Rockaway Beach Faces Strain as Visitor Numbers Skyrocket

Locals Question Infrastructure’s Capacity Amid Tourism Boom

Rockaway Beach is experiencing a significant influx of visitors, prompting concerns among residents about the strain on local infrastructure and resources. The popular destination saw a 8% increase in visitors last year, contributing to the local economy and creating hundreds of seasonal jobs.

Economic Upswing and Community Welcome

The New York City Economic Development Corporation reports that Rockaway Beach welcomed 1.7 million visitors in the past year, an increase from the previous year. This surge has bolstered the local economy, generating millions of dollars and creating approximately 300 new positions in leisure industries.

“People coming from the city, we welcome them to come to enjoy our beaches, enjoy our vendors. We have small businesses, and a lot of us really wait for this summer season for our livelihood. We depend on it.”

—Felicia Johnson, Community Board 14 District Manager

Tyrone Frison, a boardwalk vendor, enthusiastically embraces the growing popularity. Best beach in New York City, he declared, citing the vibrant energy and community spirit. He is pleased to see many new faces enjoying the area.

Delilah McBride, director of education for the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, shares the excitement for the increased attention Rockaway is receiving. However, this growth presents challenges.

Infrastructure Under Pressure: Traffic and Trash

The rising visitor numbers are directly linked to increased traffic congestion and a greater volume of waste. The term I learned once I started this job is ‘DFD’: ‘down for the day,’ explained Felicia Johnson. While these day-trippers are not intentionally disruptive, their presence strains the peninsula’s limited resources.

“Traffic is just crazy. You never move your car on the weekend. People want to park legally, but when they pack the whole family, and they’re riding around for a half hour trying to find a spot, they’re going to park where they can.”

—Dolores Orr, Community Board 14 Chair

Compounding the issue, ongoing construction projects have exacerbated these problems, making traffic a year-round concern beyond just the boardwalk.

“People just want to develop, develop, develop. What are you giving us with the development? Infrastructure is a big issue.”

—Felicia Johnson, Community Board 14 District Manager

Community leaders are advocating for greater use of public transportation and are exploring solutions for parking, such as converting vacant city-owned lots into paid municipal parking areas. According to a recent study by the NYC Department of City Planning, public transit ridership to waterfront areas has seen a notable increase in recent years, highlighting the need for better transit infrastructure to support growing visitor numbers (NYC Department of City Planning).

Maintaining Cleanliness and Safety

Addressing the surge in litter is a key priority. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers emphasizes a multifaceted approach to keeping Rockaway clean, stressing the connection between cleanliness and community safety.

“When you walk the streets in your community, if you feel it’s dirty, you don’t feel safe.”

—Selvena Brooks-Powers, Council Member

Brooks-Powers is allocating discretionary funds to enhance sanitation services and deploy surveillance cameras to deter illegal dumping, while also seeking sustained investment from City Hall. The NYC Parks Department has deployed additional staff for extended hours this summer to manage increased cleaning duties across restrooms, beaches, boardwalks, and playgrounds. Fourteen new second-shift employees are crucial for maintaining cleanliness during peak times.

The Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy is also actively involved, organizing volunteer clean-up events like Rockaway Refresh on Mondays to address accumulated weekend litter.

“Have I seen trash, more debris this year than last year? Personally, I don’t think so.”

—Delilah McBride, Director of Education, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy

McBride believes increased visitor numbers have also raised awareness about the importance of maintaining these public spaces. Every year, with this increased visitation, I think there’s also an increase in awareness that we need to maintain these spaces, keep them beautiful and pristine. It’s a good thing, she stated.