Queens City - Idlewood

Idlewood may be regarded among the less than desirable districts of Queens and holds a poor reputation amidst the general populace. Stories of robbery, abduction, violence and outright gang warfare are rampant among the suburban ghetto and are grounded in some degree of truth. Irrefutable proof states that the residents of Idlewood, predominantly black and latin american, struggle financially - in addition, much of the youth is thought to be subject to trauma such as abuse and death likely playing a factor in the area's troubling crime rates. A dried out canal separates Idlewood from the Elizabeth Quay and Athens districts to the north and east respectively with bodies of water encompassing the remaining borders. This leads the region to be somewhat cut off from the remainder of Queens especially considering their many relative under-developments.

Demographics

65% African American, 25% Hispanic, 10% Other

Infrastructure

Idlewood houses a largely lower-class demographic of minorities within underdeveloped suburban neighbourhoods suffering amongst living conditions scarcely acceptable for the post-modern times. Many such properties, being tightly packed units of miniscule size, were constructed as far back as the 20th century and bear few of the modern necessities. These small households rarely exceed a single story with but a few bedrooms which large families often inhabit uncomfortably, though the residents may boast their superior yard space whence compared to that of their metropolitan neighbours even if they lack access to clean water mostly.
Idlewood streets and facilities are typically underdeveloped in addition, though this makes for affordable rental lots for aspiring business practitioners such as mechanics and gunsmiths. Commercial office buildings, supermarkets, apartment complexes and more are no greater in size than the average lot of a middle class household in West Elizabeth. A branch of the Queens 88 Way runs throughout the district approaching from the east and exiting beyond the northern canals into Elizabeth Quay with various entrances and exits for the road amidst Idlewood.
A trio of bridges connect Idlewood to the remainder of Queens spanning the drained aqueduct, their age and appropriate maintenance however varies respectively. The northernmost, Smiths Bridge, is perhaps the oldest and largest spanning a few hundred metres to Elizabeth Quay. Worthington Bridge travels north east to the large city of Berkley, and the Arch is perhaps the most modern in architecture having been developed by Arch Retail themselves. The Arch crosses east into the densely packed residential district Athens.

Assets

Idlewood is a haven for small and upcoming businesses, at least those which are not tampered with illegally in the forms of robbery or sabotage. Combustion vehicles are still the majority among Idlewood providing a thriving ecosystem for traditional mechanical businesses and older automotive component retail stores. Large and affordable garage and warehousing units are regularly available to those unable to take safer, more expensive measures.
Idlewood's freight depot also stands among the largest in the state serving as a major hub for goods to be delivered via train. Located towards the northeast the yard is Queens's largest seeing frequent use from manufacturers, shipping companies, and local gangs alike. Idlewood also houses several docks and marinas of average size seeing commercial and recreational use alike.

Guilds and Factions

Idlewood was an area infamous for it's high amounts of criminal activity in the years prior to the post-modern period and gradually only grew worse as the remainder of Queens developed around it. Idlewood has seen scarce changes on a dramatic scale comparable to neighbouring districts such as athens and beckenham whom have seen massive corporate undertakings such as the installations of mass metro systems and mega apartment complexes taking place. Gang activity is largely commonplace in west Queens and Idlewood is no different housing much of the city's 'traditional' gangs and affiliated groups typically consisting of african-american or hispanic minorities. Crimes such as robberies, shootings, vehicle theft, and the trafficking of all manner of contraband are a daily occurrence in what many hail as a ghetto.

Geography

Idlewood was formerly separated from the remainder of Queens via a narrow river which has since been converted into an aqueduct of sorts. The area is directly by the coast with appropriate flora and fauna prevalent throughout the districts from palm trees to herons and other waterfowl. The landscape is relatively flat with occasional hills, steppes and plenty of beaches - The entire west and south of Idlewood is bordered by the channel of water splitting the Gold Coast from Queens. Idlewood is a hot region known to frequently experience droughts and low amounts of rainfall though certainly has a mild climate whence compared the west keys.

Type

District

Population

250,000 - 300,000

Location under

Metropolitan Cairns - Queens City

Included Locations

• Idlewood Canals