MALBA, LONG ISLAND

Malba, Long Island

Malba is a neighborhood in borough of Queens, Long Island, New York. It is bounded to the north by the East River, to the east by the Whitestone Expressway, to the south by 15th Avenue, and to the west by 138th Street. The named Malba is derived from the first letters of the surnames of its five founders namely George A. Maycock, Samuel R. Avis, George W. Lewis, Nobel P. Bishop and David R. Alling. The land was acquired in 1883 by William Ziegler, president or the Royal Baking Powder Company; a subsidiary, the Realty Trust Company, developed 163 acres in 1908 for wealthy boaters and fishermen, and in the same year railroad service was extended.

A railroad station on the Whitestone line was added where 11th Avenue sits today. The Champs and Demarests were among Malba’s first families to own homes in Malba. The neighborhood is known as one of the wealthiest communities in Queens. The elevation is 20 feet. The neighborhood is part of Queens Community Board 7.

David Roe was the first known resident of the area who arrived from England in the 1640s. According to Clarence Almon Torrey, in his book “David Roe of Flushing and Some of His Descendants,” Roe probably became a resident of Flushing around 1666. In 1683, he was taxed upon owning 35 acres and thereafter increased his holdings substantially, ultimately acquiring the upland around what was to become Malba. The area was incorporated as part of New York City in 1898. Malba and Beechhurst were not developed until the turn of the century. Malba became the most affluent section, settled by prominent businessmen and professionals. In the 20's Beechurst became a playground for the Broadway set, who were attracted by the easy access of the LIRR and the feeling of escape afforded by the river.

On recent time, Malba is located at the foot of the Whitestone Bridge and 10 miles from midtown Manhattan, is a small residential co-op of 400 homes with manicured lawns and a mix of nationalities. This quiet, green oasis is unique. The population is mostly white such as Italians, Russians, and Greek with only a small minority of Asians living there. There are plenty of mansions styled home that makes the real estate of Malba so elegant and attractive despite of very high price that normally ranges from a million dollars and up. The neighborhood borders Francis Lewis Park, the 17 acre river-front where fishing is still permitted under the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge. The bridge spans the East River. On the Bronx side are the residential communities of Unionport and Schuylerville and connections to the Hutchinson River Parkway, the Bruckner Expressway, and the Cross Bronx Expressway. On the Queens side are the residential communities of Whitestone and Malba and connections to the Cross Island Parkway and the Whitestone Expressway.