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Colonie, New York

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Parent: Niskayuna, New York Hop 3
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1. Extracted72
2. After dedup25 (None)
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Colonie, New York
Colonie, New York
UpstateNYer · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
NameColonie, New York
Settlement typeTown
Subdivision typeCountry
Subdivision nameUnited States
Subdivision type1State
Subdivision name1New York
Subdivision type2County
Subdivision name2Albany County
Leader titleTown Supervisor
Leader namePeter G. Crummey
Area total sq mi57.4
Population total85190
Population as of2020
Population density sq miauto
TimezoneEastern (EST)
Utc offset-5
Timezone DSTEDT
Utc offset DST-4
Coordinates42, 43, 10, N...
Postal code typeZIP Codes
Postal code12205, 12211, 12212, 12303, 12304, 12309
Area code518
Websitewww.colonie.org

Colonie, New York is a town in Albany County, situated immediately northwest of the city of Albany. As the largest suburb of New York State's Capital District, it is a major commercial and residential hub. The town is home to Albany International Airport and significant retail corridors, including along Central Avenue and Interstate 87.

History

The area was originally part of the Manor of Rensselaerswyck, a vast Dutch patroonship established by Kiliaen van Rensselaer. Following the American Revolutionary War, the town was formed in 1895 from the western portion of the town of Watervliet. Its development accelerated with the construction of the Erie Canal and later the Delaware and Hudson Railway, facilitating trade and industry. The Shaker community at Watervliet Shaker Historic District was an early religious settlement within the town's historical bounds. Significant 20th-century growth was driven by its proximity to Albany and major transportation projects like the New York State Thruway.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 57.4 square miles, of which 56.0 square miles is land and 1.4 square miles is water. Major waterways include the Mohawk River along its northern border and the Normans Kill flowing through the southern part. The town's terrain is characterized by the flat plains of the Hudson Valley, with the Albany Pine Bush, a unique inland pine barrens ecosystem, located in its southeastern section. It is bordered by the cities of Albany and Schenectady and the towns of Niskayuna, Guilderland, and Bethlehem.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 85,190, making it the most populous town in Upstate New York. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with significant communities of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population density is high for a town, reflecting its suburban character. Major residential areas include the villages of Colonie and Menands, and hamlets like Loudonville and West Albany.

Economy

Colonie is a major commercial center for the Capital District. Albany International Airport serves as a key economic engine and regional transportation hub. Major retail corridors are concentrated along Central Avenue and near Crossgates Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in New York State. The town is also home to corporate offices for Trans World Entertainment, Golub Corporation (parent of Price Chopper Supermarkets), and several technology firms. The Watervliet Arsenal, though located in the adjacent city, has historically influenced the local economy.

Government and infrastructure

Colonie operates under a town council form of government, led by a Town Supervisor and four council members. Key infrastructure includes the main campus of the Albany County Sheriff's Department and several stations of the Colonie Police Department. The town's public works manage an extensive network of roads, including portions of Interstate 87 and New York State Route 7. It is served by the Capital District Transportation Authority for public bus transit and is a primary site for utilities serving the region, including National Grid.

Education

Public education is provided by the South Colonie Central School District and the North Colonie Central School District, which include high schools such as Colonie Central High School and Shaker High School. Private institutions include the Albany Academy for Girls and the former La Salle Institute. Higher education and vocational training are available through proximity to SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Hudson Valley Community College, and The College of Saint Rose. The town's libraries are part of the Upper Hudson Library System.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with Colonie include Maureen Stapleton, an Academy Award-winning actress; Timothy McVeigh, perpetrator of the Oklahoma City bombing, who lived there briefly; and H. Patrick Swygert, former president of Howard University. Sports figures include professional baseball player Lee Mazzilli and NFL coach Bill Parcells. Musician and producer Brian Patneaude also hails from the town.

Category:Towns in New York (state) Category:Albany County, New York Category:Populated places established in 1895