Architecture

Show Some Architectural Love With a 'Heart Bombing' at the East New York LIRR Substation

Get crafty and show off your passion for the history of East New York by joining a group of local activists as they raise awareness about the neighborhood’s neglected LIRR Substation No. 2.

Photo by Zulmilena Then

by Susan De Vries

03/10/2023 2 minute 0

Get crafty and show off your passion for the history of East New York by joining a group of local activists as they raise awareness about the neighborhood’s empty and neglected LIRR Substation No. 2. The light-hearted event on March 18 includes time for creating paper hearts and love letters, community conversation, and then a walk to the station to adorn it with signs of affection.

Preserving East New York (PENY), which has previously hosted a “heart bombing” event for the Empire State Dairy, is joined this year by a number of local partners, including Coalition for Community Advancement, East Brooklyn Mutual Aid, East New York Archives, East New York Community Land Trust, Grow Brownsville, and Universe City.

The red brick building at 2 Snediker Avenue was completed in time for the July 1905 launch of electric trains service on the Long Island Railroad. It was one of five substations constructed between 1904 and 1905 for the new service, including another in Brooklyn at 1020 Atlantic Avenue.

The crafting and conversation will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 18 at Universe City at 234 Glenmore Avenue. The resulting heartfelt creative messages will be walked to the substation for a photo-op from 2 to 3 p.m. The event is free. Find out more here.