A charming home in on Maine Avenue in the Westerleigh neighborhood of Staten Island (Photo by Katya Pronin / May 21, 2008)

Anthony Wolk, 91, moved to Westerleigh in 1971 after he was carjacked in his neighborhood of East Flatbush.

"It was very bad in that neighborhood so I came here," said Wolk, a member of the American Legion from Canarsie and VFW post 7172. "It's better for veterans and good for families here. It's nice, what can I say?"

Though their stories may not be as troubling, many people did the same thing and moved to Westerleigh for a quieter suburban existence. Over the years, the area has evolved into an active and diverse suburban square sandwiched between two bustling main roads. But this search for serenity on Staten Island's north shore -- initiated by New York City firefighters, police and veterans -- has made Westerleigh the picture of a proud and close-knit American community.

The modern incarnation of Westerleigh began in 1887 when the National Prohibition Party purchased several acres as the site of its summer retreat. During the height of the anti-alcohol years in America, Westerleigh was an epicenter of politics, meetings, religious services and recreation for prohibitionists as well as some of the well-to-do from Manhattan. But as the hot spot's novelty faded, it was donated to the city in 1907.
 

But vestiges of a bygone lifestyle remain. Thanks to revitalization by the Parks Department and special zoning rules enacted in 1989, the area has withstood the sprawl, overdevelopment or disrepair suffered by other sections of the city. It's no surprise that residents typically move here to stay.

"It's very peaceful and it's convenient with main roads like Victory [Boulevard] and Forest [Avenue] right nearby," said resident Priscilla Recca, 19. "You can just walk to all these places and get everything done."

Her sister Bianca, 16, agreed that Westerleigh was an ideal New York City neighborhood. "It's beautiful with many old-style homes," she said, "and it's definitely very diverse."

For a long time, Westerleigh was populated by Italian, Irish and Polish blue-collar workers, many of whom were firefighters, police officers and veterans. In the last five years or so, many Hispanic and Caribbean residents from all walks of life have made it their home as well.

"It's very diverse but it reminds me of a small village," said Camille Garner, a Westerleigh resident and owner of a local Caribbean/Italian restaurant. "It's like you took the best of everything and brought it to one place."

But the area didn't get this way by accident. Things like community organizations, neighborhood clean-ups and even the occasional block party are what many residents attribute to the area's pleasant ambiance. They believe that Westerleigh has maintained its charming suburban character over the decades through vigilant community involvement and an almost innate sense of civic duty.