, um, spending more and more money for less and less space over a period of about four or five years, and really wanted to find a spot to put my roots down, um, potentially raise a family and I'm a first time homeowner. We bought our apartment in 2014, um, put every dime I had into it, and I'm still pretty happy about that investment. Um, I live with, uh, my now wife who was my girlfriend at the time in 2014.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=18.0,64.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/3","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: And I remember, um, walking around different neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn trying to figure out where we wanted to live, where we wanted to call home for a long time, not just another year long lease. And you walked around Hunters Point back then. Um, everything was, was new. I mean the CityLights building was built in the late nineties and when it first went up, there was nothing else here. And it was only in the last decade or so that a lot of the new high rises, the new condos and co-op buildings started to go up around us. And so when you were touring the in 2014, it was, it was empty storefronts. It was brand new buildings that said we're gonna be open to leasing soon. Um, but nothing had been open and it felt like it was just bursting, uh, potential with energy and, and opportunity.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=64.0,109.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/4","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Um, and you know, it was, it was a unique kind of paradox because you walked into CityLights and the building itself felt like it had a lot of history, a lot of culture. And I think that's because a lot of the people who live here today moved 20 years ago. Um, and we're the original residents of Long Island City. And, uh, you know, I remember when we first came to tour apartments, uh, people like stopped and said hi in the elevator. Um, and, and that's rare. That was weird being, you know, having lived in New York people, aren't usually that kind and want to get to know you. Um, and you know, I think what they had built here was just a really unique community of about a thousand people, um, who saw this neighborhood from its birth or rebirth, I guess you could say, we'll talk a little more about the history of the neighborhood, but that's really what attracted us to moving here.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=109.0,157.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/5","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: And, um, you know, we had quite a, quite a challenge trying to actually get an apartment here. Um, they've set up the rule so that they don't want people who want to just invest. They don't want people who are going to buy an apartment and then immediately rent it out. They want residents, and I think that's contributed to the, to the community here, but it also gave us an opportunity. We actually got outbid the first time we tried to buy an apartment here, um, by the usual cash buyer. I, I, I don't know where they, they come from, but they come all, all the time out of the corners and we lost on this apartment and they ended up getting rejected, um, a few weeks later because they had said they wanted to rent it out and that wasn't allowed. So, you know, I, I think we just found a really unique situation where as a first time homeowner, someone who definitely didn't have a lot of capital to put into an apartment, found an opportunity to, to, to lay down our roots and, and we've loved it ever since.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=157.0,211.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/6","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: That's great. It's a really interesting story. So it's, it's, it's really interesting that you've been here basically since the beginning kind of, of, like you said, that rebirth of the area. Um, and you kind of mentioned this a little bit and of course we'll get into it more, but, um, do you know the history of CityLights in the Long Island City area? Um, I know that it was built around like 1997, 98. Um, it's a 42 floor residential tower and it was the first to be built in that area and they were aiming to redevelop. So that was the beginning. So, so what do you know about that whole history?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=211.0,238.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/7","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Yeah, sure. Actually, if you walk into the lobby of our building, we have some old, black and white photos. They didn't need to be black and white, but it, you know, of what the gantry used to look like. And before CityLights went up, this was, uh, a rail yard. Um, they literally were, were bringing all kinds of heavy materials, um, down to the water to put on barges. And the gantry is still there as part of Gantry Plaza State Park. But, um, that's what this building was, was founded on when, when, uh, I think it was Governor Mario Cuomo was trying to develop the whole waterfront along the East River. Um, he started here in Long Island City with city lights and, um, you know, I, I think he envisioned our building as sort of the anchor building that would lead to, uh, a middle income neighborhood where, where families could move to and live comfortably right across the water from the city where a lot of us work.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=238.0,288.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/8","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Um, but it was a huge risk if you can imagine, uh, you know, there, there was a lot of heavy pollution in the neighborhood. Lot of factories were still up and running. Um, Newtown Creek Creek it's notorious for, for of the toxins that it's had in it. And I think to put a building here really was a turning point where all right, it's time to clean up this neighborhood. It's time to clean up the space, the environment and, and make it livable and enjoyable. And, you know, if we, if we turn back the clock a little further, um, at the end of the 1800s, uh, Borden Avenue, um, and right along the waterfront was actually a booming, uh, commuter town because the Long Island Railroad ended there and everyone would get off the railroad, hop on a ferry and go to work in the city.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=288.0,334.