Miller Field was completed 100 years ago in 1921 and was used for costal defense air station. Miller Field was the last airport with a grass runway in New York City. In the past Miller Field had hanger for four aircraft. The airfield was used for antiaircraft fire, and training Coast Guard personnel. In 1969 Miller Field had two grass runways, two hangers (two aircraft would fit in each one), troop and family housing. Miller Filed was officially shut down as an airbase in 1969
Today Miller Field is part of Gateway National Recreation Area, which is part of the National Park Service. There is a community garden, picnic area, ranger station, playground, and the sports fields. The sports fields include basketball courts, baseball fields, and several soccer fields. An area we like to visit is just past the sand dunes along the waterfront. An area called hidden beach is a quit area to go exploring. There is no lifeguard, so swimming is not recommended. There is a path leads to the boardwalk at midland beach, and continues to Fort Wadsworth, another part of Gateway National Recreation Area.
The two hangers were hit hard when hurricane sandy hit, and there is a chance the hangers will be demolished. The park service was looking into other possible uses for the hangers. However, as time goes by the hanger is only getting worse without any maintenance. There is a possibility that the exterior and roof are removed leaving the strutter for further development. This option would leave the original structure.
The officer housing and the Vanderbilt house still remain. The houses are rented out to national park employees. The Vanderbilt house (the mansion) is use for seasonal worker housing. Having lived in one of the houses for over two year we have come to love this area. It can be noisy in the summer when the soccer league is playing, but days like today the only noise you hear outside is the wind.
I don’t think most of NYC houses will have such history, and the view from my windows if of a large field which leads to the ocean. The houses are spaced apart, I have never heard the neighbors unless they are having a party outside with some music on, and that is only if I am outside also. Living in a 100-year-old house on a national park does have some benefits and some draw back but overall, we like the house and the area we live in.
