West New Brighton, Staten Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
West New Brighton
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Neighborhood of Staten Island
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A ravioli shop on Forest Avenue in West New Brighton.
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| Nickname(s):
West Brighton
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New York |
| City |  New York City |
| Borough |  Staten Island |
| Community District | Staten Island 1 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.41 km2 (1.318 sq mi) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 20,099 |
| • Density | 5,887.9/km2 (15,250/sq mi) |
| Economics | |
| • Median income | ,062 |
| ZIP Codes |
10310
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| Area code | 718, 347, 929, and 917 |
West New Brighton (also known as West Brighton) is a neighborhood on Staten Island, New York City. It's located in the middle part of the North Shore. The neighborhood has borders with New Brighton to the east and Port Richmond to the west. To the north are the waters of the Kill Van Kull, and to the south are the communities of Sunnyside and Castleton Corners.
West New Brighton is part of Staten Island Community District 1. Its ZIP Code is 10310. The New York City Police Department's 120th Precinct keeps the area safe.
Contents
History of West New Brighton
This area was first called "Factoryville." Today, people usually call it West Brighton. Some parts closer to the water are known as "Livingston" or "Randall Manor." Dutch settlers first came here in the 1600s, followed by English settlers. During the American Revolution, people in West Brighton stayed loyal to the British King. Later, many Irish and Italian immigrants moved to the area. Today, the neighborhood is home to people of Irish, German, African American, and Hispanic backgrounds.
Sports History and Parks
The oldest cricket club in the United States was started in West Brighton in 1872. It's located where Walker Park is now. The Staten Island Cricket Club still plays matches there. This park also had the first lawn tennis court in the U.S., built in 1873.
Changes After World War II
West New Brighton changed a lot after World War II. Two big public housing areas were built. The Markham Homes were first built for families of shipyard and defense workers. The West Brighton Houses came next. Starting in 2004, people living in The Markham Homes had to move out so the area could be rebuilt. By 2007, everyone had moved. Even though many residents were told they could return, only a few have been able to.
Since the late 1990s, the area has become safer with less crime. Richmond Terrace is a main road along the Kill Van Kull waterfront. It has several shipyards and tugboat companies. The area south of Forest Avenue is still home to some of West Brighton's wealthier residents. These include politicians, lawyers, judges, and other professionals, especially in the "Sunset Hill" part east of Broadway.
Neighborhood Demographics
For counting purposes, the New York City government groups West New Brighton with New Brighton and St. George. In 2010, the total population for this larger area was 33,551 people. This was a small increase from 2000. The neighborhood is a mix of different groups, including White, African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents.
Important Places and Landmarks
West New Brighton has many interesting places. The Staten Island Zoo is a popular spot. Clove Lakes Park and Silver Lake Park are also nearby.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Snug Harbor is close by in Livingston. It has baseball fields, a children's museum, a beautiful Chinese garden, and other botanical gardens. You can also find the Art Lab and the Staten Island Conservatory of Music there.
Cemeteries and Historic Homes
St. Peter's Cemetery is in West New Brighton. It opened in 1848 and is the oldest Roman Catholic cemetery on Staten Island. There are also some smaller, older cemeteries where founding families of the island are buried.
The former St. Vincent's Medical Center is now called Richmond University Medical Center. Most of its buildings are newer, but the Garner Mansion is from the 1800s. It used to be the St. Austin's Military School.
Michael J. Mahoney Playground
The Michael J. Mahoney playground reminds us of American history. Michael J. Mahoney grew up in West Brighton. He joined the US Marines and fought in World War I. He was part of five major battles in 1918. Mahoney was killed during the Blanc Mont Ridge in France. This battle was a turning point against the German army. His body was brought back to the U.S. in 1924 and buried in St. Peter's Cemetery. New York City dedicated the playground in his honor in 1940.
Historic Buildings
Several buildings in West New Brighton are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Calvary Presbyterian Church, the Dr. Samuel MacKenzie Elliott House, the Gardiner-Tyler House, the Kreuzer-Pelton House, and the Scott-Edwards House.
Safety and Emergency Services
The 120th Precinct of the NYPD patrols West New Brighton and the North Shore. It is located at 78 Richmond Terrace. This area has become much safer over the years, with a big drop in crime since the 1990s.
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) also serves West New Brighton. Engine Co. 156 is at 412 Broadway. Ladder Co. 79 and Battalion 22 are at 1189 Castleton Avenue.
Post Office and Mail Services
West New Brighton uses the ZIP Codes 10310 and 10301. The United States Postal Service has a branch called the West New Brighton Station at 1015 Castleton Avenue.
Education in West New Brighton
Schools for Kids
The New York City Department of Education runs several public schools near West New Brighton:
- PS 18 John G Whittier (for grades Pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade)
- IS 27 Anning S Prall (for grades 6th to 8th grade)
- PS 45 John Tyler (for grades Pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade)
Public Library
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has a West New Brighton branch at 976 Castleton Avenue. This library first opened in 1913. It moved to a new spot in 1918 and then to its current home in 1933.
Transportation Options
West New Brighton used to have a train station called the West New Brighton station. It was part of the Staten Island Railway's North Shore Branch until 1953. Today, people in West New Brighton can use several local buses, including the S40, S44, S46, S48, S53, S54, S90, S94, S96, S98. There is also an express bus, the SIM30.
Famous People From West New Brighton
- Anna Leonowens: She was a writer and teacher who lived in West New Brighton. She was famous for being a governess (a private teacher) to the King of Siam. She wrote about her experiences while living on Staten Island. Her story later became the musical The King and I. She also ran a school for girls here.
- Debi Rose: She was born and grew up in West New Brighton. She later became a City Councilwoman, helping to make decisions for the city.
- Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa: An Irish Fenian Leader who lived at 194 Richmond Terrace.
See also
In Spanish: West New Brighton (Staten Island) para niños
