Story by Thomas Caramanno Ask any Astoria natives about their experience growing up in the area and they will most likely evoke images of a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood. They talk of mom and pop drug and hardware stores, tree-lined blocks where residents knew each other by first name, an ethnic haven for Greek and Italian families, and a neighborhood brimming with the close-knit qualities of a small town, housed within one of the largest metropolises of the world. Over the past two decades, Astoria has become a hub for young professionals and urbanites, drawn to the area for its proximity to the city, less expensive housing (when compared to Manhattan), effervescent night life, and eclectic restaurants and cafes. As the neighborhood gentrified over the years, many native Astorians left, moving to suburban areas for the promise of bigger space, arguably better public schools, and more affordable housing. Yet, many have remained, devoted to a place that they have called home for most of their lives while attempting to hold onto the sense of solidarity and community that they once knew. “You used to know your neighbor. Now, you don’t’ know who he is,” lamented Gustavo Hernandez. Gustavo, owner of H2 Environmental Pest Management on Astoria Boulevard, was born and raised in the area. He took over his father’s business 13 years ago and still lives in Astoria with his wife and two young children. Currently, he is looking for a home on Long Island due to the unaffordable housing market in Astoria, and the dramatic increase in the cost of living here. This, he feels, is a problem that has become all too pervasive. “People from Astoria can’t afford Astoria anymore and can’t enjoy it,” he explained. Gustavo went on to describe friends who have moved to areas like Maspeth or Ridgewood for their more affordable rents. This sentiment was also shared by Stephanie Gordon, a homemaker who spent nearly all of her life in Astoria. She resides with her husband and two children on 21st Avenue, near Ditmars and Steinway Street. Stephanie expressed concern over Astoria’s crowded living conditions, in which multiple people cram into a single apartment, and also described the inconvenience of having to travel outside of the neighborhood for basic necessities. “For the rent that people are being charged, we lack so much and you have to go everywhere else to get what you need. Astoria had everything at one point,; there were shoe stores, clothing stores, furriers, all different kinds of bakeries.” 10 | BOROMAG.COM | JUNE 2015 Although some residents find fault with its high rents and limited retail options, others welcome the effects of Astoria’s transformation with open arms. “The food and culture has boomed within the last few years, which is awesome,” raved Elizabeth Carlsen, an actress who has lived on Upper Ditmars since birth. She also noted the wider availability of health food stores as an added benefit, as well as the rising bar and club scene, which deters her from having “to travel far for a night out with the girls.” TSome residents say that the growing diversity of the neighborhood was implicated ais yet another advantage of Astoria’s recent transition. Eva Pikramenos, who grew up just a few blocks away from Astoria Park, feels the influx of various ethnic groups and people has invigorated the area. “The different cultures all around you shown in the stores, the hundreds of restaurants… I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.,” she said. Eva also pointed out that many young families are inhabiting Astoria, creating a foundation for future generations. While natives may differ in their views of their town’s revitalization, nearly all of them can agree that Astoria still houses some well -hidden gems that its newcomers may not be privy to. Gustavo listed Alba’s Pizza on Ditmars and Angelo and Son’s Bakery on Astoria Boulevard as staples of the neighborhood. Pizzerias and other eateries were indeed popular choices, as Stephanie discussed her affinity for Rose and Joe’s Pizza off 31st and Ditmars and Piccola Venezia restaurant on 28th Avenue. Elizabeth cited Jackson Hole Diner on Astoria Boulevard as one of her favorites, though she wistfully bemoaned the neutral accents of the servers. “People with heavy accents used to serve me ten10 years ago, but that ‘New Yawk’ twang is growing silent.” As they reminisce and ponder their neighborhood’s evolution, these Astorians share vastly different views of its future trajectory. “Everything is so transient,” said Stephanie, who felt many of Astoria’s young urbanites lived here as a steppingstone into Manhattan. Others, like Elizabeth, were more optimistic, and at the end of the day remained grateful to live in a thriving locale. “Astoria is the backyard for the most extraordinary city on this planet… f,” she said. “From here, the Manhattan skyline can almost fit in your hand.” explore your boro —Our Own— Backyard
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