Canarsie

Canarsie. Located in the southeastern part of Brooklyn, Canarsie is a neighborhood surrounded by Jamaica Bay to the south, East New York to the east, Brownsville to the north, and Flatlands to the west. The area is home to many notable residents, including Jay-Z, who often references his childhood in Marcy Houses, and Lil' Kim, who grew up in the neighborhood. Canarsie is also close to John F. Kennedy International Airport and Floyd Bennett Field, a former United States Navy airfield.

Geography

Canarsie is situated on a peninsula, bounded by Jamaica Bay to the south and the Belt Parkway to the north. The neighborhood is surrounded by several parks, including Canarsie Park, which offers stunning views of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. The area is also home to the Canarsie Pier, a popular spot for fishing and boating, and is close to the Gateway National Recreation Area, which includes Fort Tilden and Jacob Riis Park. Canarsie is near the Rockaway Peninsula, which is connected to Brooklyn by the Marine Parkway Bridge and the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge.

History

The area that is now Canarsie was originally settled by the Canarsie Native American tribe, a subgroup of the Lenape people, who were later displaced by Dutch colonists in the 17th century. The neighborhood was named after the Canarsie Indians, who were known for their skill in hunting and fishing. During the American Revolution, Canarsie was a key location for British Army troops, who used the area as a base to launch attacks on George Washington's Continental Army. The neighborhood is also close to the Battle of Brooklyn site, which is now part of Green-Wood Cemetery and Prospect Park. Canarsie was later developed into a residential neighborhood, with many Italian-American and Jewish-American families moving to the area in the early 20th century, including Irving Berlin and Mae West, who performed at the Coney Island amusement parks.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Canarsie was approximately 83,000 people, with a diverse mix of African American, Hispanic and Latino American, Asian American, and White American residents. The neighborhood is home to many notable figures, including Sean Price, a hip hop artist who grew up in the Marcy Houses projects, and Masta Ace, a rapper who attended Canarsie High School. Canarsie is also close to the SUNY Downstate Medical Center and the Kings County Hospital Center, which are both major employers in the area. The neighborhood is represented by New York City Council members, including Jumaane Williams and Mathieu Eugene, who have worked to improve the local New York City Housing Authority developments, such as Breukelen Houses and Ralph Avenue.

Transportation

Canarsie is served by several major transportation routes, including the Belt Parkway, which connects the neighborhood to John F. Kennedy International Airport and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The area is also home to the Canarsie–Rockaway Parkway station, which is the terminal point of the BMT Canarsie Line of the New York City Subway. Canarsie is close to the Long Island Rail Road's Atlantic Terminal and the JFK AirTrain, which provides a direct link to JFK Airport. The neighborhood is also served by several MTA Regional Bus Operations routes, including the B42 and B60 buses, which connect Canarsie to Downtown Brooklyn and Williamsburg.

Education

Canarsie is home to several public and private schools, including Canarsie High School, which is one of the largest high schools in Brooklyn. The neighborhood is also served by the New York City Department of Education's District 18, which includes several elementary and middle schools, such as P.S. 115 and I.S. 211. Canarsie is close to several colleges and universities, including Brooklyn College, Medgar Evers College, and the SUNY Downstate Medical Center. The neighborhood is also home to the Canarsie Library, which is a branch of the Brooklyn Public Library and offers a wide range of books, media, and programs for children and adults.

Culture

Canarsie has a diverse cultural scene, with a mix of African American, Caribbean American, and Latin American influences. The neighborhood is home to several cultural events and festivals, including the West Indian Day Parade, which takes place every year in Brooklyn. Canarsie is also close to several cultural attractions, including the Brooklyn Museum, the New York Transit Museum, and the Jamaica Arts Center. The neighborhood is represented by several notable figures in the arts, including Spike Lee, who grew up in the nearby Fort Greene neighborhood, and Talib Kweli, a rapper who attended Brooklyn Technical High School. Canarsie is also home to several parks and recreational facilities, including the Canarsie Park and the Seaview Park, which offer stunning views of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.