These days St. Albans is home to middle-class African Americans and growing numbers of Caribbean immigrants and Caribbean-Americans.
St. Albans lacks a subway, but has a LIRR station and is close to the Belt and Cross Island Parkways. Housing development is booming, which has brought the strains of higher density living.
St. Albans meets South Jamaica at Merrick Boulevard, South Hollis at Hollis Avenue, Bellaire at Francis Lewis Boulevard, and Cambria Heights along Francis Lewis and Springfield Boulevard. Light industry overwhelms residences near Liberty Avenue.
New construction, redevelopment of existing homes, and illegal conversions have strained infrastructure, affecting quality of life, from schools to sanitation.
Average real estate prices (December 2005):
- One-family: $300,000+ (more for detached)
- Two-family: $450,000+
- One-bedroom: $800+ (rare)
- 2/3-bedroom: $1400+
Riddick’s Catering Restaurant (198-18 Linden Blvd, 718-276-4108) serves great Southern diner food and Carolina-style ribs.
In nearby Cambria Heights, the Proper Cafe (217-01 Linden Blvd) is the best local night spot, with theme nights and popular karaoke Thursdays.
The American Roots Gallery (193-17 Linden Blvd, 718-712-4141) is a custom framing and trophy shop, but also represents African American artists.
Shopping options along Merrick Boulevard and Hollis Avenue are mostly small corner stores and takeout places. Pathmark is at Merrick Boulevard and Springfield Boulevard.
The park is home to Black Spectrum Theater and its socially-conscious theater, after-school programs, and concerts. Each summer, the park hosts Irie Jamboree with top reggae and dancehall acts.
St. Albans Park (Merrick Blvd and 172nd St) is an oasis of green on the edge of Addisleigh Park.
For the year-to-date (11/6/05), the 113th Precinct (including St. Albans, South Hollis, Springfield Gardens, and South Jamaica) reported: 13 murders (11 in 2004), 37 rapes (41 in 2004), 249 robberies (279 in 2004), 258 assaults (271 in 2003), 275 burglaries (288 in 2004).
The Greater Allen Cathedral of New York (110-31 Merrick, Jamaica, 718-206-4600) is one of the largest churches in New York, and a catalyst for local economic development.
- See for Yourself: Addisleigh Park Photos
- Issues and Worries: Overdevelopment strains on sewage and schools, illegal conversions to multi-family homes
- LIRR Train: At Linden Blvd and Montauk St/Newburg St
- Library: St. Albans Branch, 191-05 Linden Blvd, 718-528-8196
- School: P.S. 36 St. Albans School (k-5) receives high marks, but I.S. 192 does not. The new Pathways College Preparatory School is off to a strong start.
- Find all public schools in zip code 11412.
- Post Office: Archie Spigner Post Office, 19504 Linden Blvd
- Parking: Linden Boulevard is good for metered parking during the day, except right near the LIRR. Farther east it's easier and some spots aren't metered.
- Hospital: Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, 8900 Van Wyck Expy, Jamaica, NY 11418, 718-206-6000
- Police Station: 113th Precinct, 167-02 Baisley Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434, 718-712-7733
- Movie Theater: National Amusements Jamaica Mutiplex, 159-02 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11425
- Fitness: Curves, 109-28 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11433, 718-526-6641
- Community Board 12: 90-28 161st St, Jamaica, NY 11432, 718-658-3308
- The Obi-Igbo Organization of New York: 190-03 Linden Blvd
- Zip Code: 11412 and parts of 11433 and 11434.
- Business Organizations: St. Albans Chamber of Commerce, 200-06 Linden Blvd
- History: Named in 1899 after English village of St. Albans, St. Albans was developed in the 1920s and 1930s. In the nineteenth-century, the area was farmland.
