The MTA's Second Avenue Subway Community Information Center (CIC) is now open.
9/4/13
The new center is located at 1628 Second Avenue between East 84th and East 85th streets.
According to the MTA, the CIC is a place "where visitors can participate in regular programs and activities, view exhibits about the Second Avenue Subway project and, most importantly, access information about the project and bring issues of concern to the attention of project staff."
As example, here's the October schedule of events for the center:
Th. October 17th, 6 p.m.
"What Took So Long?"
CIC Director Laura MacNeil will answer this question in a gallery tour of the current exhibit "History of the Second Avenue Subway."
RSVP required: http://CICgallerytour.eventbrite.com or call the CIC at 646-449-8700.
Th. October 24th, 6 p.m.
"Best of MTA Capital Construction Videos"
Join Second Avenue Subway Senior Project Director Manan Garg at a screening of selected MTACC construction videos where Mr. Garg will provide context and answers relating to construction progress.
RSVP required: http://CICscreening.eventbrite.com or call the CIC.
Earlier this month I stopped by the center to have a look.
9/4/13
At the entrance of the center is a scale model rendering of the future 86th Street station, shown above.
9/4/13
The first exhibit on display is a detailed timeline of the history of New York City’s efforts, going back to 1929, to build the Second Avenue Subway.
I'm told that the orange colored seats are from decommissioned NYC Transit subway cars.
9/4/13
9/4/13
The center also includes a multi-media exhibit where visitors can scroll electronically through the timeline at their own pace to explore archival photos, videos, letters and maps on a widescreen monitor.
9/4/13
A view from the rear of the center, looking towards the street.
9/4/13
A visitor asking questions about the 86th street station model.
9/4/13
Other visitors, asking questions and viewing the displays.
The CIC is currently open Monday to Friday, and the 2nd Saturday of each month, according to the following schedule:
Monday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Noon - 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday: Noon - 8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: On the 2nd Saturday of each month, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
(Note that this schedule is subject to change.)
Last but not least, starting October 1st, visitors to the Community Information Center will be eligible to enter a monthly raffle to win a pair of guaranteed spots on the next month's underground construction tour.
The CIC will remain open until the first phase of the project is complete in December 2016.
Here's a listing of recent additions
to the right-hand column of The Launch Box:
"SAS Community Information Center Opens"
Transit Transit Newsmagazine - September 2013
Video, via YouTube - 9/4/13
(the SAS report starts at 23min, 20sec)
"The 2nd Avenue Subway's Progress"
By Evan Bindelglass
Gothamist - 9/25/13
A nice selection of 28 images of the work taking place in the 86th and 96th Street station caverns and tunnels. Note in particular image number 7, which shows some of rail for the tracks having been delivered.
::
MTA Second Avenue Subway Newsletter
Volume XVII, September 2013
Lex Av/63rd St Station Area
72nd St Station Area
86th St Station Area
96th St Station Area
