East Elmhurst

North Beach

In New York City, change is a constant motion designing and reshaping everything conceivable from the iconic skyline that symbolizes its’ excellence to the catwalks of Bryant park fashion moguls’ that set the trends. Stability is a rare commodity found in any cosmopolitan world city yet it exists and flourishes in the Western Queens community of EastElmhurst. The median time of residency in this quaint neighborhood of mostly one and two family homes is the highest in all of Metropolis at 38 years (Joseph, NY Times). There are valid reasons for this anomaly, first and foremost being that this was one of the initial United States communities that African Americans did not have as much resistance obtaining ownership of a home and take advantage of the American dream they did. The list of star-studded who's who of the black community at one time or another resided in this humble section of Queens. The area along Ditmars Boulevard was once referred to as the "black gold coast" by Walter Reifer.

Latinos/Hispanics

Today, Dominicans are the fastest rising demographic in the greater East Elmhurst region, buying homes from elderly retirees moving out for various reasons or recently passed residents whose families have chosen not to retain ownership. The Hispanic population in East Elmhurst in largely middle class compared to other Latino neighborhoods such as Washington Heights or Spanish Harlem where most of the Hispanics are poor to lower income earning residents. The ethnic make-up of a neighborhood plays into types of business and services a community attracts and supports. Spanish is the most widely spoken language in the Elmhurst/Corona at 68.2% and local businesses have to accommodate the patrons who are looking for Hispanic products and services (City-data, 2011). Brick and mortar establishments must employ bilingual workers in order to better serve the local consumers. It is difficult for local shop and business operators to flourish without being able to communicate and market to these Queens residents in their native tongues. Many grocery, bodegas and supermarkets carry products from Latin America and the Caribbean hoping to supply a demand created by immigrants’ residing here but wanting a reminder of something back home.  Even still East Elmhurst is still considered to be one of the most diverse communities in the city. Yesterday though was very different.

Amusement Park

"North Beach Amusement Park" owned and operated by the Steinway family was a rest and relaxation destination resort. Built in 1886, the area and its amusement park profited into the early 1900s. Unfortunate fates doomed this urban oasis; approximately 10 years after the turn of the century the water had become noticeably polluted and  undesirable to swim in, hurting the overall number of vacationers visiting the resort area. The park operations continued to limp along hoping to resurrect their depreciating asset. To no avail the ultimate killer of the good time escape destination was the "Volstead act" that passed into law 1920; the final nail in the coffin for Gala Amusement Park Company. One year later in 1921 the Park filed for bankruptcy. Visions for a more grandeur park never completely faded. Shortly following the end of the noble experiment in 1933, some considered reopening the amusement park but Mr. Robert Moses was not one of them. Moses claimed the property in the name of progress, wanting to expand on a private flying field that was first referred to as "Glenn H. Curtis Airport" and then later "North Beach Airport". By the time New York City officials began reconstruction an alternate name was chosen and thus "New York Municipal Airport - LaGuardia field" it was christened. In 1953 the NYMA was dropped and "LaGuardia Airport" it became and has remained ever since.

The Patron Saint of Queens

Robert Moses who for all intent and purposes; should be anointed patron saint of the greater Flushing, Corona and East Elmhurst area. Once a landfill of horse manure and coal ashes; Flushing-Meadow-Corona Park (FMC) construction was started 1935 in preparations for the "1939 World's Fair". The parks commissioner trumped the 39’ fair when he paved way for the relocation of the "Brooklyn Dodgers" in the arm twisting contest of the century. Construction of a new stadium adjacent to FMC Park which became "Shea Stadium" first broke ground on October 28th, 1961 was completed and opened April 17th, 1964 in cost a grand total of $28.5 million. Of course this meant that the local community and all other self-loathing sports fans with no expectations had the pleasure of suffering through September meltdowns and the world renowned mediocrity of what was, is and will always be the "New York Mets"; the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks Bob!

The Worlds’ Fair, Amazing Mets, Yankees, Jets, Giants and the Beatles

Five days later in 1964 the world's fair again graced the grounds of North Western Queens FMC Park. It remained open for six months until October 18, 1964 then an additional six months the following spring April 21 - October 1965. The beloved still yet to be Amazing’s finished 53 -109, 13 games behind the next worst National League club the "Houston Colt 45's". In 65' the Metropolitans finished 50 - 112, this time 15 games worse than the second to last National League team the Houston Astros and it’s been downhill ever since minus two Miracles, Great times! Needless to say the stadium created jobs and brought visitors to an area that might not otherwise have generated as much revenue if any, as a sports franchise. There was a time when the New York Jets called Shea their home as did the New York Yankees  for the two seasons of 74’ and 75’. During the those years of renovations at Yankee Stadium and before the Meadowlands completed construction of a football facility the New York Giants called Shea stadium home. The Beatles also headlined the Queens stadium twice in 64’ then again in 66’ and they are considered mythical days in Queens History.  Shea and now Citi field bring in dollars from all over the greater tri-state area and employ many local residents. If the legal battle over the junk yards can be amicably resolved a full gentrification can occur revitalizing an area sorely in need of development and oozing with potential. 

