Rockaway Locals…You Tell Us! Get Your Voice Heard!

In our feature, reporter, Kami-Leigh Agard scours the streets to get your opinion on current issues facing the peninsula. Your Voice…Your Community…Your Platform

In this special feature, Rockaway Times reporter Kami-Leigh Agard hits the streets to get your opinion on current issues facing the peninsula.

Your Voice…Your Community…Your Platform

March is Irish Heritage Month, and every week this month, The Rockaway Times saluted local Irish Americans; expanding the conversation on how the people of the Emerald Isle have affected Rockaway’s communal fabric. There’s an Irish proverb that reads, “Having somewhere to go is home, having someone to love is family, having both is a blessing.” Each individual we spotlighted—Tom Murphy of Curran’s Superior Meats, Sean Sheridan of The BayHouse and Mark Edwards of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians—all shared that same sentiment. Whether you have a “wee bit of Irish,” or not, at the core of what makes Rockaway, and its residents’, standout is the cherished pride in belonging to a neighborhood family that cares. To conclude our Irish Heritage Month series, three locals share anecdotes about their Rockaway Irish experience.

Broad Channel (BC) is separated from Rockaway by the Cross Bay Bridge. However, besides sharing the same 11693 zip code with Rockaway Beach, the community is very close-knit and proud of their bayside family-oriented community. With no major supermarkets or gas stations nearby, what is it about BC that makes residents proudly declare what RT columnist, Peter Mahon says, “Broad Channel, why would anyone want to live anywhere else? Channelers weigh in:

“In 1982, I moved to 105-00 Dayton Towers West in Rockaway, and from then to now, the Irish community made me feel welcome, and I’m still here, and don’t wanna leave. I’m Italian, and I’ve personally experienced their support and love. One example is when I worked for Leon Locke at The Wave, delivering newspapers to over 80 stores. When I got into the business of selling cars, Leon would let me put classified ads in the newspaper for free. So, because Leon Locke took a liking to me, I really went into the car business. Then when I broke up with my girlfriend, I lived in my car for a few days and was gonna move back to Brooklyn, but Leon got me an apartment at 78-00 Dayton Towers East, and I’ve never looked back since. Also, another friend of mind, God bless his soul, an Irish local who

PATRICIA LABOSSIERE Mom of five Rockaway Beach, NY

JERRY

REA Proprietor, Jerry Rea Affordable Auto Sales of Arverne Rockaway Park, NY

owned the Lightship Restaurant and Tiki Bar, where Burn Fitness and NY Community Bank is now located on Beach 105th and Rockaway Beach Blvd., would let me sell cars out of the parking lot. The Irish in Rockaway are a united community, and really step up when there is a tragedy or need. When my girlfriend and I took custody of her son’s baby, just to show you how beautiful this community is, people gave us clothes and toys. Even The Graybeards handed my girlfriend a check for $2,000 to start the baby’s college fund. A lot of people have helped us spiritually, mentally, physically, financially. You can't find that anywhere, but Rockaway. I remember one night at 9 p.m., I get a text that my then 20-year-old daughter was in Connolly’s. This is how this community looks out. Rockaway is a very unique, rare bird. When local bartender, George Ferguson, passed away, the outpouring of love for that man and his family was unbelievable. The Irish community really cares for the Rockaway family at large. It makes you feel good.”