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/9","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Um, it's, it's ironic as you can do that now today, now we've got our ferry service back and you can, you know, take the subway off and you get off at Vernon Jackson, hop on the ferry, but for about a hundred years, most of the 1900s that was gone, that, that, that kind of got wiped out, that history disappeared. And it was, you know, taken over by factories that were important for the city and a lot of manufacturing. Um, and, and, you know, it's, it's really sort of exciting to me to think about CityLights as being that first building that sort of signified the rebirth of this neighborhood and was, was right now it's time to clean up the area and, and turn it back to what it used to be. Um, and you know, when the building first went up, I've talked to a lot of our original residents who were dealing with, um, you know, literally packs of wild dogs in the neighborhood. I mean, there was crime, um, but they were pioneers. They decided, you know what, we're gonna make this home. And it's just amazing to look at what's gone up around it. Uh, yeah. And to think of us as kind of that cornerstone.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=334.0,400.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/10","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Right. Yeah. That's really great. And that kind of leads into my next question because now that we've covered the historical aspect and what the land used to be, um, now would you tell us about your experience living in the area and, um, sort of what has changed since in the seven years that you've been there, you know, specifically, um, you know, have restaurants gone up. I'm sure there's many stores that weren't there before. Um, so what's changed, but also what do you think fundamentally has kind of remained the same?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=400.0,425.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/11","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Yeah, absolutely. So when we first moved in, there were those kind of institutional restaurants and, and stores that everyone knew. And, um, I think this is the same way across most of Queens, but you get to, to know the, the, the shop owners, the restaurant owners, the waiters, especially when it was still that kind of small community feel. And I mean, it sound 2014, 7 years ago. It doesn't sound like it was that long ago, but it that's how it was. We, we would walk into a new restaurant that just happened to be opening that week and got to meet the owner and, um, you know, get to know why he started the restaurant, what his family background was. And, um, the food is delicious. We've got the mom and pop shops that are authentic cuisine. I there's a Peruvian restaurant that I love called Jora that, that opened like the second week we moved in and, you know, you get to know them and kind of pull for them.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=425.0,473.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/12","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Um, the turnover has its its plus and minuses though. I mean, there, there are some older institutional restaurants, like the Crab House was, was probably my favorite. It was on Borden Avenue. I think it had been around for about 40 years. They had all kinds of boxing memorabilia. Um, you could go look at the photos on the walls and see politicians and famous athletes. Um, that's one of the shops that it, or the restaurants that ended up closing. I, I think the owner actually passed away, which is too bad, but, um, when a neighborhood evolves as quickly as Hunters Point has you do lose some places like that, but then you also gain new ones who potentially are the new institutional restaurants that'll be around forever. Um, Casa Enrique is a great example. They, we used to be able to walk in, it's a Mexican restaurant, uh, just down the block here.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=473.0,522.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/13","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: You could walk in any day the week and find an open table. Um, now they've expanded, they got a Michelin star and there's a line out the door and you have to have a reservation. And it's really great to see a small business like that take off. Um, you know, there, there are other you, Vernon Boulevard is known for having a lot of turnover with businesses. Um, I, I think some make it, some don't it's, it's, it's really hard to predict which ones will and which ones won't, it's been fascinating to watch some of that change, but they're all, they're all filled. They're all full, they're all, there's no vacant spaces anymore. Um, which has been great. And I, you know, one thing I do remember too, when we first moved in, um, there were, there were large rats, rodents all over the neighborhood still, especially cuz it was all new construction. And I think what you've seen is that has been cleaned up up, and now we're just overrun by, uh, strollers and dogs. Um, yes. Um, I mean it's just amazing how fast that has changed and, and yeah, for good and for bad. I, I, I do, there are times when I feel for losing some of those older institutional places, but, um, there's so much opportunity here to create that and start anew.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=522.0,598.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/14","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Right. And there's always someone who'd like to bring in a new idea, introduce that to the community. So it's interesting to see like kind of, what's gonna come next if there is, you know, turnover, like you mentioned, and it's funny, you mentioned, um, Casa Enrique because I walk by that place twice a day to, and from work and it looks like a very authentic, amazing place, but I it's always early in the morning, so it there's nothing going on. So it's good that it's a really busy place.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=598.0,619.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/15","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Well, if you look at it, they used to have, it was basically a small house that they turned into restaurant and it was a tiny space. They probably had 10 tables maybe at the most. And then they actually bought the place next door. And now obviously with the street dining, you have all kinds of activity out front. And I mean, it's just, it's one of those cases, it's a success story. You know, I, I know the restaurant business is a difficult one. Right,","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=619.0,640.