BEECHHURST, LONG ISLAND

The benefits of planning and vigilance

Beechhurst, a part of Whitestone, is one of the top residential areas in Queens. Much of the credit should go to the Shore Acres Realty Company that was given this area of over 100 acres to develop ideal housing over 100 years ago. The developers went about their work in exemplary manner and created a zone that was liked by the rich and famous soon after it became ready for residence.

Though some manufacturing made its way to Whitestone, Beechhurst was careful to tend to its natural wealth from the dawn of urbanization in the area. The word 'hurst' means 'grove' in German and the very name of this neighborhood celebrates its rich inventory of graceful beech trees. Beechhurst residents can be proud of their green environment in the midst of the urban convenience of Queens.

The Shore Acres Realty Company laid careful plans for the judicious and balanced development of land placed in their care. They fixed the ideal plot size as one quarter of an acre-the entire complex is of over 100 acres-and this allowed for homes with generous space and yards to come up in unison. Interior home design in the Beechhurst tradition has always been a matter of architectural admiration. It is amongst the best examples of space utilization in Queens.

Beechhurst attracted wealthy people and celebrities and the neighborhood responded to their needs with some luxurious and secluded estates by the waterfront. Arthur Hammerstein led a legion of Performing and Fine Artists to reside in the area. Though the Hammerstein home became the victim of neglect in the late 1980s, and was even the scene of suspected arson, local bodies are now seized of the need to preserve this important piece of history.

The decay of the Hammerstein residence may have jolted residents in to strict vigilance, for they are now careful to build on the best features of their locality. They successfully opposed the attempting opening of a topless bar in the neighborhood. Tony's Deli on 154th street, on the other hand, has made a name far and wide for its fresh bakes and extraordinarily friendly service. Beechhurst value is now improved in step-wise manner through broad-based participation in policy decisions. The future appears bright and Beechhurst is set to look after its assets better in the future. The Powells Cove Boulevard, which has fallen in to disrepair, could be an example of the near-term priorities that will engage the people and the local authorities.

Beechhurst is not dogmatic in its approach to development and keeps pace with changing trends. Tall apartment blocks have joined the rows of individual homes ever since the 1960s. This has added to the type of accommodation available, and consequently to the diversity of folk who live here. It has also helped the cause of zoning by easing the pressure on space as demand for realty in Queens grows.

The median household income in this area is almost $ 60 thousand that is almost 50% higher than the national average. The Holy Greek School and the Holy Trinity School lead an array of adequate educational facilities in and around Beechhurst. Shopping, recreation and entertainment are within convenient reach and the commute to downtown takes less than an hour, with subway and bus options. Studios are available at around $ 700, though 2-bedroom homes can cost up to $ 2 thousand a month.