May 17, 2018 By Nathaly Pesantez

A Brooklyn-based design and architecture firm has put forth a concept for a floating pedestrian bridge and beautified corridor between Greenpoint and Long Island City.

The project, called the “Longpoint Corridor” and selected as a finalist for this year’s NYCxDESIGN award, seeks to provide a small but significant commuting solution between the two neighborhoods over Newtown Creek and revitalize underused areas at each end of the proposed bridge.

Creme / Jun Aizaki Architecture and Design, the firm behind the concept, imagines a bridge made of timber connecting the existing Manhattan Avenue Park to Vernon Boulevard just below 54th Avenue, near the existing Pulaski Bridge.

The “Longpoint Bridge”, outfitted with triangles peaks, would accommodate cyclists and those on foot, and can split apart to let barges pass. The bridge would be built high enough, however, to allow for small vessels like canoes to pass through underneath.

The firm says the bridge’s installation and design is inexpensive, and would require minimal repairs over time. The connection, in addition, echoes the old Vernon Avenue Bridge, which was demolished in 1954 to make way for the Pulaski Bridge.

On either end of the bridge, the firm conceptualizes revitalized “landings” in the form of open spaces with greenery, bike stands, and beyond. The “Manhattan landing”, for example, could become a “buzzing micro-district” or a daily retreat for all.

On the Long Island City side, renderings show an open space expanding to Vernon Boulevard complete with trees, benches, and a wooden boardwalk.

“With so many new residential buildings popping up in LIC and Hunter Point, it makes logistical sense to have a walking and biking path along the creek to give access to public transportation,” the firm said.

After the open space on Vernon Boulevard, a pedestrian bridge going over the LIRR tracks is also proposed, which would connect the “corridor” to Borden Avenue and complete the project.

The project is estimated to cost $32 million to build out over two years.

In addition, the design firm will be launching a kickstarter page for their proposal tonight, with a goal of raising $50,000 in 30 days towards research and a feasibility study of the project.

To learn more about the project, visit its website here.