Flushing is one of the neighborhoods that I consider myself to be involved in. Over the years, I saw it evolve from a place where only Asian people go to buy groceries, to a place where people would go to experience authentic Asian cuisine. Two of the most prominent changes that comes to mind in the last 10 years is the construction of Skyview shopping center and Citi Field. Skyview draws many brand names such as Uniqlo, Nikes, and Adidas, as well as countless other Asian cosmetic stores. Citi Field draws in many tourists who are baseball fans, and it is also used as a concert venue (notably Beyonce’s Formation Tour). A lot more food market has opened, providing inexpensive and delicious authentic food for all who goes there.
The negative effects of the successful commercial developments in Flushing are also alarming. This summer as part of my campaigning internship, I visited many apartments in Flushing. Although I never thought of the area as a particularly nice residential area, I was surprised to find out that the rent was much higher than what I would expect. Overcrowding is also a serious issue. Flushing High School is consistently ranked the worst high school in Queens because of overcrowding, and has experienced several principal changes over the years. The 7 train, which has its terminal stop in Flushing, is at its 99% capacity and cannot be improved with its current structure.
At the rapid pace that Flushing is developing, I would argue that it would soon become a more “hip” place.
