City Island, Bronx

City Island

Looking southwest at marina and distant Throgs Neck Bridge
Location of City Island in the Bronx, which is in red
Geography
Location	Long Island Sound
Coordinates	40°50′51″N 73°47′11″W / 40.84758°N 73.786476°W / 40.84758; -73.786476
Archipelago	The Pelham Islands
Area	0.39505 sq mi (1.0232 km2)
Length	1.5 mi (2.4 km)
Width	0.5 mi (0.8 km)
Country
United States
State	New York
City	New York City
Borough	Bronx
Demographics
Population	4,387[1] (as of 2010)
Density	11,441.6 /sq mi (4,417.63 /km2)

City Island is a small island and a neighborhood approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long^[2] by 0.5 miles (0.80 km) wide. At one time it was incorporated within the boundaries of Pelham, Westchester County, but it is now part of the New York City borough of the Bronx. As of the 2010 census the island had a population of 4,362.^[2][3] Its land area is 1.023 km² (0.395 sq mi, or 252.835 acres). The island is part of Bronx Community Board 10.

City Island is located at the extreme western end of Long Island Sound,^[2] south of Pelham Bay and east of Eastchester Bay. The body of water between City Island and the even smaller (and uninhabited) Hart Island to the east is known as City Island Harbor. The small island adjacent to the northeast is High Island. The Stepping Stones Light, marking the main shipping channel into New York, is off the southern tip of the island, near the Long Island shore. It is part of the Pelham Islands, a group of islands once belonging to Thomas Pell.

History

1884 Nautical Chart

Originally inhabited by the Siwanoy band of Lenape Indians, City Island later was settled by Europeans as part of property and estate bought by English nobleman, Thomas Pell, in 1654.^[4] Prior to that, English settlers led by Anne Hutchinson (seeking religious freedom) settled in an area nearby on the river (now known as the Hutchinson River) in 1642. After changing hands several times, in 1761 the Island (at that time known as Minefer's Island), was bought by Benjamin Palmer of New York. Up to this point the island had been inhabited by only a few homes and farms. It had a population of about 1000 people, who tended farms and livestock. Palmer had the vision of developing the island into a port, which could rival that of New York. He knew that ships heading north and south passed City Island using Long Island Sound as a safe inshore waterway. He envisioned shipyards, and stores that could cater to the ships. He went as far as to have the island mapped out in different plots designated as shipyards, docks, business, farms, homes, schools, and houses of worship, along with streets, paths, and access routes. Benjamin Palmer appealed to the British Crown and received letters patent that covered the ownership of waterfront properties 400 feet out from the high tide mark under water and around the perimeter of the Island. This patent, known as the "Palmer Grant" is unique to City Island; it has been contested in courts since, but has always been upheld.^[5]

Palmer also is responsible for changing the name from Minefer's Island to City Island in anticipation of things to come. Palmer's vision never fully materialized, however, as the timing just before the American Revolution halted all progress, and the war depleted the capital of Palmer and his investors. It would be another sixty years before the island again started to be developed when oystermen, pilots of Hell Gate, a set of nearby narrows, and eventually shipbuilders arrived and introduced these industries.

The history of the island has been chronicled in Tales Of The Clamdiggers (ISBN 0974782319) by Alice Payne, and in City Island and Orchard Beach (Images Of America) (ISBN 073853546X) by Catherine A. Scott. According to local tradition, anyone actually born on the island is known as a "clamdigger".^[6] A City Island resident not born on the island is known as a "musselsucker."^[7]

Community

St. Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church

Most businesses are clustered along the central City Island Avenue. There are two small supermarkets, a gas station, a pharmacy, a bank, a hardware store, and a variety of other small shops. The island is most famous for its numerous seafood restaurants and antique stores, which line both sides of the avenue.

At the southernmost section of City Island is Belden Point,^[8] named for William Belden, a developer who opened an amusement park and resort in the area in 1887.^[9] In the early part of the 20th century, the area was a favored recreation location for business tycoons including Vincent Astor, J.P. Morgan and William Randolph Hearst.^[9] Today, Belden Point is home to a number of popular seafood restaurants.^[10]

Government services include the City Island Station post office (10464) and a FDNY firehouse (Engine 70, Ladder 53). The New York City Police Department presence (mostly traffic control on summer weekends) is provided by the 45th Precinct, located in the mainland Bronx. The City Island Branch is possibly the smallest of the New York Public Library system, even after the recent expansion which doubled the size of the building.