“I grew up in the Beach 40s with many Irish families living between Beach 43rd and 47th Street. Then, Rockaway felt like a small neighborhood. Everybody knew what block everyone lived on and looked out for each other. We would walk around the neighborhood, knowing that the older ones were looking out for us. In the summer, a lot of outsiders rented summer bungalows, and as kids, we felt proud to live in Rockaway because this is where everyone wanted to be. Many assume that only the Beach 90s had a large Irish community, but Far Rockaway has a lot of Irish history. With Mott Avenue being the main shopping area on the peninsula, there were many Irish pubs including Johnny's on Beach 9th Street, Ye Olde Tavern and O’Gara’s on Mott Avenue, and more. Where I lived in the Beach 40s, there were two pubs within two blocks: Blue Water on Beach 45th Street and Graf’s on Beach 47th. Many of these pubs sponsored youth softball teams. I’m second-generation Irish. All of my grandparents were from Donegal. Like many Irish immigrants, they migrated to Brooklyn. They weren't very welcome, but with hard work, they did what they had to do to survive. For example, my relatives told me a story about my grandmother, who became a widow with two young children when my grandfather died. To make a living to support her children, she made gin in the bathtub. Our families taught us to be resilient, hardworking and independent, regardless of the obstacles. Today I live in the Beach 90s raising my own family. Rockaway has changed, but as the saying goes, ‘Once you get the sand between your toes, you could never leave.’”

RICHIE KNOTT Brother, Knights of Columbus Rockaway Park, NY

“As a young boy growing up in Rockaway, one of my fondest memories was living in Marcell’s Court (currently Bay Towers). Marcell’s Court was a bungalow community that existed until the late 1960s and was located between 98th and 101st Street between the Freeway and

Beach Channel Drive. The Court was mainly an Irish family-oriented cluster of bungalows with most of the families coming from Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan and the Bronx to spend their summers at the beach. A few families, including mine, lived there year-round. As kids, we were fortunate as we had our Rockaway friends and our summer friends. We would play outside from early morning ‘til dusk. While at night, the adults would stroll up the street to Irish Town.”

Sean Fitzgerald

Direct 917-860-6701

Coastalfitz@gmail.com

Ellen May Esposito - Banks

646-209-2744

Licensed

Office: 718-318-5030 coastalrealestateny.com

Mary Beth Meade

Daniel Donahue 917-399-7188 Licensed

We are in search of Two and Three bedroom rental units. We have multiple applicants looking for long-term rentals. Call us if you have available apartments.

We would like to welcome Daniel Donahue to the Coastal team. Daniel brings years of industry knowledge and experience to the table.

The New York State budget will be voted on Next Week. This is the last chance to voice your opinion on the legislative bills that will eliminate single family zoning across the state, legalizing accessory dwelling units and will increase zoning within a half-mile of every train station in the state, greatly increasing density. Assembly Bill A4854A and Senate Bill S4547A. Call and Email the legislative directors for our local politicians.

State Assemblywoman Stacey Pfeffer Amato - Greg Slade

(SladeG@nyassembly.gov), State Assemblyman Khaleel AndersonMonet Schultz (Schultz@nyassembly.gov) and NY Senator James Sanders Jr. - Paul Alexander (Alexande@nysenate.gov **no "r" in Alexander)

New to MarketBroad Channel

Renovated 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, kitchen w/ granite countertops. Bamboo flooring throughout. Walking distance to all.

Offered at $549,000

Ocean One Mint 2 BR, 2 Bath

Condo. Unobstructed ocean views from every room. Laundry in unit.

Private balcony. Offered at $685,000

BELLE HARBOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LEGAL TWO FAMILY

Two Duplex Apartments. Each unit has 3 bedrooms and two full baths, gas fireplaces, laundry. Central Air throughout. Hardwood floors, Electric Vehicle Charge ready. Private driveway.

Offered at $1,348,000

Rockaway ParkLarge Studio.

Top floor with unobstructed views of the bay and Manhattan skyline.

Offered at $220k

Neponsit Home for Sale $1,299M

Photo shy. Call for details!

