MAPLETON, LONG ISLAND

Brooklyn in transition

The history and evolution of the eastern seaboard of the United States has been recorded in remarkable detail. It is a record of cataclysmic change, with the withdrawal of glaciers after the last ice age and the displacement of Native Indians by settlers from Europe being the two major changes of epochal significance. The 20th century development of pockets such as Brooklyn has built foundations for stability that the continent has not witnessed in the distant past. However change itself has not been eliminated, though it is now fashioned in more orderly, gradual and peaceful manner.

Brooklyn is like a lighthouse with a powerful light and Fresnel lens at the end of an Ocean of poorer countries with fewer opportunities for ordinary people and scant freedom to boot. Immigrants from such places come to the bosom of Brooklyn in eager droves. Many of them have deep roots in culture, music and cuisine.

Most Boroughs have responded to the situation with admirable foresight and wisdom. They succeed in overseeing the immigrant influx in a manner that never forces ethnic groups to abandon their genius. They are also firm in enforcing zoning, the law and standards in all fields of endeavor, so that the quality of life and quintessential American values remain undiluted. 21st century and future change will be benign, continuing and in the best interests of all sections of society. These conclusions can be drawn from the street experience of Mapleton of today.

Mapleton lies between Dahill Road and Sixteenth Avenue on the east-west axis and between 57th and 65th Streets in length. It was developed at the turn of the 20th century. It belonged to the agricultural community of New Utrecht until the Rail Road spurred change and the construction of residences in the locality. It is populated by people from Asia and the Middle East, apart from erstwhile Eastern Europe. Its streets are lined by strings of small family-run stores that sell a variety of merchandise. There are quite a few small eateries and places to pick up a hot snack. The site of the Mapleton Theatre at the junction of 65th Street and 18th Avenue now houses a retail bank and some shops.

P. S. 48 in Mapleton has over 600 students from Kindergarten to Grade 5. The Brooklyn Public Library has a branch in Mapleton. It has been updated and renovated of late and now features wireless Internet amongst its many facilities. Its multi-lingual resources include Bangla, Albanian, Hungarian and Hebrew. Young Israel is present in Mapleton and the Kiwanis have a Club here. Mapleton has a Family Health Center that functions under the New York Methodist Hospital. Babies of parents without Insurance and less than a year old can get free care at this Center. Mapleton also has an Adult and Family Treatment Branch of the South Beach Psychiatric Center, for services related to Mental Health.

The legal services firm of Weinstein, Chayt & Chase is on Court Street. It is one of the leading firms of attorneys and legal experts in Mapleton. They specialize in accident cases and offer free information to people who may be injured or suffer from any of the after-effects of any kind of mishap. They accept Medical Malpractice cases as well.

Small homes for single families are most common in Mapleton. The neighborhood also offers good value for offices on rent. Commuting is convenient in Mapleton with excellent subway and bus line connections to downtown Manhattan. It remains a marvelous example of Brooklyn society and a demonstration of peaceful and productive transition to a better future.