Houses of worship are Saint Mary Star of the Sea Holy Roman Catholic Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, Grace Episcopal Church, and Temple Beth El.

A local paper, The Island Current, is printed ten times a year, and chronicles mostly community issues and local news.^[11]

In 1960 City Island became the last community in New York City to get dial telephone service. Until then eight operators in a private home on Schofield Street connected all calls. The dial exchange began as TUlip 5, now 885.

Geology

City Island was created by glacial deposits at the end of the last ice age. There is a layer of bedrock and then a thick layer of red clay topped with sand, with topsoil above that. The southern end has deposits of rare blue clay. The area is strewn with glacial erratic boulders. Local bedrock is Manhattan schist with glacial striations.

Indigenous wildlife

The forms of animal life on the island are not much different than that of the surrounding region, and are typical of a suburban environment: raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, skunk, and occasional deer. Coyotes and turkeys have also been sighted.

The real diversity of wildlife on and around City Island is among birds, especially aquatic species. There are many varieties of duck; buffleheads, goldeneyes, mallards, and cormorants. Canada geese are common, as are mute swans, great blue herons, great white egrets, and several types of gull. A small protected wetlands area on west Ditmars Street is home to many of these species as well as the feral pigeon.

Bright green parrots (monk parakeets), originally imported from South America as pets, have adapted to the climate and breed in the wild in New York. They are a common sight on City Island and in nearby Pelham Bay Park. Flocks of wild turkeys also are often seen in the park. Deer are occasionally seen on the island, although more commonly in Pelham Bay Park. Another, nonnative species of the island is the brown or De Kay's snake, which has adapted to life among the island's growing community.

Activities

Local businesses and attractions

The island is famous for its seafood restaurants; lobster^[2] is a popular specialty. Over 30 eating establishments compete for business, ranging from fast food (Johnny's Reef), to The Lobster Box, to the French Bistro SK, and The Black Whale, famous for its desserts.^[12] The Snug is an Irish pub connected to the City Island Diner. While a few of the restaurants close during the winter months, most are open year round.^[13]

City Island Nautical Museum

Local shops include Focal Point Gallery (a gallery of photography), Starving Artist Cafe and Gallery (featuring musical talents), Kaleidoscope Gallery (a gift store selling jewelry items, incense, and locally-made honey), Early Ruth's Antiques, Midtown Antiques, My Dolls And Things, Calico Juno Designs (featuring jewelry items handcrafted on premises), and Magickal Realms Studios (wiccan/pagan gifts, tools, and resources). It is worth noting that the stores are mostly local.

The City Island Nautical Museum displays maritime artifacts and antiques. It is located at 190 Fordham Street and is open only on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (other times by appointment). Admission is free and there is a small gift shop. The building was PS17 in its prior life.^[14]

The Island has landmarks such as the Samuel Pell Mansion on City Island Avenue, near St. Mary Star of the Sea Church. It is where Arsenic and Old Lace (1969) was filmed for TV. There are a number of old Victorian mansions located throughout City Island, mostly on the Sound side, complete with tall pointy spires and gables with gazebos, such as Delmours Point on Tier Street.^[15]

The City Island Theater Group is the local community theater that produces shows year round.^[16]

City Island Gold Honey is produced by honeybees from the six hive apiary of the Kheck-Gannon family on Minnieford Avenue. It is marketed by the Kaleidoscope Gallery and Sugar And Spice Restaurant.^[17]

Boating

City Island as seen from Orchard Beach in the winter of 2007

Columbia University sailors practice at City Island

The island has four yacht clubs, all situated on the Eastchester Bay side of the island. They are, from north to south, the Harlem Yacht Club, Stuyvesant Yacht Club, City Island Yacht Club, and Morris Yacht and Beach Club. The Touring Kayak Club is on the west side of the island. There are two active sail lofts (UK-Halsey and Doyle). The island also has several commercial marinas.^{[18][19][20][21]}

The island has what are called "special anchorages" where boats of all sizes are freely moored or anchored, and there are many docks with boat slips for mooring boats in a secure and restricted way. There are also many large piers around the island that can receive large ships.^[22]