Brand New on the Market - Mint Belle Harbor Beach Block 60x100

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with an open layout, living room, kitchen, great room plus den. Two driveways, 2 car garage, inground heated pool! This property has gorgeous ocean views $2.1M

Commercial Building on Beach 116 Street

Storefront plus 2 offices. $999K Firm

Belle Harbor – Legal 2 on 60x100 lot

Mint one bedroom apt w top 2 floors 6 bed and 4 baths Needs work! $1.3M

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Building on Beach 116th Street with storefront. Think out of the box – Movie Theatre, Roller Rink. Create something great for the neighborhood!!! $2.8M

Belle Shores – Oceanfront duplex condo with open layout with galley kitchen, one large bedroom (can be made into 2), 2 baths plus large top floor terrace $799K

Rockaway Park - 80x100 - Oversized Legal 3 on beach block 3 bed 2 bath duplex, 2 bedroom 1 bath plus 1 bedroom on top floor Needs work! $1.3M

Call for details

OCEAN VIEWS GALORE / NEPONSIT BEACH BLOCK

Move right in! Great room w/ wbfp, EIK plus den, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, finished basement, in-ground & heated pool & spa, long private driveway, 1 car garage. $2.6M

Apartments for Rent:

• B 126 St. One bedroom walk in, one bath, living room, dining room and heat Inc $2000

� B 125th St. - Mint 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,. w&d. $2900

� Broad Channel - 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, includes heat. $2650

Neponsit Best Block EVER!

Bh Oceanfront

New Exclusive

This charming home features a tremendous front porch for entertaining, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, full unfinished basement. Two car garage, plus parking for 5 cars. Call for appointment. $1.5M

COMING SOON!

Belle Haror - Unique two family on a beach block with spectacular ocean views. Six rooms, 2 baths with terrace over 6 rooms with 2 baths and front porch. Full basement with washer/dryer, large long driveway and garage. $1.450M

Summer Rental

House for RentBeach block $25,000 p/mo

Beautiful renovated Studio

July & August $5,500

BH Upper - Six rooms, 2 bathrooms in a two family house. July & August $11,000

Belle Harbor - One bedroom apt. July & August $6,000

Winter Rentals

Neponsit – Adorable bungalow, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, use of backyard, driveway, parking. $2,800

One family, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, dynamic ocean views from every angle. One of the FEW Oceanfront homes available. Call for appt. Must see $4.650M

Belle Harbor - Beautiful two bedrooms, brand new kitchen and bathroom. Available 5/1 includes seasonal parking. (plus utilities). Mint condition ............................................................................................$2,300

Belle Harbor - 6 rooms, two baths with w&d ............................................................................................$2,900

Rockaway Beach - One bedroom, beach block with laundry ............................................................................................$1,850

Belle Harbor - Beach block, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, two large terraces, w/d, parking. Fully furnished. ............................................................................................$2,850

RENTED

Belle Harbor - Large studio beach block ............................................................................................$1,300

Upper Belle Harbor - Ground level, one bedroom, all new includes w&d, seasonal parking ............................................................................................$2,000

Belle Harbor - Beach block, 6 rooms with ocean views, ............................................................................................$2,650

RENTED

Belle Harbor - 6 rooms, 2 bathrooms. Use of basement and yard ............................................................................................$3,300

Rockaway Park - 2 bedrooms with loft! Unique set up parking included ............................................................................................$2,400

Rockaway Beach - 3 rooms behind a store. ............................................................................................$1800

ROCKAWAY PARK - FREE BUILD

Attention Entrepeneurs! Come bring your ideas to fruition in this 1800 sq. ft. open space with 2

Perfectly sized office space that can be custom designed to fit any business needs! Comes with parking. $2,400 · · · AVAILABLE PROPERTIES FOR SALE · · ·

THURSDAY,

MARCH

Lic.

417 Beach 129th Street • (718) 634-3134 • 217 Beach 116th Street

 OPEN HOUSE 

61-10 Beach Front Road

Sunday, 4/2 . 11am-12:30pm

Spacious 2 BR, 1 bath condo with tiled floors, upgraded kitchen with SS appliances and granite countertops. Fenced in backyard. All appliances included. $439,000



home just one block to the beach in Upper Belle Harbor $16,500 per month or annual rental at $7,000 per month HOUSE RENTAL 217 Beach 116th Street

 OPEN HOUSE 

118 Beach 60th Street (#101)

Sunday, 4/2 . 1-2:30pm

An exceptional beach condo for the most discriminating buyer! Terrific 2 BR apt boasts being the first home from surfer beach and is one of only 2 units with a highly desirable floor plan. $449,000

