Rotterdam, New York
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| Rotterdam, New York | |
|---|---|
| Name | Rotterdam |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New York |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Schenectady |
| Leader title | Town Supervisor |
| Leader name | Mollie Collins |
| Area total km2 | 64.2 |
| Population total | 30636 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 42, 47, N, 73... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 12303, 12306 |
| Area code | 518 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 36-63960 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0979435 |
| Website | www.rotterdamny.org |
Rotterdam, New York is a town in Schenectady County, located within the Capital District of New York. The town, which contains the census-designated place of Rotterdam, is a major suburban community adjacent to the city of Schenectady. Its development has been closely tied to the Erie Canal, the General Electric Company, and the expansion of the New York State Thruway.
History
The area was part of the patroonship of Kiliaen van Rensselaer and was settled in the 1660s by Dutch farmers from the Albany area. The town was officially formed in 1820 from the western part of the town of Schenectady and named for the Dutch city of Rotterdam. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 spurred significant growth, transforming the Mohawk River corridor into a vital commercial artery. The 20th century saw the town's character shift with the rise of General Electric in nearby Schenectady, attracting a wave of workers and leading to substantial suburban development post-World War II, accelerated by the construction of the New York State Thruway.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 64.2 square kilometers, of which 62.8 square kilometers is land and 1.4 square kilometers is water, primarily from the Mohawk River which forms its northern border. The town is located within the Hudson Valley region and its terrain is characterized by gently rolling hills. Major transportation routes include the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90), Route 5, and Route 7, connecting it to Albany, Schenectady, and the Adirondack Mountains. The Rotterdam Square mall is a prominent geographical and commercial landmark.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population was 30,636, representing stable growth from the 2010 figure. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with significant communities of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The town is part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. Median household income exceeds the state average, and a high percentage of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting its suburban professional character.
Government
Rotterdam operates under a town council form of government, led by an elected Town Supervisor and four council members. The town provides services through various departments including the Rotterdam Police Department and the Rotterdam Department of Public Works. It is part of New York's 20th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Paul Tonko, and falls within New York State Senate district 49 and New York State Assembly district 112.
Economy
The economy is diverse, with a strong base in healthcare, retail trade, and professional services. Major employers include the Ellis Hospital system and numerous commercial developments along Route 7 and near the Rotterdam Square mall. The town's proximity to the GlobalFoundries fab in Malta and the SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Albany has fostered ties to the Tech Valley high-tech corridor. Light manufacturing and distribution facilities are also present, benefiting from access to the New York State Thruway.
Education
Public education is administered by the Schalmont Central School District and the Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District, which operate several elementary, middle, and high schools, including Schalmont High School and Mohonasen High School. The town is also served by the Capital Region BOCES for vocational and special education programs. While there are no colleges within its borders, residents have easy access to institutions like Schenectady County Community College, Union College, and the University at Albany, SUNY.
Category:Towns in New York (state) Category:Towns in Schenectady County, New York Category:Populated places established in 1820 Category:1820 establishments in New York (state)