The island is home to the Columbia University Sailing Team, whose fleet of dinghies is docked at City Island Yacht Club. The team comes from Manhattan four times a week to practice off the western shore of City Island. Fordham University's Sailing Team sails out of Morris Yacht and Beach Club. Many of the boats which competed and won in the America's Cup in years past were built in the Nevins Boat Yard on City Island. The Eastchester Bay Yacht Racing Association is the major organizer for sailboat races in the area. J/24 sailboats are the active one design racing fleet on the island.^[23]

A small fleet of head boats takes paying passengers on fishing trips to Long Island Sound. Smaller boats are also available for rent by the day. The sail and power boating industry has been declining in recent years, as boatyards are being sold and being converted into condominiums.^[24][25]

Education

City Island is within the New York City Department of Education.

P.S. 175 City Island School, located on City Island Avenue, serves grades K-8 for the island.

The School of St. Mary Star of the Sea is a Catholic grade school, which serves grades PreK-8 on City Island. On Jan 22, 2013 The New York Times reported ( Article by Sharon Otterman ) that St Marys Star Of Sea school which has served the community for decades was among the 24 catholic schools selected to be closed by years end.^[26]

The former Public School 17 houses the City Island Historical Society and Nautical Museum. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.^[27]

Bridges and transportation

City Island Bridge

Starting in 1760, a small rope ferry ran between the mainland and City Island. In 1873 a bridge was built by a syndicate of City Island businessmen, including G.W. Horton, Ben Hedgeman, and David Carll. It was replaced by steel, three-lane City Island Bridge in 1901. The New York City Department of Transportation has proposed replacing it with a cable-stayed bridge hanging from a 160-foot tower but the design has faced intense community opposition and the city submitted a redesign which was approved.^[28] A temporary bridge was opened in 2015 which will allow for the demolition of the old bridge and the construction of its replacement.^[29]

There is another small, private bridge on the northeastern end of City Island connecting it to High Island, site of the radio transmitter for New York stations WFAN (660 AM) and WCBS (880 AM); a security gate prevents public access.

In the 1910s, the Pelham Park and City Island Railroad provided rail service to the island.

Bus transportation consists of the Bx29 local route, and two rush-hour extended round-trips of the BxM8 express route, both run by MTA New York City Bus. There is also the City Island Seaside Trolley^[30] run by the Bronx Tourism Council.^[31]

Notability

Setting for works of fiction

Films, television shows, and literature have been set on City Island.

Films

A very early film shot in a City Island studio was Richard III (1912),^[32] the oldest surviving American feature-length film.^[33]

More recent films include:

• Butterfield 8 starring Elizabeth Taylor
• Long Day's Journey Into Night (1962), with Katharine Hepburn
• Awakenings, with Robert De Niro and Robin Williams
• Love Is All There Is, with Lainie Kazan and Angelina Jolie
• A Bronx Tale, with De Niro and Chazz Palminteri, which featured the City Island Bridge and one scene filmed in the parking lot of Johnny's Reef Restaurant.^[34]
• Michael Douglas filmed Don't Say a Word at the Hart Island Ferry and Hart Island.^[35]
• Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums was filmed at Delmours Point, which is the mansion where Long Days Journey Into Night was filmed.^[15]
• Louis Lombardi also shot many scenes from his Dough Boys (2008) on the island.
• The movie City Island (2010), starring Andy García and Julianna Margulies, is set on City Island and was shot there. The film won the Audience Favorite Award at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival.^[36]
• The Groomsmen (2006), directed by Edward Burns, was filmed at many locations on City Island.^[37]
• Margot at the Wedding (2006), starring Nicole Kidman and Ciarán Hinds, which was filmed on City Island Avenue and other locations on the island.
• Michael Douglas returned to City Island with actor Danny DeVito to film Solitary Man (2009) in the City Island Diner.
• Jessica Alba was filmed in An Invisible Sign of My Own (2009) there as well.

