Broad Channel, Queens

Broad Channel, Queens is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens. It is located on Raritan Bay and is part of the Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge. The neighborhood is unique in that it is the only populated island in Jamaica Bay.

History

Broad Channel was originally inhabited by the Rockaway Indians before being settled by Europeans in the 17th century. The area was used for oyster farming until the 20th century when it became a popular summer resort. In the 1920s, the city of New York leased the land to residents, and in 1982, the residents were given the opportunity to buy their land.

Geography

Broad Channel is located on a narrow island in Jamaica Bay. The island is approximately 20 blocks long and 4 blocks wide. It is surrounded by several smaller uninhabited islands, which are part of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, Broad Channel had a population of approximately 3,000 people. The majority of residents are of Irish and Italian descent.

Transportation

Broad Channel is served by the MTA New York City Transit's A train, which provides service to Manhattan and Brooklyn. The neighborhood is also served by the Q52 and Q53 bus routes.

Education

Broad Channel is part of the New York City Department of Education's District 27. The neighborhood is served by P.S. 47, a pre-K to 8th grade school.

Recreation

The neighborhood is home to several parks, including the Broad Channel American Park and the Broad Channel Veterans Memorial Park. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, located nearby, offers opportunities for bird watching and hiking.

Notable people

Several notable people have lived in Broad Channel, including actress Patty Duke and musician Artie Shaw.

See also

• List of Queens neighborhoods
• Jamaica Bay
• New York City Department of Education