Jan. 16, 2015 By Christian Murray
Sunnyside’s 2015 neighborhood map has been updated and is about to be released.
The Sunnyside map, produced by the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce and LaGuardia Community College, features a full-color illustrated map of the neighborhood and an updated business directory.
Fifteen thousand maps have been printed and will be distributed at hotels in western Queens, local real estate offices and businesses, and community events in an effort to draw newcomers and orient new residents to the neighborhood. The map is updated each year with a new business directory, including businesses that are either members of the Sunnyside Shines BID or the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce.
The Sunnyside map was originally designed in 2013, and was the product of a design competition among students from LaGuardia Community College.
The original and updated map features the winning artwork from former LaGuardia student Carmen Zhu. Students in the art and humanities department were tasked with creating artwork for a map that highlighted neighborhood landmarks and amenities.
The map artwork was combined with a business directory and advertisements from local Sunnyside businesses, which funded the design and printing costs.
“The Sunnyside map is a great piece to promote the neighborhood,” said Rachel Thieme, executive director of the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District. “I was glad to see how well it was received last year.”
Linda Santini-Tripodis, owner of local business Merit Group Realty, said that she provides a copy of the map to all new residents looking to move into the neighborhood.
“They love the map because it puts all of Sunnyside’s vendors at your fingertips!” Santini-Tripodis said.
