Midland Beach

Midland Beach in Staten Island has had quite a similar history as South Beach Staten Island over the years. The area was once a vacation spot for New Yorkers looking forward to escaping city life. Unfortunately, much like South Beach, Midland Beach fell under the weight of economic, environmental, and general vacation habits of New Yorkers in general.

Through out the 1980’s Midland Beach became far removed from the booming times when people flocked here. Many homes were left abandoned and dilapidated, and crime became quite the issue. However, the tide began to change in the 1990’s when some of Midland Beach’s long time residents began to take back the neighborhood, which was being consumed by the unsavory. The reemergence of Midland Beach really began to take shape after a very publicized incident involving the opening of an adult entertainment establishment. The community relentlessly sought its removal and won. This became a testament to the will of this community to see a better day’s for the future of this town, and indeed it has. Today Midland Beach has become a desirable place to live with great valued homes. New construction and development wiped out what were once eyesores. Today, Midland Beach is both affordable and desirable for many of the new residents that call this area home.

The spring and summer months LaRocca’s Italian Ices and Pizzeria in Midland Beach are area hot spots, and one of my personal favorites. For the Italian Ice Connoisseur, there are more flavors than I’m able to fit on a page, and well worth a visit. The plain and simple lemon ice is the greatest flavor!