Walkers, Joggers, Runners, Skaters

Late afternoon at Baisley Pond Park's athletic track.

The DEP Still Hard At Work

They're back. A hazy shot of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection sucking the soot out of the sewers. 140th Avenue is a heavy assignment. A worker confirmed that the area sewer systems haven't been cleaned in a LONG time. (140th Ave. & 155th St.)

Storefront Renovations Across the Street from The Courtyard Marriott JFK

Two residential/commercial storefronts in the renovation phase. Not sure what will become of them. Located at Rockaway Blvd., between South Conduit Ave. and 144th Ave. - across the street from the Courtyard Marriott.

A Well Kept Corner Cape

We like this homeowner. She's always taking care of her summer garden.
(137th Ave. & 157th St.)

The Sidewalk Doesn't End After All

A couple of weeks ago, we posted a few pictures of homes that were missing sidewalks. It appears that the city officials also contacted this property about sidewalk regulations, as we spotted workers preparing a path for some concrete.

The Rochdale Mall Shopping Center

Earlier this month, we posted pics of the Rochdale Shopping Center on the north side of Rochdale Village. Today, we present Rochdale Mall, located on the south side (at 137th Ave. & 169th St.). It's unique because of the outdoor courtyard-styled design. It's still a bit outdated, but not like the indoor shopping center. Albeit smaller, it feels a bit more contemporary and intimate, with green park benches, Wax Begonia plantings and a couple of Honey Locust trees. With all the necessities in one area, it's definitely a meeting spot and more than likely, you'll bump into someone you'll know.

(looking north, before entering the mall area)


(standing from the center of mall, looking south)


(Looking north. A security guard chats with some of the residents.
Note the promenade in the background.)

Repaving One of Rochdale's Shady Malls

Rochdale Village has quite a few grassy walkways and promenades. Workers started repaving a portion of this popular walkway. This one is particularly used because as you walk south, it leads you right into the court-styled Rochdale Mall. This promenade is especially beautiful to stroll along during the daytime, with the rows of Honey Locust trees and Wax Begonias.

More Canoeing @ Baisley Pond Park

Another canoeing event is scheduled. Canoeing may not be your thing,
but it's something different. It's a very relaxing activity for all ages.
This Saturday, July 28th @ 11AM

Annual JAZZ FESTIVAL at St. Albans Park

Neighboring St. Albans will host their annual JAZZ FESTIVAL this Saturday.
Jazz legend and saxophonist Lou Donaldson is scheduled to appear, as well as others.

St. Albans Memorial Park
MERRICK BLVD, 173 PL, SAYERS AVE

Contact Black Spectrum Theatre for more information at (718) 723-1800.

Observation: Signs of Overpopulation?

A couple of weeks ago, the DEP trucks were hovering around the Baisley Park Pond area during morning rush hour. They were around for about two weeks, drilling and making lots of noise. We thought it was routine sewer maintenance, since flooding has always been a problem in Southeast Queens. A neighbor said that the DEP were on assignment, upgrading and expanding all of the water pipes and adjusting pressure starting from Linden Blvd., and working their way south. She says they haven't upgraded in decades. So why are they doing this now? She said she was told that the water pressure has to be readjusted because of the overwhelming demand and use from the growing two-family and multi-family homes in the area.

Sorry, Kitchen's Closed

Sad. Not sure when or why it closed. It still has the classic 50s look. People recall it was a great soul food diner at one time. The New York Times "Eating Out" gave a breakfast review back in 1998. Not that there was a ranking, but Carmichael's was number 3 on the list. We actually hope it'll make a comeback.

3. Carmichael's Diner
+++
(718) 723-6908
117-08 Guy Brewer Boulevard, near Baisley Boulevard
Jamaica, Queens
$ Cash only

Carmichael's Diner is a classic, old-style rectangular diner with a counter that holds a fountain and glossy cakes under plastic domes. Booths are covered in orange vinyl, and each has its own jukebox. But ceiling fans keep things cool, the Formica tables and terrazzo floors are sparkling, and service is friendly and gracious.

This is one of the few places in New York where you can get slices of authentic country ham, tough, leathery and salty but wonderful with grits and red-eye gravy. Salmon croquettes, a Southern breakfast staple, are flat, meaty and delicious. Home fries are savory and biscuits are buttery. Go with an appetite.

We're Losing Our Capes! Part 2

Here are a couple of more examples of cape conversions. This house, located on 156th Street, just behind August Martin High School...


...used to look like the humble brick cape to its right. The house was abandoned and neglected for awhile for reasons unknown. Rather than restoring it to its original beauty, it was gut renovated and turned into a two-family.


This house is located further south on 156th St. The original cape was sold in August of last year. FOUR MONTHS later, the mini mansion was completed. There was nothing wrong with the original cape home. We recall clearly. Noticed how it stands out among the other capes.



Located right at Baisley Pond's east end (Lake View Lane & 122nd Ave), reconstruction of this home happened FAST. We don't recall seeing this a couple of weeks ago! We're not sure if this house was a cape, but there are three to the left of it.

Gimme Shelter!

Here's one of the first new bus shelters planted in South Jamaica. It's apart of Mayor Bloomberg's street furniture initiative, designed by Cemusa. Shockingly, this one is located on the corner of Guy R. Brewer & Foch Blvds. along the Q111/Q113 route - right in the heart of the Baisley Pond housing projects. The city still hasn't learned - glass is such an easy target for vandalism.
It doesn't matter what neighborhood you're in. How many times have you waited at a bus shelter that was littered with broken glass because someone kicked down one of the glass walls? Let's look to Gerritsen Beach in Brooklyn as our example. No one would destroy a newly installed Cemusa bus shelter in THAT neighborhood, right? We're going to be optimistic. Man, we're going to try to be optimistic.

Suddenly Ending Sidewalk

Part two of "Where The Sidewalk Ends." This is on 158th Street.

More Than A Gospelfest @ Baisley Pond Park

Singing, chilling, canoeing, eating, art and face painting...