South Ozone Park, Queens

South Ozone Park is a neighborhood in the southwestern section of the New York City borough of Queens. It was originally developed as low-cost housing in the early 1900s. Its boundaries extend from the Aqueduct Racetrack (westward) to the Van Wyck Expressway. Its main thoroughfare is Rockaway Boulevard. The neighborhood is part of Queens Community Board 10.

On the west, South Ozone Park extends to the Queens neighborhood of Ozone Park, which despite the name is not north of the neighborhood, instead Richmond Hill lies to the north. On the east, it becomes South Jamaica. To the southwest is Howard Beach.

Generally seen as less upscale than Ozone Park, South Ozone Park is home to a more diverse population, with many African Americans, Trinidadians, Bangladeshis, Guyanese, and Hispanics living in the area. There has been a recent surge of development in South Ozone Park that rivals many of the surrounding communities in terms of home value.

There is a high concentration of small businesses along Liberty Avenue, which is South Ozone Park's main source of revenue. Liberty Avenue lies in Richmond Hill, not South Ozone Park. The infamous Parnell Edwards was killed here, shortly after the Lufthansa Heist in 1978.

Education

 * Our Lady's Catholic Academy Our Lady’s Catholic Academy is a diverse, child-centered Catholic elementary school that serves the South Ozone Park community. The school, located on 126th Street and Rockaway Boulevard, was founded in September 2009, under the direction and guidance of the Board of Directors.


 * Our Lady of Perpetual Help School is the parish school for the church of the same name. It is located on 115th Street and is within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. Established on September 12, 1927, it educates in grades PK-8. The principal is Mrs. Frances DeLuca.


 * Vincent G. Fowler School is an elementary school that educates pre k-5th grade students. It is located across from the Aqueduct Racetrack, with principal Ms. Biondollilo.


 * Virgil I Grissom, J.H.S. 226, Rockaway Blvd and 122nd Street. This middle school is named for the late astronaut, it features Grades 6-8 and specializes in several areas of general education practices. It is a zoned school nestled in an area of a diverse population.


 * P.S. 124 Osmond A Church