New York Magazine: “Electchester, A Queens Co-Op Full of Electricians”

Since 1949, Electchester—a neighborhood and housing complex in northeast Queens—has been called home by IBEW Local 3, the Joint Industry Board, small businesses, and thousands of families. The first president of the NYC Central Labor Council and former Business Manager of Local 3, Harry Van Arsdale Jr., lived there and shortly after his passing in 1986, the main road of Jewel Avenue was alternatively named in his honor.

In the early-to-mid twentieth century, it wasn’t unusual for unions to create affordable housing, but Electchester is the rare example that remains close to its founding purpose and design. Read more about Electchester and its history, as told by Local 3 and local residents, in New York Magazine!