I spent the afternoon in Queens for a feature on the changing face of Howard Beach. The area’s commercial strip is primarily occupied by a number of small businesses along with a smattering of newer franchised stores. Howard Beach possesses a suburban, ‘old New York’ quality that seems to be quickly fading between gentrification and the slow corporate takeover of New York neighborhoods. The multimillion dollar Resorts World Casino will be completed in Fall 2011 and will share real estate with Aqueduct Racetrack only a few suburban blocks from the heart of Howard Beach. Resorts World will inevitably encourage tourism and promote new business which could create a potential shift in the area’s business culture and neighborhood dynamics.
PETCO exterior.
Nick Beneduce, 39 of Howard Beach received a tattoo from Alex Yonta at Crossbay Tattoo. Mr. Beneduce’s tattoo was in honor of his son Jonathan who was murdered in Teaneck, NJ in early 2010.
Resorts World Casino administrative offices.
Aqueduct Racetrack entrance.
Rose Presta, 60 of Franklin Square, Queens at Sugar Sun Bake Shop on Crossbay Blvd.
