You are reading

LIC Condos Flooded, Historic Crabhouse Destroyed

Nov. 7, 2012 By Bill Parry

The Hunters Point section of Long Island City is slowly getting back to normal after Hurricane Sandy’s flood surge last week—although there are one or two hard-hit spots that have yet to fully come back.

Gantry Plaza State Park, the 12 acre waterfront oasis, is open for visitors, showing few signs of the deluge. However, just two blocks south, the damage was more significant.

Two luxury condominiums, The Powerhouse (2-17 51st Ave.) and The Foundry (2-40 51st Ave.), are drawing power from generators, waiting for Con Edison to turn on the power. Both condos sustained ground-floor flood damage.

“This is the lowest point in Long Island City. The water in the lobby was four feet high,” said Powerhouse resident manager Tom Dushaj.“We’ve repaired all the windows and hopefully we’ll get power in the next few days.”

Con Ed emergency trucks were just down the street from the two buildings. Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, assessing the damage in the neighborhood, said, “Con Ed is here because we raised holy hell with the city. We’ll keep Con Ed’s feet to the fire and assist the businesses so they can get up and running.”

The Waterfront Crab House, which is located nearby, sustained significant damage.

Owner Tony Mazzarella and his son narrowly escaped a six foot storm surge that buckled the floor, flooded the basement, and destroyed the kitchen equipment and much of the sports and cultural memorabilia that hung from the ceilings and every wall.

Anyone who visited the Crab House would remember the iconic bathtub full of peanuts just inside the entrance. It floated away in the flood.

Mazzarella has owned the restaurant for 37 years and revamped it after a terrible fire four years ago.

“Now it’s about dealing with the insurance companies, and even if I have to dip into my savings I’m bringing it back,” the former boxer said, “Four years ago they said the fire did us in and we came back. You tell them all: The Waterfront Crab House got wet, but we didn’t drown.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com

4 Comments

Click for Comments 
Jeffrey [English Customer for years

You will be back ,your one of a kind dont let water or dealing with the Insurance Companies bring you down.[They are aload of Porkers anyway]
Just move forward bigger stronger and rebuild open up and be crazier than ever.

Give my best to Bobby

Just do it

Jeffrey

Reply
Sunny Skies

The Crabhouse is a true LIC gem, and look forward to taking the family back there once the reopening is announced.

Reply
Pat

So sad to see the Crabhouse destroyed. Lots of memories ….
…It will rise again, just like the Phoenix ….

Good luck Tony ……

Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

May races in Queens: JFK Airport 5K, Forest Park trail classic and a Queensborough 5K

May. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The energy of May is on full display across Queens, with a lineup of local races that invite runners of all levels to hit the pavement and the trails. With mild temperatures and sunny skies setting the stage, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the spring weather before the summer heat sets in. From the Forest Park 4 Mile Road and Trail Classic to the festive Great Hawaiian Luau 5K at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, these events offer more than just a workout—they foster community spirit and personal growth. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before lacing up and heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, these May races offer a chance to challenge yourself and connect with others in motion.

Mayor Adams marks one year of ‘Padlock to Protect’ with pizza and progress in Queens

Mayor Eric Adams marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the city’s “Operation Padlock to Protect” initiative at a pizzeria on the Rego Park and Middle Village border on Wednesday and touted the significant progress in shutting down more than 1,400 illegal smoke shops across the five boroughs and seizing more than $95 million in illegal product since last May.

“The city was fed up. We heard it at every town hall. This time last year, there were thousands of illegal smoke shops plaguing our city with unlicensed cannabis endangering our children,” Adams said. “One year later, we are proud to announce that we have turned the tide. Thanks to the tireless efforts by our city’s law enforcement officers, we’ve padlocked thousands of illegal shops and created safer streets for children and families. But we’re not stopping there.”