COMMACK, LONG ISLAND

Commack, Long Island

Commack is a hamlet and census-designated place located in Suffolk County, Long Island New York. As of 2000 census, there were 36,367 people, 11,697 households, and 10,176 families residing in the CDP. The median income for a household in the CDP was $84,009, and the median income for a family was $88,406. Males had a median income of $61,475 and only $39,124 for females. The latitude of Commack is 40.842N. The longitude is -73.293W. It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is 131 feet.

The name Commack comes from the Secatogue Indians who lived on the south shore between Copiague and Bayport. They named their northern lands in the center of the island Winnecomac meaning "Pleasant lands." It was known for its very rich soil, abundance of game, and thick oak forests abounding with plants and wildlife. Today, the area settled and suburbanized like most unincorporated areas of Long Island, does not have a Main Street. The community is served by four major thoroughfares two of which are the Long Island Expressway, and the Northern State Parkway.

After World War II the entire area developed and Commack became one of the fastest growing communities. Old farmhouses gave way to family homes in the 1950s. Long Island Expressway was built down the center of the island and came to an end here. Once a quiet crossroads with no traffic, Commack Corners is busy all the time now with eight lanes and many traffic lights. Today over thirty seven thousand people live in Commack and many commute for work. Commack is an integral part of a strategic patch between exits 54 and 57 on the Long Island Expressway and the hinterland of the MacArthur Airport.

Commack is a great place to live because of its closeness between businesses and many cul- de-sacs. It is a largely residential suburb of New York City. Many famous personalities reside in the area such as Bob Costa (sportscaster), Rosie O’Donneil (entertainer), and Big Brother winner Eddie Mcgee grew up in Commack. The Commack Union Free School District is a public school district that consists of eight schools. Commack Middle School took first place in the Long Island Regional Middle School Science Bowl academic competition at National Laboratory and went on to take seventh place in the academic competition in the National Middle School Science Bowl held at the University of Denver. About 97 percent of students plan to attend either a two or four year college. The Long Island Arena was originally played by the New Jersey Nets. It is now a shopping center that includes a Sports Authority, Borders Bookstore, and Target.