KNA Deli and LIRR Trestle Murals

The LIRR trestle behind Neufeld’s funeral home parking lot, emptying into 88^th St, has long been a fixture and local haunt in the younger days of longtime residents as a place to meet up, or to ‘settle differences.’ It was dim and foreboding then after sundown, more so after the loss of the LIRR Elmhurst station in January, 1985. The gas station/auto repair business closed after awhile too, leaving the pathway towards and out of the trestle a bit more daunting once dark. In recent times, the space outside the then grocery became a den of vice, with daily drinkers and weed smokers congregating beneath a makeshift canopy held by ropes connected to the parking lot fence, this roving band, and their illicit activities a scourge to traverse and maneuver through, in what seemed a never-ending stain that befell the community despite countless complaints to be rid this daily/nightly nuisance. Prayers were answered when new owner Enrique Poveda and his wife arrived less than two years ago, determined to create their new business, KNA Deli and Grocery, as a community friendly, clean, and respectable space. Within months, at any time of day, the sidewalk proved spotless, the LIRR wall painted over regularly of graffiti, the exterior free of any debris, and inside the store, one found organized shelves with easy access for all necessities, and a food café station featuring a list of popular sandwiches. Over time, Poveda bolstered the back fence, clearing it of mounds of litter and detritus decorating it over with a leafy look, adding additional lighting, and otherwise presenting to the community an immaculate look, never before seen at this location. The only thing missing Poveda mused was an actual organized art display, something the community could take pride in.

Enter City Mission: A 5013c nonprofit that boasts an army of young volunteers, many from two area churches, City Mission has done street cleanups, food pantries, park activities, and student supply giveaways. In addition, last year, they covered the full length of the LIRR’s wall along Whitney Ave with colorful murals with inspiring quotes. Now, after conferring with Mr. Poveda from KNA, they have tackled both sides of the trestle, as well as the interior with a bright cheery Pokemon inspired set of murals. The mural painting has also extended to Broadway, North and South side beneath the LIRR overpass between Whitney and Barnwell Aves. Lester Lin of City Mission said, “One of our core initiatives is City Positive Youth (CPY) – a summer program and school-year club that empowers local teens to identify neighborhood challenges, express creativity, and grow in emotional intelligence. This year, our CPY youth highlighted the LIRR trestle-known to them as the “Elm Bridge” – as a space that felt unsafe. The tunnel was dark, cluttered with garbage, and often occupied by individuals who made young people feel uneasy, especially as they passed through on their way to the park, or Corona or Whitney Avenues.” Lin continued, “Thanks to Enrique, owner of KNA Deli, who took initiative to clean the area and install solar-powered lights, a transformation had already begun. Our youth wanted to continue that momentum by bringing art and joy to the space. They chose the theme “Pokemon in the Garden”- something playful and culturally inclusive, a reflection of Elmhurst’s diversity and a warm welcome to families walking their children home.” Lin described in detail the process involved in planning the murals, including those under the Broadway Underpass, and the collaborations involved. He then elaborated, “So, our murals are not just art. They are emotional care. A brighter sidewalk signals safety. A mural can ease the walk home from work. It lifts spirits. It communicates: You matter. This place matters…These murals may get tagged up-and they probably will-but you can trust they’ll be repainted again and again by locals who care deeply.”

“A long time ago, I explained the situation,” said Poveda, as we sat outside on the stools of the KNA Café space. “If you put nice things here, people will relax and feel comfortable. The children now come to take a picture and smile. You can see the smiles on their faces and read it in their eyes. People work hard, and have to be on the street, now they visit and come back. The look is important for people’s safety and comfort.” Poveda said since KNA’s sidewalk path has transformed, and now the murals, people have visited from other areas through word of mouth. “The park (Veteran’s Grove) and us are here together,” he continued. “If you add goodness, all kinds of people come to visit, notice, and say thanks. All people come together and can get involved.”

John McGarry, a familiar voice, who frequently comments on happenings within Western Queens, also came by to get his impression, “I think the murals are important because it shows that the community can work together to create a nicer living environment for all; that the impulse to do good is greater than the impulse of those who wish to destroy. Community projects ARE important precisely because we ARE a community, not just a bunch of people with disparate lives. We have common interests in improving the place we live in.”