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." In 1894, a post office was established in Coeymans Junction bearing the name Ravena. The name source of the post office 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. The Israel Shear House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
Demographics
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 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. There were 1,487 housing units at an average density of 1,110.4 per square mile. 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. Students also attend Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School, which is located in the Hamlet of Coeymans and is 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. In addition to formal schooling, educational and entertainment information is available at the RCS Community Library which is located at 95 Main Street in the village of Ravena. The library serves the residents of the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District in southeastern Albany County, New York State and is a part of the Upper Hudson Library System. The library also provides in-house use of computers, photocopy and fax services to the public.
Commerce and industry
Cement plant
The village of Ravena is home to a Lafarge Cement Plant. The plant was originally Atlantic Cement, but was bought out in the early 2000s. On July 11, 2008, the Albany Times Union reported that Lafarge's Ravena plant "was the greatest source of mercury emissions in New York from 2004 to 2006". According to the story, plans have been made to upgrade the plant to reduce the mercury emissions. A second story, published the following day, stated that the factory had emitted 400 pounds of mercury annually from 2004 to 2006. As of 2016, Lafarge is completing a $300 million upgrade to its Ravena plant that includes a new dry-process cement kiln that will replace two 50-year-old wet-process kilns. The new kiln will use less coal and emit fewer pollutants, including a 66% reduction in mercury emissions, while increasing production capacity. It will also take less water from the Hudson River, getting most of its water from the nearby limestone quarry that feeds the plant.
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. The origins of the former Plaza Del Sol was an A&P grocery store. In the late 2004 Grand Union left Faith Plaza and was replaced by a Best Yet Market. Best Yet Market left in late 2005 and the store was remodeled and opened again in the spring of 2006 as Ravena Shop 'n Save. Faith Plaza also holds a CVS/pharmacy, National Bank of Coxsackie, as well as other various shops and restaurants.
Media
The News-Herald is Ravena's main newspaper, published weekly, which has designation for publication of legal notices.
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. 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.
Law Enforcement
Police protection is provided by the Coeymans Police Department. The Ravena Police Department was merged with the Coeymans Police Department to improve efficiency. Eventually, it was determined to close the Ravena Police Department by referendum, at which point the Coeymans Police Department became the sole law enforcement agency for both the Village of Ravena and Town of Coeymans.
Emergency Medical Services are provided by the Ravena Rescue Squad. The Ravena Rescue Squad, formerly known as the Ravena Hose Company Rescue Squad, is a career agency. Formerly, the Ravena Rescue Squad was a volunteer agency, but due to lack of membership, it was decided by its board of directors to hire paid Emergency Medical Technicians. Currently, there are two EMT's on duty at all times. The Rescue Squad runs out of the EMS station on Bruno Boulevard in Ravena.
Fire and Emergency Services
Fire protection is provided to the Village of Ravena by the Ravena Fire Department. The Ravena Fire Department is a 100% volunteer organization. Along with fire protection, the Ravena Fire Department provides the residents of Ravena technical rescue services including vehicle extrication and technical rescue capabilities. Firefighters from the Ravena Fire Department are also trained to deal with certain levels of Hazardous Materials. Some Emergency Medical Services are also provided by the fire department when the Ravena Rescue Squad is unable to respond due to being dedicated at other incidents.
