Graniteville, Staten Island
Geography
Graniteville is a neighborhood located on the North Shore of Staten Island, one of the five boroughs of New York City. It is bounded by the neighborhoods of Mariners Harbor to the west, Willowbrook to the east, and Elm Park to the north. To the south, it is bordered by the Staten Island Expressway, a major thoroughfare that provides access to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the rest of the city.
History
The area now known as Graniteville was originally settled by the Lenape Native Americans, who called the area "Rechtauck" or "The Sandy Land". European settlers arrived in the 17th century, and the area was eventually incorporated into the borough of Staten Island in 1898.
In the mid-19th century, Graniteville was the site of a thriving granite industry, which gave the neighborhood its name. The Graniteville Quarry was one of the most significant granite quarries in the United States, supplying stone for many prominent buildings and monuments in New York City and beyond.
Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Graniteville had a population of approximately 12,000 residents. The neighborhood is ethnically diverse, with a large number of residents of Italian, African American, and Hispanic descent. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and public housing developments.
Economy
While Graniteville is primarily a residential neighborhood, it also has a number of commercial and industrial areas. The neighborhood is home to the Staten Island Industrial Park, which houses a variety of businesses and industries, including manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution companies.
Education
Graniteville is served by the New York City Department of Education. The neighborhood is home to several public and private schools, including P.S. 22, the Graniteville School, and the Staten Island School of Civic Leadership. The neighborhood is also in close proximity to the College of Staten Island, one of the eleven senior colleges of the City University of New York.
Transportation
Graniteville is well-served by public transportation, with several bus routes operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority providing service to the neighborhood. The Staten Island Expressway, which runs along the southern border of the neighborhood, provides access to the rest of Staten Island and to the other boroughs of New York City.
Parks and Recreation
Graniteville is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Graniteville Quarry Park, a former quarry site that has been converted into a public park. The neighborhood is also in close proximity to the Staten Island Greenbelt, a system of interconnected parks and natural areas that spans much of the island.