The Sunnyside Arch (via Sunnyside Shines)
Dec. 28, 2015 Staff Report
Sunnyside underwent a great deal of change in 2015, with the loss of some old-time establishments to the opening of several vibrant new businesses.
The year, however, was also marked by development.
A nine-story building was completed at 41-18 43rd Street in August and another nine-story building finished recently at 41-28 44th Street. The building on Greenpoint and 48th Street where King Boulevard was located has been demolished, making way for a four-story mixed use building.
Demolition papers have been filed for 39-11 to 39-19 Queens Blvd, where Xio Lounge was located, as well as 50-11 Queens Boulevard. Furthermore, there is a 10-story, 220-unit development proposed by Phipps to be located at Barnett Avenue (near 52nd Street). Then there is the Center Cinema site that is going to be developed.
Meanwhile, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his goal to build 11,250 affordable units over Sunnyside yards.
Real estate prices continued to climb, according to experts. Local agents claim that one bedroom coops are now selling for about $300,000, with rent for a 1 bedroom reaching $2,100. Sunnyside Gardens houses are now selling above the $1 million mark.
Old-time bars such as PJ Horgan’s, Bliss Street Station and Murphy’s Lobster Grill closed this year, after being in the neighborhood for years. Meanwhile, several new businesses opened such as the SoleLuna Restaurant, Nonna Gina, Chihuahua Mexican Restaurant, Alcove, Zio Luigie, Cemitas, Dumpling & Things, Cool Down Juices and Cross Fit Sunnyside. Bars such as Maggie Mae’s underwent a major revamp, while Bar 43 and El Buen Sabor expanded.
Crime on the whole declined in Sunnyside/Woodside and Long Island City, according to the 108th Police Precinct. However, there was a case of a man being shot dead in Sunnyside outside of Secrets, the Queens Blvd strip club, in November.
Furthermore, some very quirky happenings also took place—from a woman stealing plants outside of Skillman Pets to an angry note placed on a windshield of a car about a parking space.
The following is a list of stories providing an overview of the year.
9 story building nears completion, rent starts at $1935
Maggie Mae’s reopens today after extensive upgrade
