Park Hill is a neighborhood on Staten Island, located between Rosebank and Clifton. It offers a nice balance of suburban quiet and easy access to the city. Park Hill was mainly developed in the 1960s as part of New York City’s efforts to renew urban areas.

Today, Park Hill provides many different housing choices for residents. It also has good transportation options to travel around the city. The diverse people living here and the area’s history show how Staten Island has changed over time.

For people in Park Hill without a car, it’s simple to get around. There are plenty of grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and pizza places within the neighborhood. The area also has great Caribbean and Spanish food options to choose from.

Park Hill, Staten Island makes city living convenient with a calmer, residential feel. Its mix of housing, transportation, amenities, and dining meets different needs in one neighborhood.

Table of Contents

Map of Park Hill

Historical Background of Park Hill

Around the late 19th century, this area of Staten Island was called Fox Hills, known for its prestigious and fashionable golf course and, during World War I, a noted hospital for wounded soldiers. The area’s name comes from Lewis Henry Meyer’s estate, Fox Hills Manor, built in the 1870s.

The bulk of Park Hill’s construction unfolded during the 1960s, coinciding with New York City’s sweeping urban renewal projects aimed at revitalizing specific areas. Initially envisioned as a middle-class enclave, Park Hill Apartments, the neighborhood’s most recognizable landmark, transitioned into a more diverse community over time. The initial vision was to attract residents from other boroughs, possibly drawn by the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge which had recently opened, offering easier access to Staten Island.

Interestingly, there seems to be a brief period where both names refer to the area. Documents mention “Park Hill” being used as early as the 1890s, alongside “Fox Hills”. Eventually, Park Hill became the dominant name for the neighborhood.

From Park Hill Streets to Legends

Wu-Tang Clan District — Image courtesy of Digital Music News

Park Hill neighborhood holds a special place in hip-hop history. The iconic Wu-Tang Clan originated here, with several members growing up in the area. This connection is officially recognized – the intersection of Vanderbilt Avenue and Targee Street in Park Hill was designated the “Wu-Tang Clan District” in 2019, a tribute to the group’s lasting impact.

Cultural Diversity

Park Hill is a community known for its diverse and multicultural residents. One notable enclave within the neighborhood is the Park Hill Houses area, located just up the hill from Clifton. This area is home to a significant number of people of Liberian descent and is sometimes referred to as Little Liberia. It’s estimated that upwards of 10,000 Liberians have immigrated to the city, with at least half settling in this area of Staten Island. The largest influx occurred during the 1990s and early 2000s, driven by the civil unrest and conflicts in Liberia during that time.

Community Initiatives

The neighborhood is home to significant community engagement efforts. For instance, through the K Woods Foundation, Kareem Woods is working to improve local amenities such as the basketball court and playground and plans to build a community center to support youth development.

Residential Architecture

Park Hill’s architectural landscape is dominated by the Park Hill Apartments, a complex of six-story brick buildings constructed in a mid-century modern style. The Park Hill Apartments themselves stand as the most recognizable landmark within the neighborhood. Their mid-century modern design and historical significance as a planned urban renewal project make them a point of interest for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, the neighborhood features various single-family homes and townhouses, showcasing various architectural styles.

Parks and Recreation

Eibs Pond Park, named after the Eibs, a German-American family who owned land in the 1800s, served as a watering hole for their horses and dairy cows. Despite its modest size, this park is a thriving habitat for over 80 bird species, including snowy egrets. The three-acre clay-bottomed pond is the largest kettle pond in NYC, home to bluegill sunfish, large-mouth bass, painted turtles, and muskrats. Diverse plant life such as bulrushes, water lilies, and cinnamon ferns flourish here. The park has had various roles throughout history, from a movie set to a military hospital. Designated as protected wetlands in 1987, it officially became a NYC park two years later.

Education

Public education in Park Hill falls under New York City Geographic District #31, with elementary education primarily served by Public School 57 Hubert H. Humphrey.

Transportation

Park Hill offers residents a multitude of transportation options. Public buses connect the neighborhood to other parts of Staten Island and provide access to ferries and trains for commuting to Manhattan and Brooklyn. Major roadways such as Hylan Boulevard and the Staten Island Expressway facilitate travel by car.

Healthcare

Staten Island University Hospital and Richmond University Medical Center are conveniently located within a reasonable distance of Park Hill, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services.

Notable Landmarks

Garibaldi-Meucci Museum: Celebrates Italian-American heritage through exhibits detailing the contributions of Antonio Garibaldi and Antonio Meucci to American history.
Alice Austen House: The former home and studio of pioneering lesbian photographer Alice Austen.

While these landmarks are not within Park Hill, they are conveniently located nearby.

Additional Facts

Park Hill is home to a variety of local businesses, including shops, restaurants, and community centers, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.
The neighborhood hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing its diverse heritage and fostering community engagement.
Park Hill’s proximity to the waterfront offers residents opportunities for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and picnicking along the shores of Staten Island.
The neighborhood is served by public libraries, providing residents with access to educational resources, programs, and services.

Conclusion

Park Hill in Staten Island is known for its diverse community and practical amenities. It’s also the birthplace of the Wu-Tang Clan, adding a unique cultural note to its urban landscape. The neighborhood offers essential services and good transportation links, making it a functional place for its residents. How do you think the Wu-Tang Clan’s legacy influences Park Hill today?