Tom Crimmins Realty Blog

Westwood Park

Although Islanders relate the Expressway with a hassle, without it we would not have the Westwood Park.  "Master Builder" Robert Moses is linked to the development of the route and park.

Nycgovpark.org states, "In his effort to bring New York into the automobile era, Moses constructed 416 miles of highway and 13 bridges. Westwood Park and the Staten Island Expressway for which this land was acquired."

The land was an undeveloped land until 1973.  A local community group turned the park into a playground consisting of a basketball court, obstacle coure, slide, park benches and more.  It was named Sunrise Hill Park; however, it was all destroyed by local teenagers and the park was restored back to its natural state in 1980.

Commissioner Stern…

2130 Views, 0 Comments

Events for December 6th Weekend

2329 Views, 0 Comments

1776 - Staten Island Involvement in Revolutionary Era

George Washington landed on Staten Island and set up a look-out, at Fort Wadsworth, for the British arrival.  General Howe arrived in New York City on July 2nd, 1776.  His British troops were camped in Watering Place (Tompkinsville) to prepare for a battle against Washington.  However, British troops stalled and instead inforced Islanders to surrender their rights and sign allegiance to the King.

Howe and other American loyalist, including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, met up a few months later to discuss negotiations for peace.  The meeting took place on September 11, 1776 at the home of a British loyalist, Christopher Billopp.  The NYC Parks and Recreation states, "Lord Howe offered to end the conflict peacefully if the American colonies would…

2405 Views, 0 Comments

Important Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Open House

Selling a home in this economy can be very stressful. This list is a must do to assist in the sale transaction.

The most important thing to remember is "don't spend money." If you need to spend some don't spend a lot and make sure to spend it wisely!

1. Clean clutter! - Clutter hurts the sale of the home. It make the rooms appear smaller. It is a complete turnoff! Some times people perceive clutter as uncleanliness. Another idea is too have a yard or garage sale. 
2. If you decide to have a garage sale combine it with an open house. Yes chances are you will have same nosy bargain hunters but you never know. Bargain hunters may have relative or friends that are looking just be certain to have enough help around for obvious security reasons. Don't…

2142 Views, 0 Comments

Westerleigh Park Gets a Makeover

You can find some of Westerleigh Park's history here.  Staten Island Advance reported that the park is getting some new additions and a face lift. 

Some of the improvements are:

• Drains and 'rain gardens' to prevent any storm water damage 
• Repaved walkways and new paved stones at the entrances

The Parks Department is investing million dollars for these improvements; Borough President James Molinaro, Debi Rose and James Oddo are funding this project.

2194 Views, 0 Comments

1815 - Tompkinsville is named after Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins

As some remember, street names on the island have been named after the Iroquois and Dutch settlements. Neighborhoods were named after predominant people.

Tompkinsville was founded in 1815 by Daniel D. Tompkins, the Governor of New York State at the time, after the Battle of Long Island. He established another ferry service to Manhattan in 1817, this became a part of the Richmond Turnpike Company. The turnpike allowed travelers to ride coach from the ferry across the Island and continue to New Jersey on another ferry. The turnpike, was originally located on Arietta Street in Tompkinsville; after World War I, it is now renamed Victory Boulevard. The Turnpike was purchased in 1838 by Cornelius Vanderbilt; the ferry was made part of NYC ferry operations in…

2802 Views, 0 Comments

Holiday Shopping: Black Friday Vs. Cyber Monday

Black Friday start kicked the holiday shopping season; but this year, sales started earlier and is interrupting family time on Thanksgiving. Stores in the Staten Island Mall open at midnight, but numerous department and wholesale stores are opening when families are cutting the turkey.

Mary Sullivan* is a sales associate at a women's clothing store in the Staten Island Mall. Sullivan weighed in on the holiday starting early, deals, and the ultimate consumer struggle: the decision to shop on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

"I have noticed how early the holiday season started this year," said Sullivan.  "Right after Halloween. It used to be after Thanksgiving."

"Least-Crowded Black Friday Ever"

Crowds seems to be a constant concern on Black…

3816 Views, 0 Comments

7 Steps To Finish Your Basement In Style

Not only do fall weekends leave you with a little more indoor time, which means it’s time to get ready for colder weather. So put some extra love into your home by creating a cozy hideaway that your family can retreat to once it becomes too chilly, or rent it out to a potential buyer.

Whether your lowest level needs a facelift or is completely unfinished, now is the perfect time to make a game plan and get started on remodeling your basement.

Step 1 – Obtain A Permit

Before you can just slap up insulation and drywall, you need to make sure your basement is even fit to dwell in. Check with your city to ensure there aren’t any permits you need to obtain and that the space is up to code. If you don’t do it right, then this update could haunt you…

2582 Views, 0 Comments

Wegener Park

Ralph Wegener (left) is the oldest relative of the Wegener family. This is during the renaming of the park with City Councilman Vincent Ignizio (right)(credit: silive)

Wegener is also known as Genesee Park. It is taken from the Iroquois phrase: "Zon-esche-o" which translates to "beautiful valley." The park is located in a residential area right next to Korean War Veterans Parkway. The City did not have rights to the park until 1961; it was purchased among the land purchase for the Richmond Parkway, which is now known as the Korean War Veterans Parkway.

At the time of its purchase, residents would use Wegener as an unofficial playground. In 1998, Commissioner Stern named the land Genesee Park. Although the park was a playground at one point, it is…

3178 Views, 0 Comments

Events for November 22nd Weekend

2464 Views, 0 Comments