Owing to the rapid development of two subdistricts in Long Island City, Court Square and Queens Plaza, The Court Square Civic Association was formed (in December 2016) by new and old residents to advocate for holistic development. Court Square is an industrial and commercial area in Long Island City (stretching from 23rd Street & Ely Avenue to Jackson Avenue and 21st Street.
“I wanted to create something that just lets people voice their opinions or complaints, but also creates a sense of community,” said the president and founder of the Court Quare Civic Association – Amadeo Plaza.
It has been an attempt to create a small-town feel in the Court Square area. “I wanted to create something that just lets people voice their opinions or complaints, but also creates a sense of community,” Plaza said. The Court Square Civic Summer Bloc Party is one such event to give people a reason to stay in the neighbourhood and take advantage of everything the area has to offer.
Having dozens of artist studios, and world-class cultural institutions, Court Square acts as the epicentre of the LIC arts scene. Court Square has given birth to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Right from ‘The Beast Next Door, Court Square Diner, Softbite- Brunch & Souffle Pancakes (fluffy soufflé-style pancakes, originating from Japan), Don Panchito, Levante, Blend on the Water, Vista Sky Lounge to many other popular joints to visit!
Besides, Plaza added that many residents leave their buildings only to go to the train. “Each neighbourhood is like its own community within a community,” he said.
An event that took place on the 18th of June, 2023- Father’s Day, it was also the 4th annual Court Square LIC Summer Bloc Party. The festival was full of music, food and fun. There were puppet shows, a full assortment of different live bands, and delicious food and refreshments from M. Wells and IndieLIC! From 12 Noon to 7 PM, the entrance was absolutely free! Some of the hallmarks of the Bloc Party were The Museum of Interesting Things & a Book Swap by Friends of Court Square Library and Live music featuring NYC’s best folk, rock, and jazz bands.
