The question is this: What makes the Village of Russell Gardens so special? This village resides on the Great Neck Peninsula. It is part of the Town of North Hempstead. Russell Gardens is on Long Island’s North Shore in New York.
Russell Gardens’ story starts with a vision. Francis H. Knighton developed the area. He once worked for the Rickert-Finlay Realty Company. This company developed Kensington. Knighton bought pastoral land. Polo games often took place in these open fields.
Most of the 135 acres belonged to Captain Frederick Russell’s estate. Before Russell, the Schenck and Haviland families owned it. Knighton also purchased land from Arthur Cushman and others. He named his development Russell Gardens after Captain Russell. Later, he incorporated the syndicate assisting him. It became Russell Gardens Incorporated.
This group developed the community. They laid out streets, utilities and parkland. All wiring was placed underground. J.J. Levinson landscaped the community.
In 1931, Thomaston considered incorporating. They thought about including Russell Gardens. Residents wanted to keep their community’s character. They chose to incorporate Russell Gardens as a separate village. This allowed them to create their own zoning rules. On September 23 1931 Russell Gardens officially became a village.
Russell Gardens established its own Village Justice Court in 1981. This allowed the village to handle traffic and municipal code issues locally.
The village covers 0.2 square miles all land. The 2020 census recorded a population of 978.
Russell Gardens is known for its beauty. Russell Gardens Park is a local favorite. It offers peaceful strolls and family outings. The park has lawns and well-kept facilities. It is perfect for picnics and community events.
As of July 2023 David Miller is the Mayor of Russell Gardens. Lawrence Chaleff is the Deputy Mayor. Village Trustees include Martin Adickman Matthew Ellis and Jane Krakauer.
Russell Gardens is located within the Great Neck Union Free School District. Children attend Lakeville Elementary School. They also attend Great Neck South Middle School and Great Neck South High School. The village is part of the Great Neck Library District.
Northern Boulevard runs through the village. It forms the southern boundary. Middle Neck Road and Wensley Drive are also major roads.
Several notable people have called Russell Gardens home. These include Douglass Dumbrille Florence Eldridge and W. C. Fields. D. W. Griffith and Dennis King also lived here. Frederick March resided here with his wife Florence Eldridge.
Russell Gardens offers a blend of history community and suburban charm. Its origin story and commitment to maintaining its character make it a special place. The village provides a high quality of life for its residents.