Property Value/ Housing Market

The estimated median sale price of a house or condo in 11369 as of 2010 was $410,000, a very respectable number considering the New York median value of $304,100. The median ages of residents in East Elmhurst is 36.8 years old, one year younger than the New York average of 37.9 years old (City-data, 2011). There are 10,877 households with an average occupancy of 3.32 people per home. 25.82% of the current residents have been living in their home for more than five years; just above the 19% of residents who turn over during that same period. The neighborhood is largely made up of one and two family homes but have a few three and four family homes, totaling 8,655 households. Of these homes consisting of families 4,799 have children. There are still more total households without children 6,076 overall. Owner occupied homes totaled 6,071 leaving 4,805 rental units and 975 vacant dwellings. Those units consist of 1,044 studios, 1,129 one-bedroom units, 1,256 two-bedroom units, 1,545 three-bedroom units and 1,737 four bedroom units (Americantowns.com, 2011).

About God

The makeup of the area can be dissected into many subsidiary categories. Let us begin with theology; the people of East Elmhurst are a faithful bunch to say the least. Within one square mile there are 59 separate places of worship. It is better to choose a parish of God and attend weekly masses, then dare sleep in on a Saturday or Sunday morning when the congregations of these 59 churches come knocking on doors and ringing bells; dressed to the nines ready to exorcise demons if necessary. Holy warriors mandated by the Supreme Being with the responsibilities of spreading the good word 12 hours past the time most heathens are in need of soul saving. This conservative characteristic of the community dictates which type businesses have longevity and are profitable. There is only one liquor store and one strip joint in the 11369 zip code and multiple dry cleaners since church parishioners tend to dress more formal and consume spirits less. Many of the local businesses close before 9pm as opposed to Astoria, a neighboring community where many businesses are open pass 12 midnight, a contrasting living style.

LGA Economic Effect

Being in proximity to LaGuardia Airport, East Elmhurst has seen its’ local economy very much shaped by the approximately 25 airline companies flying in and out of LGA and employing 9,000 people. Overall estimates are 63,000 jobs are created by on and off, directly and indirectly related commerce. $6.1 billion in salaries pouring out of the airport yearly and much of it stays in East Elmhurst. Car rental services and hotels help retain a portion of the dollars locally (Tragale, 2011). As do, restaurants, eateries and housing. Many employees of the LGA like pilots, stewardess’, TSA and the numerous small business operators inside of the terminals rent apartments and own homes in East Elmhurst.

Children's Education

The pre-high school options of East Elmhurst is a mish mash jigsaw puzzle as only one school offers PK-8; P.S. 127 the Aerospace Science magnet school. It is not exactly reassuring to send a child to a "magnet school", in essence meaning this school sucks but we could not defeat the union in court and hold terrible teachers accountable so; we stamped magnet on the name to give the appearance of being proactive and progressive. Louis Armstrong middle school, P.S. 227 serves 1,483 students and teaches grades 5-8 and has an impeccable reputation but only teaches four grades. Enrollment is limited due to the special acceptance application procedures that are required of all potential candidates. For those fortunate to be accepted, Louis Armstrong also has a museum inside of the main building, an invaluable tool in conveying cultural and historical lessons to students without having to leave the premises.  P.S. 148 grades PK-5 have an enrollment of 1,147 students. P.S. 228 are grades PK-2 and only have an enrollment of 394 students. There are private alternatives for those who wish to be taxed twice by the government for education. Our Lady of Fatima teaches PK-8 and has an enrollment of 654. There was also St. Gabriel's religious school of education but local residents could not afford tuition after being so horribly hit in the recent depression which led to the schools announced closing. Infants and toddlers can also enroll in one of the numerous daycares or early learning programs that have a noticeable presence in the neighborhood, if you can afford it. For some odd unexplainable reason a small area of East Elmhurst is zoned to attend schools in Whitestone, Queens. The neighborhood is also void of a high school. A very precarious situation for young adults who most likely do not own vehicles and the nearest train is on Roosevelt Avenue, it's a bit of the walk.

