Designs On Display For Vernon Boulevard Waterfront Redevelopment

Jones Lang LaSalle, Chicago, Illinois, sponsored, "Manufactured Ecology on the Industrial Edge: Reclaiming the Vernon Boulevard Waterfront at Newtown Creek," an exhibit of their pro-bono designs illustrating concepts for the revitalization of the Vernon Boulevard waterfront in Long Island City. The designs are the result of the collaboration of New Yorkers for Parks and Newtown Creek Alliance.

The conceptual designs were presented at a reception at the DaughterPride Studio in Long Island City, where they will remain on display for public viewing through April 2. Sabrina Lupero, project manager with Jones Lang LaSalle, served as curator, designing the space for the exhibit along with Pamela Governale, community design program manager for New Yorkers for Parks.

"Jones Lang LaSalle is proud to sponsor this exhibit, which will help raise awareness of this part of the city and the potential for a renaissance of Vernon Boulevard waterfront," said Lupero. "The company is pleased to help encourage efforts by communities to invest in public open spaces and parks."

Beginning in 2006, New Yorkers for Parks and the Newtown Creek Alliance sought community input on the redevelopment of the Vernon Boulevard waterfront, a 100-foot wide and 20-foot deep parcel at the southern end of Vernon Boulevard at Newtown Creek. In addition to retaining some of the industrial activity at the site, the group also wanted open space while providing waterfront access to the community, managing storm water runoff, and raising awareness of existing creek contamination and cleaning up the area.