Television

Television series filmed on the island include:

• Car 54, Where Are You?^[38]
• Comedian Jerry Seinfeld visited City Island Diner on the island with Ricky Gervais in one of the webisodes of his Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee^[39]
• Coronet Blue
• The Law and Order episode "Maritime" showed the City Island bridge.
• The Law & Order: Criminal Intent episode, "Sound Bodies", which was based on a real-life story of several local teenagers who drowned in Long Island Sound near City Island.
• The fictional city of Hyde in the series finale of the US version of Life on Mars was filmed on City Island.^[40]

Since 2002, the film production company Harrington Talents has had its offices and studio located on City Island. Notable celebrities who have worked on their productions include rapper and actor Ice-T, professional wrestler Bruno Sammartino.

Literature

In the novel Bluebeard, by Kurt Vonnegut, the character Dan Gregory states that his 80-foot (24 m) yacht, the Ararat, was dry-docked on City Island.

Notable residents

Notable current and former residents of the island include:

• Anthony Amato (1920–2011) and Sally Amato (1917–2000), founders and former directors of Amato Opera
• Harry Carey (1878–1947), one of silent film's earliest superstars^[41]
• Adolfo Carrión, Jr. (born 1961), former Bronx Borough President^[42]
• Clinton Leupp, drag performer, better known by his drag persona "Miss Coco Peru" and actor (films ''To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar and Trick)
• Bruce McRae (1867–1927), silent film actor^[43]
• George Meany (1894–1980), union leader who served as president of the AFL-CIO^[44]
• Henry B. Nevins (1878–1959), master yacht builder and author
• Vincent Pastore (born 1946), actor known for his portrayal of Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the TV series The Sopranos^[45]
• Carlos D. Ramirez (1946–1999), publisher of El Diario La Prensa^[46]
• Red Buttons, comedian-Actor who got his start at Ryan's Inn wearing a bellhop uniform with large red buttons.^[47]
• Oliver Sacks (1933-2015), who wrote the book Awakenings, whose adaptation was filmed at a house similar to his own, but on a different street on the island^[48]
• Salvatore Santoro (1913–2000), Lucchese crime family underboss^[49]
• Richard Waring (1911–1994), television and film actor

See also

• Execution Rocks Lighthouse
• Fort Slocum (New York)
• Green Flats Reef (New York)
• Hart Island, New York
• The Cuban Ledge, New York
• The Pelham Islands

References

Notes

Further reading

Maps and charts

• City Island Tide Chart

Articles

• Transportation from Manhattan
• "Close-up on City Island," Village Voice, 2002
• Forgotten NY
• The City Island Digital Image Gallery

Literature

• City Island & Orchard Beach (ISBN 0-7385-3546-X)
• The Other Islands Of New York City (ISBN 0-88150-502-1)
• East Bronx, East Of The Bronx River (ISBN 0-7385-0301-0)
• Tales of the Clamdiggers (ISBN 0-9747823-1-9)

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to City Island, Bronx.

• The Island Current
• City Island Webcam
• City Island Branch Library
• P.S. 175 City Island School

Coordinates: 40°50′51″N 73°47′11″W / 40.84758°N 73.786476°W / 40.84758; -73.786476

Neighborhoods in the New York City Borough of the Bronx Allerton Baychester Bedford Park Belmont (Arthur Avenue) Bronx Park East Castle Hill City Island Clason Point Crotona Park East Co-op City Country Club East Bronx Eastchester East Tremont Fieldston Fordham Fordham Plaza Harding Park Highbridge Hunts Point The Hub Hudson Hill Kingsbridge Kingsbridge Heights Locust Point Longwood Melrose Morrisania Morris Heights Morris Park Mott Haven North Bronx North Riverdale Norwood Parkchester Pelham Bay Pelham Gardens Pelham Parkway Port Morris Riverdale Schuylerville Soundview South Bronx Spuyten Duyvil Throggs Neck Tremont University Heights Van Cortlandt Village Van Nest Wakefield West Bronx West Farms Westchester Square Williamsbridge Woodlawn Community Boards: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Islands of New York City Major islands Long Manhattan Staten Pelham Islands The Blauzes Chimney Sweeps City Hart High Hunters Rat Twin New York Bay Coney Ellis Governors Hoffman Liberty Swinburne Jamaica Bay Barren Broad Channel Canarsie Pol Mau Mau Ruffle Bar Arthur Kill · Kill Van Kull Isle of Meadows Prall's Shooters East River Mill Rock North and South Brother Randalls and Wards Rikers Roosevelt U Thant (Belmont) Former islands shown in italics