Graniteville, Staten Island
Graniteville is a neighborhood in Staten Island, one of New York City’s five boroughs.
History and name
It was once called Bennett’s Corners and Fayetteville. Quarries for trap rock operated there from 1841 to 1896, which led to the area being renamed Granite Village and then Graniteville. A geography professor notes this is a misnomer, because the quarry did not produce true granite; the rock is rich in sodium feldspar, and a rare mineral called trondhjemite was found at the site.
From rural to developed
Graniteville stayed largely rural into the 20th century. A major fire in March 1942 at the Consolidated Fireworks Company on Richmond Avenue killed five workers.
Location and landmarks
The Staten Island Expressway runs east–west through the area, with NY Route 440 on the eastern edge. The best-known landmark is Baron Hirsch Cemetery, an 80-acre Jewish cemetery founded in the late 1800s and still in use. In August 2001 this cemetery was part of a West Nile virus note when mosquitoes carrying the virus were found at several locations on the island.
Growth and today
Residential growth picked up after the Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge opened in 1964. Today Graniteville has a busy Richmond Avenue commercial strip that reaches toward the Staten Island Mall, about 4 miles away, and brings heavy traffic to the area.
Population and communities
For census purposes, Graniteville is grouped with nearby areas as Mariner’s Harbor–Arlington–Graniteville (SI0107). In 2020 the area had 33,492 residents, up from 31,474 in 2010. The community is diverse, with many cultural groups and a sizable Hispanic/Latino population.
Demographics and households
The largest age group is 5–19 years old. About 74% of households have at least one family. Roughly 70% of non-vacant housing is renter-occupied. The area is home to many families and a mix of housing.
Education and libraries
Public schools serving Graniteville include PS 861, PS 60, PS 22, IS 51, IS 72, and Port Richmond High School. John W. Lavelle Preparatory Charter School opened in 2009, the first charter on Staten Island, and the Staten Island School of Civic Leadership (PS/IS 861) opened as a K–8 school. There is no local library; residents use nearby branches in Port Richmond, Todt Hill–Westerleigh, and Mariners Harbor.
Transit and safety
Bus service includes lines on Forest Avenue, South Avenue, and Richmond Avenue. The 121st Precinct of the NYPD, at 970 Richmond Avenue, serves Graniteville; it was split from the 120th Precinct in 2013. In 2022 the precinct reported a range of crimes.
Other facts
Graniteville is next to the Graniteville Swamp, a local natural area.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 22:06 (CET).