 The intensive reconstruction engulfing
the Long Island Expressway at the Cross Island Parkway interchange
and points to its east have spread to East Hampton Boulevard
like the encroaching blight of a spreading slum on neighboring
blocks.The original 1950s era overpass facade above is now little more than a Hollywood studio false front. The back of its head, so to speak, on what ought to be its western side, has been demolished already, as seen below. To the right, the land sloping down to the westbound LIE is partially defoliated. It was once lush and leafy, indeed an official part of neighboring Alley Pond Park, through which both the LIE and Cross Island Parkway were plowed in earlier, less conservatory decades. A small stretch of that park, unseen to the left of this scene, was still open to the public until a few months ago, but the construction taking place at the Cross Island is too intense to permit hikers to get so close anymore. |
| Above, part of the western facade of the East Hampton overpass, now a disembodied fossil awaiting final execution. The dirt in the foreground was once the southbound asphalt of East Hampton. All shot June 9th, 2001. |
© 2001, Jeff Saltzman. All rights reserved.
