Green Island, New York
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| Green Island, New York | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Green Island |
| Settlement type | Village |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New York |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Albany |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Ellen McNulty-Ryan |
| Area total km2 | 2.23 |
| Area land km2 | 1.66 |
| Area water km2 | 0.58 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 3108 |
| Population density km2 | 1872.3 |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 12183 |
| Area code | 518 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 36-30477 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0951568 |
| Website | https://www.villageofgreenisland.com/ |
Green Island, New York is a village located within the town of Colonie in Albany County. It is situated on an island of the same name in the Hudson River, directly across from the city of Troy and just north of the state capital of Albany. The community is governed by a mayor-council system and has a long industrial history tied to the region's manufacturing and transportation networks.
History
The area was originally part of the Manor of Rensselaerswyck and was known as "Greenbush Island" during the colonial era. Its strategic location on the Hudson River made it a significant site for early industry, with the Harmen Gansevoort family operating a mill there in the 18th century. The 19th century saw rapid industrialization, particularly with the establishment of the massive Green Island Shops for the New York Central Railroad and the founding of the B. Manischewitz Company, a major producer of matzo and kosher wine. The village was incorporated in 1853, separating from the town of Watervliet. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a hub for companies like the Cluett, Peabody & Co. and the Ford Motor Company, which operated an assembly plant there. The village's economy faced challenges following the decline of Northeastern manufacturing, including the closure of the Cluett, Peabody & Co. plant in the 1980s.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.86 square miles, of which 0.64 square miles is land and 0.22 square miles is water. The island is formed by the main channel of the Hudson River to the east and the Hudson–Mohawk River confluence and the Federal Dam to the west. It is connected to the mainland by the Green Island Bridge to Cohoes and the Collard–Cook Bridge to Troy. The village lies within the Hudson Valley region and its topography is relatively flat, shaped by its riverine environment.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 3,108 people residing in the village. The population density was approximately 4,856 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income has historically been below the average for New York State, reflecting its post-industrial economic transition. The village is part of the Loudonville-based North Colonie Central School District.
Government and infrastructure
The village operates under a mayor-council form of government, with current mayor Ellen McNulty-Ryan leading the executive branch. Key infrastructure includes the Green Island Power Authority, a municipal utility, and the Green Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. The village is served by the Green Island Police Department and the Green Island Fire Department. Major transportation routes include New York State Route 470 and the aforementioned bridges, providing access to Interstate 787 and the broader Capital District region. The village maintains several public parks, including Hudson Shores Park.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the village include Samuel Wilson, the purported inspiration for the national symbol Uncle Sam, who owned a meat packing business on the island. Baseball player John McMullin was born here. Industrialist and philanthropist Sanford H. E. Freund was a major figure in the local business community. More recently, Mike Vrabel, former National Football League linebacker and head coach of the Tennessee Titans, spent part of his childhood in Green Island.
Category:Villages in New York (state) Category:Albany County, New York