Surf's Up, Ferry's Down: The Rockaways' Transit Troubles

Rockaway Park —

And the MTA is contributing to the improvement effort in another way: Last fall they began a rehabilitation project costing $117 million at several A and S line subway stations that stretch from Far Rockaway all the way to Beach 105th Street.

For all the barriers that residents and businesses face, the Rockaways do boast the only actual ocean beach in the five boroughs. Thomas Brookins, a local surfer and filmmaker, is encouraged by what he's seen since moving there in 2004. "I must know about 15 couples who in the past three years have met on the beach and decided to move here together permanently," he says."There's definitely something building here. It must be something in the water."