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/16","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Right. I hear that. Some make it big time versus, you know, they're not always shutting down after a few years, you know, there are some that remain yeah. Long","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=640.0,648.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/17","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Haul and you know, what you see like being in a building like CityLights, a lot of the other buildings around us are, are rentals. So they're a little more transient. And what ends up happening is in a building like CityLights. We have those business owners, the restaurant owners who live here and are trying to, to put their roots down. And I, you know, I've got some neighbors who, uh, took the risk and started their own restaurant. There's, they're a Little Chef Little Cafe on 48th Avenue is a good example. Um, where again, they're just pouring their life savings into, into an idea and you know, she's got great food. It's a, it's a lunchtime spot, which is needed around here. Um, and you know, I, I, I, I think that getting to know people that has been a, a real pleasure and, and I get to learn a lot from people who are, are willing to take that kind of a jump.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=648.0,693.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/18","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Yeah. Yeah. That's really great. Um, so my, another part of my side of the project is, uh, focusing on kind of sustainability and green features that are around, um, Hunters Point in Long Island City. So I don't know, CityLights personally. So are there any, um, green spaces that the building takes advantage of, um, or in the surrounding area? And if there are, do you take advantage of these spaces?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=693.0,714.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/19","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Yeah, so, I mean, I'll start with CityLights. We're, we're, uh, shamelessly self promoting our new green roof, um, which is absolutely beautiful. And it, it took about four years to install, but it's all local natural, uh, plantations that are designed to, um, encourage local wildlife, birds, insects. Um, it's, it's made for water retention. So the city's really happy about it. It's supposed to relieve some of the, uh, impact of heavy flooding and rains. Um, and it's just, it's blooming like crazy this summer. It's probably gonna be the first summer we have it really fully grown in. Um, it covers our, our has a parking garage attached to it and it basically takes up the whole top of the parking garage. And what's interesting too, is when you go out there and look, you can see other buildings in the area doing the same thing.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=714.0,758.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/20","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Um, a lot of greenery up on the roofs these days. And, and I think, you know, bigger picture, um, 2012 Sandy hit, Super Storm Sandy caused all kinds of flooding in Hunters Point specifically, this is basically a marshland if you think about it. And, um, I think that encouraged our local officials to really think more about resiliency and how to prevent flooding disasters in the future. And that whole park along the waterfront has been unbelievable to watch that get developed. I mean, Gantry Plaza State Park existed when we moved here in 2014, but Hunters Point South Park, was inaccessible. It was fenced off and it was just kind of overgrown marshlands and what they've done down there, the way they designed it to, to, to have kind of these rolling Hills and some areas that are designed as wetlands, so that if flood waters come in and they get trapped there, um, not only is it beautiful and fun to walk around and, and great to have that kind of outdoor space, but I think the long term impact on this neighborhood is going to be incredible. I, I think it could save us from potentially awful flooding. Um, yeah,","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=758.0,822.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/21","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: I think so.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=822.0,823.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/22","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: And it's, it could be something that, you know, other areas in Queens along the waterfront Brooklyn can, can, can mimic. And I think they're trying to, um, but you know, the, the, the nice thing about that outdoor space too, especially during the pandemic, um, people from Queens flocked to our waterfront, and it became this sort of outdoor gathering space where you hadn't seen people, you know, in months locked up in our apartment all winter to be able to go out there and hear music and see families playing and, and picnics. And I mean, it was just such a relief that to have that kind of space in Hunters Point is a, is a real pleasure. It's so valuable to our neighborhood.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=823.0,858.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/23","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Yeah, it is. And, you know, on my lunch breaks, I love to just go outside. I walk, you know, 10 feet and I can sit on a bench by the park right. On the water. Um, it's funny, you mentioned kind of about people coming out again, because we've noticed it here, just like looking out the windows, I'm like, wow, there's so many people and there's parties and it's, it's really nice to see, um, people coming out again, but also just taking advantage of these spaces that are made for them. And it's really great to just see people out in general. Um, I think we kind of covered this a little bit, but, um, in terms of like restaurants, I think we kind of went into detail, but how do you think the community has developed, you know, generally in the last five to 10 years, you know, basically since you've been there, um, you know, are, I guess other types of places going up, schools, um, obviously this library has, was not here when you moved here. Um, so kind of what else in the neighborhood have you seen come up in the last five to 10 years?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=858.0,905.