ROCKAWAY PARK

Fully Renovated

Turn-Key Beautiful Quality craftmanship is the hallmark of this impressive Rockaway Park home with over 2,300 sq.ft of living space. 3BR, 2.5 bath, private parking, fully renovated. $895,000

B. 140: Center hall colonial summer rental w/ 5BR, 4BA, full basement & pool (BF) $25,000

B. 117: 2BR, 1BA seasonal or long term rental in multi family. Inc. all utilities (TC) $3,500

B. 117: First floor 2BR, 1BA seasonal rental in multi family home (TC) . . . . . . . . . . . $3,250

B. 125: 3BR, 2BA apt, HW floors and over-sized terrace with city views (LJ) $2,900

B. 118: Modern 3BR, 1BA apartment with W/D in unit and 1 car parking (ZP) $2,800

B. 96: Beautiful corner 1BR, 1BA apartment with views of Jamaica Bay (CF) $2,426

B. 121: Penthouse 1BR, 1BA w/ ocean & city views. Subject to board interview (BF) . . $2,200

NEW TO MARKET OFFER ACCEPTED

Rockaway Park Ocean Front Building

Spacious studio in an oceanfront building. Priced to sell call today for your private showing. $235,000

B. 121: Spacious 1BR, 1BA unit w/ den/home office. Subject to board interview (BF) . $2,000

Brooklyn: Spacious and bright 1BR, 1BA, with EIK and closet space (TC) $1,900

Brooklyn: 1BR, 1.5BA condo unit in Bergen Beach with SS appliances (TC) . . . . . . . $1,900

B. 96: 1BR, 1BA apartment in elevator building with parking available (CF) $1,813

B. 74: 1BR, 1BA apt with tons of natural light and HW floors (SB) $1,800

B. 118: Studio co-op with sleeping cove and ocean views (NS) $,1700

93: Bright open floorplan 1BR, 1BA apt with HW floors (SB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,657 B. 120: 1BR, 1BA apt with HW floors & W/D in building (SB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,650 · · · AVAILABLE RENTALS · · · · · · AVAILABLE PROPERTIES FOR SALE · · · 6BR, 5.5 BATH - $1,950,000 BELLE HARBOR FULLY REMODELED 4BR, 3 BATH - $1,089,000 ROCKAWAY PARK LEGAL 3 - BEACH BLOCK 6BR, 4 BATH - $1,649,000 NEPONSIT DECEPTIVELY LARGE 4BR, 2 BATH - $1,500,000 NEPONSIT NEW TO MARKET 3BR, 2 BATH - $950,000 ROCKAWAY PARK LEGAL TWO FAMILY JUST RENTED JUST RENTED TWO OPTIONS SEASONAL or MONTHLY Gorgeous fully remodeled 5 BR, 4 bath

OCEANFRONT CONDO

OPEN HOUSE

Seavon Condominium

130 Beach 119 Street, Unit 4A

Sunday, April 2nd, 2023

12:30pm - 2:00pm

Enjoy living at the beach in this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom with ocean front terrace. Direct ocean views, sunny open layout, high-end kitchen, w/d, lots of closets, deeded indoor parking space, storage, pet friendly.

$735K

Call Susan 347-260-3891

BEST BOARDWALK BUILDING

Beach 120's

One Bedroom, Oceanfront Boardwalk

Coop. This open, bright, & spacious one bedroom coop, offers a beautiful living room and dining room layout, newly renovated kitchen, s/s appliances, granite countertop, hardwood floors. There are rental options, security entrance system. No pets. Asking $340K. Call Susan 347 260 3891

New Exclusive

Belle Harbor – One family with 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. eat in kitchen, dining area, wood burning fireplace, basement great size rooms, hard wood floors, deck, yard w/ patio area, garage. One block to beach $975,000

Call Susan 347-260-3891

BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT STUDIO COOP

IN CONTRACT $225,000

Call Bronagh 718-877-6324