Monterey Public Garden–Is it Truly a Public Garden?

Posted on March 31, 2017April 24, 2017 by Nicole Rojas

Front View of the public garden. Credit: Nicole Rojas

Monterey Public Garden, located on East 96th Street and between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue, is a very neat, aesthetically pleasing garden placed in between two apartment buildings and in front of an elementary school and playground. The main purpose of a public garden is to encourage all types of people to come in and enjoy the scenery–does Monterey Public Garden succeed in promoting this atmosphere? Barely.

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Is the Grass Greener on the Other Side of East Harlem?

Posted on March 31, 2017April 24, 2017 by dmoore

Restroom facilities at Thomas Jefferson Park with directions in English and Spanish on 3/29/2017 at 4PM. (Credit: Demi Moore)

Though a decently short train ride away from what I have grown to call home, East Harlem sits just outside my vision of the geospatial landscape that is Manhattan. I have been able to realize, that there is so much left to learn when it comes to observing the limited amount of green spaces in New York City. It was at the George Washington Carver NYCHA Houses and Thomas Jefferson Park that I came to terms with what it means to be more spatially aware and cognizant of how greatly levels of interaction amongst individuals and the environment can differ.

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An Underused POPS

Posted on March 31, 2017March 31, 2017 by Julia Aneiro

The Monterey Public Garden
PC: Julia Aneiro

The Monterey Public Garden is a privately-owned public space (POPS) located on the north side of East 96th street alongside its namesake, the Monterey Luxury Apartment complex. POPS found their start after the 1961 Zoning Resolution, which provided certain incentives to real estate developers who provided public space within their developments. POPS are a telltale sign of high-density real estate development, but who is – or isn’t – using these spaces?

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Welcome to the George Washington Houses by Erica Fu

Posted on March 31, 2017April 24, 2017 by Erica Fu

On March 8 and March 11, I observed the George Washington NYCHA Houses on 97th-99th streets. March 8 was a warm school day, whereas March 11 was a freezing Saturday. With my observations, I conclude that the site is safe, community-friendly, and spacious; however, in order to utilize the houses’ open spaces in a better way,[…]

Cherry Tree Park and Playground: A Space for the Artists and Children of the Community

Posted on March 30, 2017March 31, 2017 by Omotayo Ikuomenisan

Situated between several public housing projects, Cherry Tree Park and Playground is a practical and enjoyable space for the residents of East Harlem. Cherry Tree Playground is located at East 99th Street and 3rd Avenue in East Harlem. It has three basketball courts and a handball court. A giant mural looms over the courts. The[…]

Child’s Play in Samuel Seabury Playground

Posted on March 30, 2017March 30, 2017 by Samantha Manners

Samuel Seabury Playground, entrance located on Lexington between 95th and 96th, is a popular public space for residents and their children. Next to PS 77, the 6 train, residential buildings, and some retail it is a highly trafficked place for the neighborhood’s children, the elderly, and adults looking for a place to sit and enjoy the bustle.[…]

Thomas Jefferson Park: A Park for the People and Puppies of East Harlem by Monica Huzinec

Posted on March 30, 2017April 24, 2017 by monicahuzinec

The 111th Street Entrance of Thomas Jefferson Park (Credit: Monica Huzinec)

East Harlem is filled with many places for people in the community to come together. Whether they be parks or restaurants, each place has a significant impact on the community and those living within it. Thomas Jefferson Park is one of these examples. Nestled along the East River between 111^th and 114^th street, East Harlem residents of all ages, genders, and ethnicities (as well as their puppies) all have a place to meet for a stroll, a swim, or an afternoon of sports.

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