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/24","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Yeah, sure. Well, you know, for, as far as the community goes, I, I think what's really interesting about Hunters Point. We have a lot of kind of motivated, um, leaders who are starting their own nonprofits and get really involved. And maybe it's just the nature of CityLights again, when they were sort of on their own, they were forced to form these things cuz no one else was here. But, um, the Hunters Point Park Conservancy is a great example. The Newtown Creek Alliance, um, people really seem to want to work are a better community, long term here. And they do things like park cleanups and um, just local events where you get to meet elected officials. I, I didn't really see as much of that living in Manhattan. I, I, I don't know, just didn't have that feeling of a, kind of a tight-knit community where people actually cared about the long term future of the neighborhood.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=905.0,948.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/25","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Um, I, you know, we've seen the development of, uh, of events like, um, LIC Springs is a really big deal around here every, every spring where the weather finally gets nice and all the businesses come out and take over Vernon Boulevard. Um, and it's sort of an outdoor fair for families and just to get to know each other and have a good time. I think the LIC Partnership runs that and they do a lot of great events around the neighborhood to again, build community and help people network and get to know the businesses and the people who live here and work here. Um, I think that's really evolved since 2014. I, you know, I, I mentioned how people in our building kind of knew each other and said hi to each other, but now walking around the streets, you actually, I feel like I recognize people now.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=948.0,990.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/26","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: And it's more of there, there are friends and family here that, um, have, are growing up together, you know, and, and, and it really does have, I think that feeling has grown, um, in, in the last seven years where people, you know, another great example, uh, is Culture Lab LIC, um, I don't know if you've seen what's going on over there, but it's the old Plaxall, uh, manufacturing site. I think it may, who was a storage facility that they've turned the empty parking lot into a live music space. Um, there's an art gallery that's free, free to go walk through indoors there. And, you know, to have things like that popping up where people just gather on weekends and have a taco and a beer and watch some music and, um, see some art. I mean, those opportunities are very organic and just sort of popped up because the community here wanted it.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=990.0,1037.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/27","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: And, um, it's just really fun to see that kind of thing happening in a space that was just an empty parking lot. And, uh, has now turned into its own, uh, you know, weekly routine. Um, you know, other things in the community here that are, are, are really important. Um, when the 4th of July fireworks come around, if especially if they're on the East River, everyone wants to be coming here at our parks. And that turns into a huge annual event. It's a great tradition. Um, and then the NYC Marathon crosses the Pulaski Bridge and comes straight down Vernon Boulevard every year. And people who live here in the neighborhood love to go line Vernon Boulevard, sit out at the restaurants and just cheer 'em on. Um, and it's just a great scene. So I, you know, for, for such a small corner of Queens, we have some pretty significant events that really do build a close-knit community here.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1037.0,1087.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/28","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Yeah. It seems like it there's, even during coronavirus and this past year, I've seen things going on, like you said, on the outside events and just the way that they've transformed Vernon Boulevard, along with the other avenues with the outside dining. And so they've really just kind of taken it upon themselves to really transform the area, um, for the better. And like you said, for the, the long haul, I think it's gonna be a lasting effort. Um,","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1087.0,1107.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/29","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Yeah. One of, you know, one of the, of things to note on the community too, obviously it's hard not to talk about the pandemic because it's been such an, had such an impact on all of us, but, um, there are a few bright spots. And when, when I, you know, at the height of this, it was right when it started April, May. I don't think- Queens got hit the hardest out of anyone in the country. No one really understood what was going on. Um, but people started doing the pots and pans and banging and cheering around six or seven o'clock every night for healthcare workers. And because of the high rises in this area, just in these few blocks, it echoed and it was loud and people would have signs hanging out their windows. I mean, you talk about finding some motivation and some inspiration from your community through a really dark time, a really difficult time. I mean, I, I I'll be forever grateful for the people who live here because of that.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1107.0,1157.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/30","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Yeah. That's great. That's so great to hear. Um, and so we kind of mentioned this a little bit, but I guess we can go into a little more detail about how, um, CityLights specifically has added or adds to the changing landscape of Hunters Point. Um, and if there's anything, you know, extra special or unique about CityLights and what it brings to the community.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1157.0,1176.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/31","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Yeah, definitely. I think it goes back to just the fact that when CityLights was first created, there really was nothing else here. So people who moved into CityLights, you know, the word pioneers thrown around a lot, but they had to kind of take charge and not just for the building it for the community, if they needed new services, they were the ones who had to lobby for it. If they wanted the parks to get improved, they were the ones who had to do it. So the people who still live here, I think about 40% of our over a thousand residents are still the original owners, um, have not only seen the neighborhood change over 20 years, but were a part of it and caused the changes. Um, and I think that makes us unique because I, I it's led to a lot of local leaders.