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The HOle - Queens - NYC

I’ve only just completed my explorations of The Hole, Queens. I will be processing the photos and creating a video in the near future, so please keep checking the Updates page and my YouTube channel!

On the western edge of Queens is a neighborhood called “The Hole.” To its north is Ozone Park and Lindenwood is to the south. To the west, across the Brooklyn border is East New York.

The Hole slideshow:

The Neighborhood

The Hole is so-named because it rests in an area seemingly lost between Brooklyn and Queens. A triangular-shaped area, its borders are Conduit Boulevard to the northwest, Linden Boulevard to the south and Ruby Street to the west.

At 30 feet below-grade, this literal hole on the Brooklyn-Queens border feels like a place that time has forgotten - or, perhaps more accurately, a place that time wanted to forget. The streets are eternally flooded, muddy, and - perhaps even with overflowing refuse from septic tanks and cesspools due to the fact that none of the area is connected to New York City’s sewer system. The area is a literal dumping ground - of vehicles, trash, the detritus of city life … and even victims of former mob violence.

The whole neighborhood feels like a movie set - or some overblown attempt at schlock horror. And yet, its streets are quiet and eerie. Peaceful, even, on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

And for those that live there … that is its appeal.

The Hole, located on the border of Brooklyn and Queens, is a unique and lesser-known neighborhood with a distinct character. Often referred to as a hidden gem, The Hole stands out for its vast open spaces, sparse population, and a rural atmosphere that contrasts with the surrounding urban landscape. The neighborhood is named after a marshy depression that was once present in the area. It is primarily a residential area, characterized by a mix of single-family homes, vacant lots, and stretches of undeveloped land. Despite its proximity to the bustling city, The Hole maintains a sense of seclusion and tranquility. However, the neighborhood has faced challenges such as lack of infrastructure and limited public services, leading to a slower pace of development compared to other parts of Brooklyn and Queens. The Hole remains a curiosity for explorers seeking a glimpse into an off-the-beaten-path corner of New York City, showcasing a rural charm within an urban metropolis.

The neighborhood of The Hole in Brooklyn and Queens is believed to have derived its name from a marshy depression that once existed in the area. The low-lying topography of the region, with its wetlands and boggy terrain, resembled a hole or hollow. This geographical feature likely led to the adoption of the name "The Hole" to describe the neighborhood. Over time, the name stuck and became associated with the area. While the exact origins and history behind the name may have been lost or forgotten, it remains a distinctive identifier for this unique neighborhood on the border of Brooklyn and Queens.

The neighborhood of The Hole in Brooklyn and Queens has a fascinating history that reflects its unique character. Originally, the area was characterized by its marshy landscape and wetlands, earning it the name "The Hole." In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the neighborhood saw an influx of European immigrants, particularly from Ireland and Germany, who settled in the region and began to establish homes and farms. Over time, The Hole transformed into an agricultural community, with residents engaging in farming, poultry raising, and dairy production.

In the mid-20th century, the construction of the Belt Parkway and the expansion of nearby John F. Kennedy International Airport resulted in significant changes for the neighborhood. Large tracts of land were acquired for infrastructure development, displacing some of the original residents. The creation of the Gateway National Recreation Area also had an impact on the area, as it resulted in the acquisition of land for recreational purposes.

Due to the unique geography and limited access to public services, The Hole faced challenges in terms of infrastructure and amenities. The lack of sewer systems and other basic utilities hindered its development compared to surrounding neighborhoods. As a result, the area has maintained a more rural character, with large open spaces and undeveloped lots still present.

Today, The Hole remains a relatively secluded neighborhood, known for its vast stretches of vacant land and sparse population. While its history and specific details may be lesser-known, The Hole stands as a distinctive pocket within the urban landscape of Brooklyn and Queens, reflecting a blend of agricultural roots, infrastructure changes, and a slower pace of development.

Highlight Gallery

Click here for ALL Photos From The Hole:

All photography provided by Samuel Walters