July 4, 2009
Travis, Staten Island: City Living with a small town feel
Two boys celebrate a shot at Showplace Bowling and Entertainment Center in Travis, Staten Island. (Phil S. Kropoth / October 15, 2008)
Follow Staten Island's Victory Boulevard all the way west and you'll come upon Travis, a small residential community whose history, friendliness and striking natural environment make it unlike anywhere else in the city.
Until 1930, the town was known as Linoleumville as it was home to the American Linoleum Company, the first factory of its kind in the nation and the first address to use electricity on Staten Island, as well as the area's largest employer.
After Richmond, as it was known, was incorporated into New York City in 1898, the area's increasingly cosmopolitan denizens were drawn to the idea of renewal through renaming, and the name Travis, which honors early settler and ship captain Col. Jacob Travis, was chosen.
Today, Travis is best known for it annual Independence Day parade. Said to be the oldest in the nation, it is attended by prominent city politicians as well as thousands of patriotic citygoers.
"The entire community comes together to help out for the parade," said resident John Tagliaferro, who operates Staten Bar-B-Que Gas Co. Evidence of the celebration can be seen year-round in the fire hydrants lining Victory Boulevard, which are painted red, white and blue.
However, it isn't just in July that the community comes alive. Locals can always be found in Schmul Park shooting hoops, relaxing in the open air or supervising their frolicking children.
"Travis is great for families," said Afaf, a mother of two who declined to give her last name. "The school is very good and the neighborhood is quiet and safe."
Unexpected surprises abound in the neighborhood. Formed in 1881, Oceanic Engine 1 is one of the oldest and last remaining volunteer firehouses in America. Travis is also home to three gyms and only one fast food restaurant.
"People in Travis are health-conscious," sad Anthony Romano, who works at the local fitness-forward restaurant, Just Eat Better. "They take care of themselves, but this is a small town so they're friendly to each other too."
But the neighborhood also had its share of challenges. Built as a temporary facility in 1947, the Fresh Kills Landfill on the southern edge of town would become the largest garbage dump in the world (and one of the largest manmade structures on the planet) until its closure in 2001. There are currently plans to landscape it into the largest park in the city.
Travis is also located directly across the Arthur Kill Strait from New Jersey's Chemical Coast; this proximity to pollutants, combined with high traffic congestion in the area, make air quality a serious concern.
Find it
Travis is defined by Travis Avenue to the north, Fresh Kills Park to the east, Little Fresh Kill Creek to the south, and Arthur Kill Strait to the west.
TO EAT
Though not exactly abundant, Travis's dining options are comfortable and appealing. In their own way, each reflects local tastes.
Da Noi
This established Italian eatery offers an elegant, yet not at all stuffy white tablecloth atmosphere with attentive service and very reasonable prices. Being the only restaurant on Victory Boulevard west of the West Shore Expressway, Da Noi occupies its own niche in the neighborhood.
4358 Victory Blvd. (718) 982-5040
El Pollo II
A popular lunch destination for residents and those who work in the area, El Pollo II offers everything you'd hope for from a relaxed Latin restaurant, and more. Try the perfectly seasoned beef stew, big enough for two people and a great value at $7. Homemade lemonade and papaya shakes are wonderful, too.
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Copyright © 2009, AM New York