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1176.0,1216.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/32","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: We have, we have someone running for City Council right now who lives in our building. Um, and, and it really put us, I think, at the forefront of what this neighborhood could be. Um, you know, the other thing to think about is since we're an older building, you would think, oh, there's no way they're gonna be leading this charge into sustainability and, you know, energy conservation, but in a way we are, we've come up with solutions. We have, we have, what's called a cogen system building that helps us cut our energy costs. We've got the green roof now. Uh, I think a lot of these newer buildings are gonna end up looking back to us and say, wow, how, how did they, you know, they're built in '97, how are they keeping up? How are they leading this type of an effort? And we can be an example for us in the neighborhood. Um, you know, again, because we're long time residents, we're not renters, we're not, it's not a transit building here. And, and I think that serves as a really nice foundational point for, and the rest of Hunters Point.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1216.0,1268.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/33","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Definitely. I definitely think that's true. And I think it's interesting, like you said, that CityLights can kind of stand as a model for other buildings and how their residents, you know, interact and with the community and how everyone, um, kind of serves to just help one another and be there, you know, as a community.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1268.0,1283.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/34","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Um, I should mention, I should mention, I should mention to that, you know, a lot of, as a result of being here for 20 years, a lot of our residents are seniors. Um, they're, they're retirees, some are on fixed income now. Um, so one thing that we all have to keep in mind is Hunters Point expands the way it is right now is how not to cut those individuals out. Um, and it becomes more and more expensive to live here. Our, our property taxes are going up. It's, it's part of what happens when a neighborhood blows up like this. But, um, I've seen some good friends just over the last seven years who are now struggling to stay in the home they've been in for 20 years, um, because it's just becoming more and more expensive. So I, I, I think one of the key things to think about and CityLights can be a, a pillar for this it's how do you keep those long term residents in their homes? Um, when the neighborhood is growing and expanding in such a great way around us.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1283.0,1335.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/35","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Right. That's, that's a great point. So it's not just important, you know, you wanna attract new people and you wanna make people feel included from new places, but you also have to cater to, like you said, the people who have built this community and they're still living in this community and, and they're owed just as much as anybody else it's if not, you know, \n[unclear], I think so that,","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1335.0,1351.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/36","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Yeah, that's, that's, that's where the culture came from. That's where we owe so much to them. So, um, to, to, to not keep them top of mind at this stage would be a huge mistake.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1351.0,1361.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/37","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Right. And I definitely think it's great to articulate that and for people to understand that, and cuz not everybody sees things from that perspective. So it's really great to just put it out there. Yeah. Um, and so obviously you've seen what's happened at Hunters Point in the last five to 10 years. So, so what do you expect or what do you think to see, you might see in the next five to 10 years?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1361.0,1378.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/38","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Yeah. Well, I mean, so all that expansion that happened right here, um, in my few blocks on Center Boulevard is now moving to that Hunters Point South area. Um, there's a few new towers that are going to open up. There's a new school. There's also projects being discussed still around Anable Basin where Amazon was going to move. Um, Sunnyside yards is close by and they're talking about a big development project there. So I guess when you package all that together, you have to think about the infrastructure you have to think about, do we have enough schools? Do we have the right transportation systems in place? Um, I mean really basic stuff, but crowding is going to become an issue at some point. And I just hope that as this neighborhood continues to grow, um, we don't lose some of those important qualities of life here, you know, that need to be upgraded at the same time.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1378.0,1427.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/39","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Um, I, you know, I, I mentioned Amazon for the first time that that was such a big deal on 2018 around here, we had neighbors, you know, arguing with each other. It, it put friends against each other. And what was interesting is no matter what side of that debate you were on, it got a lot of people vocal and involved who might not have been before, um, myself maybe being one of them. Um, so I, I think if those people who were passionate about that debate stay involved and make sure that the neighborhood grows in a responsible manner. Um, we're gonna be all right. And, and there's just so much opportunity for that growth to continue here. But I, I think that's something to be careful with and, and you know, I look out my window now, I, I face directly east towards LaGuardia and the rest of Queens.