Old Astoria Neighborhood Association |
Astoria Park Performance Space
As many of you may know, in 2011 it was announced by then City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. and the NYC Parks Department that the diving pool in Astoria Park, which has been closed for over 30 years, would be converted to a Performance Space. This would be a wonderful asset to our community, and help put Astoria on the Cultural map. ( http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/defunct-diving-pool-astoria-park-turned-performance-space-article-1.987719)
The project has been delayed due to cost overruns. Also, there is a movement in the neighborhood to stop this project entirely, and instead resurrect the diving pool. But a Performance Space would operate from April to October (At a Minimum), and the Diving pool would only be open 90 days, and closed on windy days.
Other issues:
1) Diving platform does not meet current specs for diving pools. Difficult to change because it is a landmark.
2) Insurance and liability issues
3) There is an indoor alternative for year round use at Corona Park.
4) To bring the diving pool on line would be twice as costly given the state of disrepair and modern requirements, and would take funds from other important Astoria Park needs, such as erosion Control, Soccer Fields, upgrade of locker and terrace facilities in the pool complex, upgrade of the playground.
5. The Performance Spaces constituency would be theater, dance, music, poetry, and movies The arts are a very important part of Queens, and in conjunction with our waterfront parks and cultural centers, can help Astoria waterfront area become a tourist and cultural destination. (Especially with the advent of the ferry)
Therefore it is urgent that the cultural community of queens make the politicians aware they support the creation of a Performance Space, and want of portion of the recently awarded 30 million dollar capital improvements budget from the mayors office be directed to complete the Performance Space in its entirety.
The first step in this process is to attend the Capital and Expense public hearing of Community Board 1 and testify in favor of the performance space. This will be held at the following:
Community Board 1 Capital and Expense Public Hearing
Astoria World Manor
2522 Astoria Blvd
Astoria NY
The project has been delayed due to cost overruns. Also, there is a movement in the neighborhood to stop this project entirely, and instead resurrect the diving pool. But a Performance Space would operate from April to October (At a Minimum), and the Diving pool would only be open 90 days, and closed on windy days.
Other issues:
1) Diving platform does not meet current specs for diving pools. Difficult to change because it is a landmark.
2) Insurance and liability issues
3) There is an indoor alternative for year round use at Corona Park.
4) To bring the diving pool on line would be twice as costly given the state of disrepair and modern requirements, and would take funds from other important Astoria Park needs, such as erosion Control, Soccer Fields, upgrade of locker and terrace facilities in the pool complex, upgrade of the playground.
5. The Performance Spaces constituency would be theater, dance, music, poetry, and movies The arts are a very important part of Queens, and in conjunction with our waterfront parks and cultural centers, can help Astoria waterfront area become a tourist and cultural destination. (Especially with the advent of the ferry)
Therefore it is urgent that the cultural community of queens make the politicians aware they support the creation of a Performance Space, and want of portion of the recently awarded 30 million dollar capital improvements budget from the mayors office be directed to complete the Performance Space in its entirety.
The first step in this process is to attend the Capital and Expense public hearing of Community Board 1 and testify in favor of the performance space. This will be held at the following:
Community Board 1 Capital and Expense Public Hearing
Astoria World Manor
2522 Astoria Blvd
Astoria NY
September 20th at 6:30 PM