Explore Charleston, Staten Island
Charleston is a neighborhood located on the South Shore of Staten Island, New York City. It was settled by the Androvette family in 1699 and was known as Androvetteville or Androvettetown through the 18th century. The name “Charleston” emerged during World War I, possibly to honor Charles Kreischer, one of Balthasar Kreischer’s sons. Some sources suggest that the name was changed to avoid anti-German sentiment during the war, or to honor Charles Androvette, another prominent local landowner.
Map of Charleston
Development and Modernization
In recent years, Charleston has experienced significant development, particularly in its commercial and residential sectors. The introduction of shopping centers like Bricktown Centre and the Tides at Charleston has brought new amenities and housing options to the area. Despite its remote location, Charleston remains a vibrant neighborhood, home to diverse attractions such as Sandy Ground, Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, and the Arthur Kill Correctional Facility.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Charleston has a comprehensive and efficient transportation system that connects and integrates with other areas on Staten Island and in New York City. The neighborhood has several roads and bridges that provide access and mobility, such as the Korean War Veterans Parkway, the West Shore Expressway, the Outerbridge Crossing, and the Goethals Bridge. The neighborhood also has several public transit options that provide convenience and affordability, such as the Staten Island Railway, the Staten Island Bus Rapid Transit, the Staten Island Ferry, and the Staten Island Express Bus.
The neighborhood also improves and enhances its transportation system and services, by implementing safety, maintenance, and modernization projects. Charleston’s transportation network includes bus routes and major highways like New York State Route 440, providing convenient access to the rest of Staten Island and beyond. The establishment of the Charleston Depot and ongoing infrastructure projects contribute to improved connectivity and accessibility for residents.
Education and Community Services
Charleston has a number of educational institutions and resources that serve its residents. Charleston is served by the New York City Department of Education, offering a range of educational opportunities for students of all ages. Schools like P.S. 56 and Tottenville High School play a vital role in shaping the community’s future, providing quality education to its residents.
The neighborhood also has a partnership with the College of Staten Island, a public college that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields of study. The neighborhood also encourages its residents to pursue higher education and lifelong learning, by offering scholarships, grants, and workshops.
Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Charleston has a population of about 10,000 people, with a density of about 1,500 people per square mile. The neighborhood is predominantly white, with about 80% of the population identifying as non-Hispanic white. However, the neighborhood also has some diversity, with about 10% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 5% as Asian, and 3% as Black or African American. The median household income in Charleston is about $90,000, which is higher than the Staten Island average of $80,000 and the New York City average of $70,000. The neighborhood also has a high level of education, with about 40% of the population having a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the Staten Island average of 30% and the New York City average of 35%. The median age in Charleston is about 40 years, which is slightly older than the Staten Island average of 39 years and the New York City average of 37 years.
Economy
Charleston is a neighborhood with a mix of small and large businesses spanning various sectors like retail, service, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, and transportation. The area hosts industrial and commercial zones such as the Charleston Industrial Park, the Charleston Business Park, and the Bricktown Centre at Charleston, where numerous businesses and industries operate, providing jobs and services to the community. Additionally, Charleston contributes significantly to the economic development of Staten Island and New York City by generating tax revenues, attracting investments, and fostering innovation. Moreover, the neighborhood faces economic challenges like competition, regulation, and globalization but manages to overcome them by adapting to changing markets, diversifying its economy, and enhancing its competitiveness.
Environment in Charleston
Charleston boasts several natural features like the Arthur Kill, Fresh Kills, and Clay Pit Ponds, which provide habitats for wildlife, water sources, and recreational opportunities. The neighborhood also houses resources such as the Charleston Landfill, Charleston Recycling Center, and Charleston Solar Farm, contributing to waste management, energy production, and environmental education1. Additionally, Charleston faces environmental issues like air pollution, water contamination, and land degradation that impact its environmental quality and health. Also, the neighborhood actively protects and preserves its environment by implementing measures such as the Charleston Wetlands Project, Charleston Green Infrastructure Plan, and Charleston Climate Action Plan to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability.
Conclusion
In summary, Charleston on Staten Island’s South Shore offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. Despite facing challenges like traffic congestion and environmental issues, it remains a vibrant community. With its rich heritage, diverse demographics, and ample recreational opportunities, Charleston continues to evolve while maintaining its distinctive character. Strong transportation connections ensure accessibility to the wider region, making Charleston a desirable place to live and visit.
