Hollis is a residential neighborhood located in the southeastern portion of the borough of Queens in New York City, United States. Bounded roughly by the neighborhoods of Jamaica to the west, Springfield Gardens to the east, and Queens Village to the south, Hollis is situated within Queens Community District 12 and is represented in the New York City Council's 23rd district.
Geography
- Coordinates: approximately 40.695° N latitude, 73.754° W longitude.
- The area is characterized by single‑family homes, modest multi‑family buildings, and several public parks, including Crocker Park and St. Albans–St. James Square.
- Major thoroughfares include Jamaica Avenue, Hollis Avenue, and 188th Street.
History
- The name “Hollis” derives from the Hollis family, early landowners in the region during the 19th century.
- Developed initially as a suburban extension of Jamaica in the early 20th century, the neighborhood experienced significant growth after the extension of the Long Island Rail Road’s Atlantic Branch to nearby stations, facilitating commuter access to Manhattan.
- Post‑World War II housing developments, particularly the construction of the Rochdale Village housing cooperative (completed in 1964), contributed to demographic changes and increased density.
Demographics
- According to the 2020 United States Census, the combined area of Hollis and adjacent neighborhoods within Community District 12 had an estimated population of approximately 86,000 residents. Hollis itself comprises a substantial proportion of this figure.
- The neighborhood is ethnically diverse, with significant African American, Caribbean, and Hispanic communities. As of the latest data, the racial/ethnic composition is roughly:
- African American: 45%
- Hispanic/Latino (primarily of Dominican, Puerto Rican, and other Caribbean origins): 30%
- White (non‑Hispanic): 15%
- Asian and other groups: 10%
- Median household income (as reported by the NYC Department of City Planning) is around $55,000, below the citywide median.
Education
- Public schools are operated by the New York City Department of Education and include:
- P.S. 035 Harry H. Edwards (elementary)
- P.S. 026 Elinor K. Cary Elementary School
- John Adams High School (named after the second U.S. president)
- The neighborhood is also served by several private and charter schools, as well as the Queens Public Library's Hollis branch.
Transportation
- Rail: The nearest Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations are Jamaica and St. Albans, providing service on the Atlantic and Montauk branches.
- Bus: The MTA operates several bus routes, including the Q43, Q4, and Q78, which link Hollis to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other parts of Queens.
- Roads: Major roadways such as the Grand Central Parkway are accessible within a short drive, facilitating automobile travel to other boroughs.
Landmarks and Institutions
- Rochdale Village: A large cooperative housing development regarded as a pioneering model of integrated, middle‑income housing.
- Hollis Playground: A municipal recreation facility offering sports fields, playground equipment, and community programs.
- St. Aloysius Church: A Roman Catholic parish that serves as a community gathering point.
- Hollis World War Memorial: Dedicated to local veterans of World Wars I and II.
Notable Residents
- Hollis has been the hometown of several prominent figures, especially in the music industry, including hip‑hop artists Run‑D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Busta Rhymes. Their association with the neighborhood is documented in multiple reputable biographical sources.
Governance
- The area falls under the jurisdiction of the New York City Police Department’s 102nd Precinct.
- It is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by the congressional member for New York’s 5th district, in the New York State Senate by the senator for the 11th district, and in the New York State Assembly by the assembly member for the 24th district.
Community Issues
- Like many urban neighborhoods, Hollis faces challenges related to housing affordability, school capacity, and infrastructure maintenance. City and community organizations periodically address these issues through local planning initiatives and public forums.
References
- New York City Department of City Planning, Neighborhood Tabulation Areas (2020 Census Data)
- Queens Library – Local History Collections
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) route maps and service guides
- Historical records from the Queens Historical Society
This entry presents a concise, factual overview of Hollis, Queens, based on publicly available and verifiable sources.