MTA Public Transportation

For those 35% of residents who do not own vehicles have the pleasure of enduring the first grade service of the Mass Transit Authority (MTA). Luckily for the esteemed taxpayers of East Elmhurst the MTA provides the Q19, Q23, Q33, Q47, Q48, Q49, Q60 and the Q72 routes. At first glance it might seem fortunate for such a small neighborhood to be outfitted with so many mass transportation options; that would be great if half of the bus routes did not take a scenic detour through the airport. This inevitably subjects local riders to weaving and maneuvering through utter madness extending their daily travel times. Most of these routes only lead to another bus or a subway stop and someone at the MTA must explain the necessity of the Q49 bus? This route is a complete porker; extend the Q33 to the Marine air terminal and they can dump the Q47 as well. Pardon the digression.

The Bravest and the Finest

New York’s Bravest, Engine 316 is the firehouse serving the good citizens of North Beach alongside the New York’s Finest of 115^th precinct who protect parts of Jackson Heights as well. The nearest hospital is Elmhurst. There is also a local Nursing & Convalescent home in the community right across the street from a homeless shelter and everyone knows how beneficial those are to home values (Just Kidding, 2012). East Elmhurst has the distinction of hosting the Langston Hughes community library and cultural center. The Queens Library is home to an elaborate collection of various literatures and art of the African-American culture. The inscription above the entrance reads

           

"then the hand seeks the other hand to help,

            a community of hands to help-thus

            the dream becomes not one man's dream alone,

            but a community dream......not my dream

            alone, but our dream...”

           

            "Freedoms Plow"

            -Langston Hughes

           

Guest List

Some values never become outdated or old-fashioned. These words ring true through all neighborhoods and Barrios nationwide. The overall attitude and long-term identity of a community is reflected by the individuals who live within it. Hughes was far from the only notable residence who called East Elmhurst home. Satchmo owned a home here along with Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Harry Belafonte; rap stars Kid-n-Play Christopher's Reid/Martin, Tommie Agee, baseball immortals JackieRobinson and Willie Mays resided in this lovely community. Current Queens Borough president Helen Marshall lives here, as well did the legendary civil rights activist Judge William Booth. East Elmhurst’s most controversial and influential resident is none other than Malcolm X whose former residence was at 23-11 97th Street. The corridor was renamed in his honor in 2005 to "Malcolm’s Place" and his home currently provides childcare.

Political Players

East Elmhurst falls within the 35th state senatorial district and are represented by Jose Peralta, who buried Republican Robert Beltrani in a special election landslide. The Albany vacancy was created when Hiram Monserrate was historically booted from power by his legislative peers. The claim by officials in the capital was that his actions during a misdemeanor assault of girlfriend Karla Giraldo; slashing her face with a broken bottle and requiring 20 stitches to close; was damaging to the integrity of the chamber. Whereas; the 27 months he will serve for running a slush fund are common practice and forgivable. Needless to say; State Sen. José Peralta has his hands full. Good Luck Brother! Council woman Julissa Ferreras (D. 21^st district, Corona, East Elmhurst) is filling a seat previously held by Hiram Monserrate. Nuff said! State Assemblyman Jeffrion L. Aubry (D. 35th district, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Corona) is an unknown name to most unless you're a resident of the 35th district; then his name might be recognizable since he has held the seat since he himself won a special election in 1992.

Excuse the Digression

Wow. Did the forefathers really intend for government bureaucracies to be occupied by career politicians? Surely after 20+ years of commendable and honorable service to his constituents, new blood is appropriate. Is limiting terms of public service in any one singular government position unreasonable? It should not take more than 18 years in one position to get your objectives accomplished. East Elmhurst is as well part of the 7^th Congressional District of New York and is represented by Congressman Joseph Crowley. The Queens College graduate has the privilege of serving on the ways and means committee the oldest committee in the House of Representatives. They have jurisdiction over tax measures, trade and tariff laws, Social Security, Medicare, and retirement security.  In short he has been directly involved with all the areas of government that have failed the people of the United State miserably. Remarkably there seems to be no authentic threat to his seat. He has been winning lopsided landslides since 1998.

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Bennett, G. (1941, November 16). City field to expand. Retrieved from http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive

Berger, J. (2005, MARCH 28). they were famous, admired and (finally) welcome. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/28/nyregion/28elmhurst.html?pagewanted=print&position=

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Phi Delta Kappa International. (1983, February). For middle-graders in east elmhurst, 'museum' means school learning center. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.rpa.laguardia.edu:2048/stable/10.2307/20386746

Public School Review. (2011, January 1). East Elmhurst school review. Retrieved from http://www.publicschoolreview.com/town_schools/stateid/NY/townid/13175

Tragale, R. (2011, April 6). 2010 air traffic report. Retrieved from http://www.panynj.gov/airports/pdf-traffic/ATR2010.pdf

ZipCodes. (2010, January 1). 2000/2010 census comparison - zip code 11369. Retrieved from http://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/11369/zip-code-11369-census-comparison.asp