Ravena is a village in Albany County, New York, United States. United States. The population was 3,369 at the 2000 census.[2] The village is in the southeast part of the town of Coeymans.
History
The village of Ravena incorporated in 1914. Prior to its incorporation, it was known as "Coeymans Junction," but the name was changed to "Ravena" to avoid confusion with another hamlet in the town, "Coeymans Landing."[1]
In 1894, a post office was established in Coeymans Junction bearing the name Ravena. The name source of the post office (and ultimately the village) is unclear. Some believe that the village's proximity to cliffs on its western boundary lent to the area being referred to as the ravine. Others feel that a brand of flour, Raven, was the inspiration behind the name.[1]
Demographics
According to the 2000 U.S. Census[3], there were 3,369 people, 1,380 households, and 892 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,515.7 people per square mile (970.7/km²). There were 1,487 housing units at an average density of 1,110.4/sq mi (428.5/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 92.82% White, 2.91% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.98% from other races, and 2.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.16% of the population.
There were 1,380 households out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the village the population was spread out with 25.7% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.9 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $42,875 and the median income for a family was $54,875. Males had a median income of $40,351 versus $26,865 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,145. About 8.4% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.3% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.
Education
The village of Ravena contains both Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School and Middle School. It also contains Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School, one of the two elementary schools in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District. The second elementary school, A.W. Becker Elementary, is located in the hamlet of Selkirk in the town of Bethlehem.
Commerce and industry
Cement Plant
The village of Ravena is home to a Lafarge Cement Plant. The plant was originally Blue Circle Cement, but was bought out in the early 2000s. Recently, conflict has risen over the amount of mercury being put into the air by the cement plant. The plant is making strides to amend the problem.
Faith Plaza
Faith Plaza is the local shopping center in Ravena. The plaza used to house a movieplex and arcade which were converted into a strip mall and an A&P. A&P left Faith Plaza and was replaced by a Grand Union. In the late 2001 Grand Union left Faith Plaza and was replaced by a Best Yet Supermarket in 2002. Best Yet Supermarket left in late 2003 and the store was remodeled and opened again in the spring of 2004 as Ravena Shop 'n Save (supplied by Hannaford). Faith Plaza also holds a CVS/pharmacy, National Bank of Coxsackie, Troy Savings Bank as well as other various shops and restaurants. It also includes a childrens ministry and tatoo parlor.
Media
The News-Herald is Ravena's main newspaper, published weekly, which has designation for publication of legal notices.[4]
Recreation
Mosher Park is Ravena's main outdoor recreational area. It contains facilities for baseball, football, swimming, tennis, basketball, and picnics, with a skateboard park currently under development.[5][6][7][8][9] Mosher Park was named after Dr. Mosher, a Ravena based General Practitioner from the 1950s through 1980s. The pool and tennis complex at Mosher replaced the Ravena Pool in the early 1970s.
References
- ^ a b c "History". Village of Ravena. http://www.villageofravena.com/History/past.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-28.
- ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ U.S. Census Bureau Webpage, 2000 Census Data for Ravena, New York
- ^ Office of the Albany County Clerk Newspapers Designated for Publication of Legal Notices webpage
- ^ Village of Ravena Mosher Park Complex Website
- ^ "In Bob We Trust", Metroland, Vol. 28, No. 20, May 19, 2005.
- ^ Town of Coeymans, Town Board Meeting Minutes, July 7, 2004.
- ^ Town of Coeymans, Town Board Meeting Minutes, February 14, 2005
- ^ Town of Coeymans, Comprehensive Plan Draft, May 24, 2006
External links