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1427.0,1471.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/40","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: And it used to just be the, the Citi building was on its own over there. It was kind of the one high rise over there. And now there's a whole city over there of a skyline where that, that building has been rebranded and it's is dwarfed, um, compared to the rest of those buildings. And I, it almost is it's as if we're, we're the size of a, a Midwestern city at this point, you forget that Manhattan's across the river, we've got our own big city here. We're gonna have our own businesses, our own neighborhoods. And, and I, I'm very excited about that, but I also think it's a big responsibility to make sure that we do it the right way.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1471.0,1505.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/41","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: That's true. So I I'm interested to see what's gonna happen. You know, just, I love working in this area and I've only worked at this library for about, um, a year, but just seeing what's changed in that amount of time, um, has been really interesting and it's, it's been great for the community, what I've seen go up. Yeah. Um, okay. So that pretty much covers the main question. So now we're gonna have our last final question, which is, um, more subjective. So what are your, what are some of your favorite places? Um, if there's any hidden gems in the area that really you love about Hunters Point.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1505.0,1534.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/42","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: There are. And you know, I, I, I want some of them to remain hidden gems. So I don't know if I'm going through that's fair trade secrets here, but I, you know, there is, there are a few that I definitely want to mention. One of which is the Anable Basin Sailing Bar. Um, it's a bit of a walk to get over to it. You have to go down Vernon Boulevard, uh, heading north, heading towards Queensbridge, and then come back up 44th Drive back to the water. And it is just this amazing outdoor deck. It's, it's a cash only bar with the incredible skirt steaks. And I actually got married there. It was this side of, uh, there's an event space called Sound River Studios next door. And it's just the most amazing view of Midtown Manhattan. Um, but it's so tucked away. It, it feels like you're sort of lost when you're going there.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1534.0,1577.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/43","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: You walk by the big Department of Education building, you walk by a few empty factory buildings. And if you didn't know where you were going, you you'd think someone sent you the wrong way, but that's, it's truly a hidden gem for me. Yeah. Um, there are a few others. I, you know, the, uh, I, my favorite cheeseburger places is on Vernon Boulevard. It deserves a shout out, Petey's. I think they're sort of a hidden gem because people would walk by and not really know what's there, there there's, there's a bowling alley, um, called Gutter Bar LIC. That is my favorite bowling alley, you know, in the world. I'm very biased, but it's, it's sort of hidden, it's tucked away on the side street and you walk into this old, Hey, I think it's again, an old factory building that they've transformed into a nice bar and bowling alley.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1577.0,1621.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/44","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: Um, you know, it, uh, there are a few that have, have gone now at this point, comedy Standup Comedy used to be a big deal in the neighborhood and Cave \u0026 Creek. Unfortunately, we just lost them during the pandemic, but it was really fun to go catch an SNL, a random SNL guest. Uh, who'd be doing standup one night. Yeah. And then the outdoor stuff here. I, you can, you can fish in Long Island City on Hunters Point. We have a fishing. You can, you can kayak if you want to. Um, I wouldn't necessarily wanna get an East River myself, but if you're up for that, you know, there, there are a lot of these activities that you just wouldn't connect to a Queens neighborhood, um, that are all right here with them, just a few blocks. It's, it's pretty amazing.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1621.0,1662.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/45","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Yeah. That's interesting. A lot of people think, great, you need to go, um, out to Long Island or something to kayak for the day or go fishing, but no, that's not true. You can find these things, you know, right in your community. And that's, that's really interesting. And that kind of brings me that reminds me of the Newtown Creek Alliance because they do a lot of those things. They bring people out on tours and, you know, kind of show them, um, what you can do, you know, over there. And it's, there's more than you think to take advantage of a, so that was my last question. So, um, unless there's anything you wanted to add, I think we definitely covered everything unless there's something I, I missed.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1662.0,1691.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/46","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Adam Daley: No, I think you did. This is great. And I think it's a wonderful project you guys are working on, I, I, to revisit this in five to 10 years and tell you how amazing Hunters Point and Long Island City are then, um, as we continue to grow. But, um, no I'm mean, I just, on behalf of everyone at CityLights, thanks for doing this project. And, um, you know, I, I appreciate all the work you guys are doing.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1691.0,1711.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048/transcript/38576/annotation/47","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Shelby Schwartz: Thank you. Thank you so much for being part of it, um, with people like you who make us able to do this. And, um, yeah. So thank you. And we'll be in touch about the recording and, um, I think that's it. So I'm gonna end the recording now.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/21/collection_resources/74970/file/161048#t=1711.0,1723.88"}]}]}]}