DEFINING THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, NY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE
2.3 million people. As many as 138 languages spoken here. Over 125 different neighborhoods.
Southwestern Queens: Howard Beach
Howard Beach is a middle class primarily Italian neighborhood in Southwestern Queens. Howard Beach was established in the 1890’s by William J. Howard, a Brooklyn glove manufacturer as a goat farm. He formed the Howard Estates Development Company in 1909, and by 1914 Howard transformed the farm into a small neighborhood by laying out streets, water & gas mains and built 35 houses. Today Howard Beach consists of many small sub neighborhoods.
Pictured is New Park Pizza located on Cross Bay Blvd. New Park Pizza has been operating since 1956 and is regarded as one of the best pizzerias in Queens.
On December 20th, 1986 Michael Griffith a black teen, had just left New Park Pizza with friends when he was attacked by a group of white teenagers and chased onto the Belt Parkway where he was struck and killed by a car. African American Congressman Hakeem Jeffries currently represents the Howard Beach section west of 104th Street.
The History section is in collaboration with Steve Vazquez of Queenscapes.