True to its name, Edgemere really is next to the waters of the Atlantic, as a part of the Rockaway peninsula. It was established as a resort at the start of the 20th century. The neighborhood is now the focus of an integrated development plan, after decades of neglect and decay. There is renewed hope and expectation that it will regain prime status as one of the best neighborhoods in the Queens of tomorrow. A territory with such expansive assets and so close to the heart of New York should do much better for itself.

Edgemere Park with tennis courts is one of the few public facilities that function to a reasonable standard in the current scene. The Rockaway Care Center on 48th Street offers basic medical services and has over 200 beds. However, there is little else to commend Edgemere Park, once hailed as a kind of Venice. It is now a motley collection of low income families forced to live in conditions that do no justice to Queens.

Edgemere Park, as much of the rest of the Rockaway peninsula, has the natural assets to be at the vanguard of the showpieces of Queens. The area could well compete with its wealthy neighbor, Nassau. Indeed there was a time, about 100 years ago, when comfortable dwellings on the waterfront held much promise for the future. Many New Yorkers would come here every summer. It is not clear why the entire area has been ignored for so long, but it appears that things are on the mend.

New York has set up an elaborate organization to plan a new tomorrow for Edgemere. Significant resources and expertise have been sunk to prepare a systematic approach for the complex and large task on hand. Implementation is underway and people can expect rapid changes in the short-term.

The new development project started with a survey of residents to find out their recreation, shopping and related needs. This has ensured high public participation in the planning effort. The new town that will emerge soon will incorporate the key improvements and features that the public would like to have. Edgemere is part of Community District 14 in Queens. Planners have decided to reduce the number of residents and dwelling units by offering relocation benefits. This will reduce congestion in the area and release space for public services. Private investors are invited to join public bodies in investing funds for the fresh construction of a new Edgemere.

Edgemere is slated to become a pleasant, safe and hygienic town with modern facilities to match the best international standards. It will exceed the best days it has seen so far, when it was first developed. Available space will be used judiciously without exceeding capacity and road and street lay-out will provide for smooth flow of traffic. Detailed operational plans have been drawn up to ensure adequate coordination. Public utilities will be comprehensive so that residents can find all routine and emergency services within the boundaries of the locality.