Great Kills, Staten Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Great Kills
|
|
|---|---|
|
Neighborhood of Staten Island
|
|
"Welcome to Great Kills" sign on Amboy Road
|
|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  New York |
| City |  New York City |
| Borough |  Staten Island |
| Community District | Staten Island 3 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.25 sq mi (8.4 km2) |
| Population
(2010)
|
|
| • Total | 40,720 |
| • Density | 12,500/sq mi (4,800/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| ZIP Codes |
10308, 10306
|
| Area code | 718, 347, 929, and 917 |
Great Kills is a neighborhood in Staten Island, one of New York City's five boroughs. It's on the island's South Shore. Many people think it's the northernmost community on the South Shore.
Great Kills is surrounded by other neighborhoods. To the north is Richmondtown. To the east is Bay Terrace. To the west is Eltingville. To the south, you'll find Great Kills Harbor.
The word "Kill" comes from an old Dutch word. It means "creek" or "channel." Many small streams flow through Great Kills. So, the name might mean that there are many streams in the area.
Local leaders represent Great Kills. These include Andrew Lanza in the New York State Senate. Michael Reilly and Michael Tannousis are in the New York State Assembly. Joseph Borelli is in the New York City Council. All these leaders are part of the Republican Party.
Great Kills is part of Staten Island Community District 3. Its ZIP Codes are 10308 and a small part of 10306. The New York City Police Department's 122nd Precinct patrols the neighborhood.
Contents
A Look at Great Kills' Past
The eastern part of Great Kills was once called Cairedon. The western part was known as Newtown. Later, both areas were called Giffords. This name came from Daniel Gifford, a local surveyor. You can still find Giffords Lane near the Staten Island Railway station. The train station itself was also once called Giffords.
Another old name for the area was Honeywood. This name was used for the telephone exchange in many South Shore communities until the late 1950s.
The Poillon-Seguine-Britton House is a historic building in Great Kills. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This means it's an important place to protect because of its history.
What Makes Great Kills Special?
Great Kills is home to the Great Kills Little League. This is one of eight Little Leagues on Staten Island. Many famous people grew up in this community. These include actor Rick Schroder and actress Alyssa Milano. Comedian Bob Levy and ESPN anchor Joe Engle also lived here.
At the southeast side of the neighborhood is Great Kills Park. This is a national park site. It's part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. The park has a beach, a marina, and walking trails. You can also go fishing, watch birds, and play sports there.
Important Services in Great Kills
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has a station in Great Kills. Engine Company 162/Ladder Company 82 and Battalion 23 serve the area. They are located on Nelson Avenue.
Myra S. Barnes I.S. 24 is one of Staten Island's middle schools. It's named after Myra S. Barnes. She was an educator and community leader. People called her "The Fighting Lady of New Dorp." She worked hard to bring Staten Island's issues to the attention of the New York City Council. Firefighter Scott Davidson, who died in the 9/11 attacks, went to I.S. 24.
The New York Public Library has a branch in Great Kills. It's located at 56 Giffords Lane.
Getting Around Great Kills
Great Kills has good transportation options. The Staten Island Railway serves the neighborhood. The Great Kills station is located near Giffords Lane and Amboy Road. During busy weekday mornings and evenings, express trains run between Great Kills and the St. George Ferry Terminal. Local trains run 24/7.
Many local buses also serve the area. These include the S54, S74, S78, S79, S84 routes. If you need to go to Manhattan, there are express buses. These are the SIM1, SIM5, SIM6, SIM7, SIM9, SIM10 routes. Besides Amboy Road, other main streets for businesses are Arthur Kill Road and Hylan Boulevard.
Who Lives in Great Kills?
In 2010, about 40,720 people lived in Great Kills. The neighborhood covers about 3.25 square miles. Most people living here are White. There are also Asian, African American, and Hispanic or Latino residents.
The South Shore, which includes Great Kills, has a good life expectancy. People here live about as long as the average for New York City. Many residents are young people and middle-aged adults.
Most households in Community District 3, which includes Great Kills, have a good income. The area is considered a middle- to high-income neighborhood.
Learning and Schools in Great Kills
Many adults in Great Kills and the South Shore have gone to college. Most residents have at least a high school education. Students in elementary school here are less likely to miss many days of school. Also, a high percentage of high school students graduate on time.
Local Schools
Barnes I.S. 24 is a public intermediate school for grades 6–8. It's named after Myra S. Barnes, a local educator. She was known for fighting for Staten Island's needs. Firefighter Scott Davidson, who died on September 11, 2001, attended I.S. 24. He is one of 29 local victims remembered at St. Clare's. This is a well-known Catholic church and school in the neighborhood.
In 2009, The New York Times said that the three public schools in Great Kills were "among the best in the city." These include two elementary schools, P.S. 8 and P.S. 32. In 2008, St. Clare's School won a national award for Catholic schools.
Public Libraries
The New York Public Library has two branches near Great Kills. The Great Kills branch is at 56 Giffords Lane. It opened in 1927 and was rebuilt in 1954. It has a lower level for community events, a first floor for adults, and a second floor for children's books.
The Richmondtown branch is close by at 200 Clarke Avenue. It opened in 1996. It has two floors, one for adults and one for children.
Famous People from Great Kills
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Great Kills. Here are a few:
- Alfred C. Cerullo III (born 1961), a politician and actor.
- Roy Clark (1933–2018), a country musician and TV host.
- Pete Davidson (born 1993), a comedian from Saturday Night Live.
- Alyssa Milano (born 1972), a well-known actress.
- Ricky Schroder (born 1970), an actor.
- Nicole Malliotakis (born 1980), a politician.
- Angelina Pivarnick (born 1986), a cast member from Jersey Shore.
Images for kids
-
Great Kills Harbor in 2008
See also
In Spanish: Great Kills (Staten Island) para niños
