Cypress Hills: An Elevated Station on the Border of Brooklyn and Queens

The Cypress Hills station is an elevated subway station located on the border of the Cypress Hills neighborhood in Brooklyn and Woodhaven in Queens, New York. It serves as an important access point for local residents to the Jamaica Line, connecting them to other parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Its elevated structure over Jamaica Avenue is a distinctive feature of the area.

Connections and Services

The Cypress Hills station is a standard stop on the Jamaica Line:

Cypress Hills Station (Jamaica Line)

• This is an elevated local station on the New York City Subway’s Jamaica Line.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • J (brown)

  (Note: The Z train operates express and skips this station during peak hours in the peak direction).

• Main entrance address: Intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Hemlock Street/Crescent Street, Brooklyn/Queens, NY.

Platforms and Tracks

• The station has two side platforms and three tracks.
• The center track is not normally used for passenger service.
• The platforms serve trains traveling in opposite directions (towards Manhattan/Jamaica Center).
• Access to the platforms is from street level beneath the elevated structure.

This station primarily serves the Cypress Hills neighborhood and does not offer direct transfers to other subway lines.

Importance and Location

• The station is located on Jamaica Avenue, at the intersection with Hemlock Street and Crescent Street, in the Cypress Hills neighborhood of Brooklyn, right on the border with Queens.
• Its location makes it a key access point for residents and workers in the area, connecting to destinations such as:

  • Local Environment

    • Primarily a local residential and commercial area along Jamaica Avenue.
    • Close to Highland Park, a large public park with various recreational facilities.
    • Proximity to Cypress Hills National Cemetery and other cemeteries in the area.
    • Variety of local shops and services along the avenue.

  • Neighborhood Features

    • The Cypress Hills neighborhood has a mix of residential and light industrial zones.
    • The station is a vital point for local residents who commute daily to and from work or school.
    • It serves a diverse community in eastern Brooklyn and western Queens.

  • Nearby Transportation

    • Connections with local MTA buses, such as the Q56 route that runs along Jamaica Avenue.
    • There are no direct transfers to other subway lines at the station.
    • It facilitates access to the subway network for area residents.

History and Evolution

• The Cypress Hills station was inaugurated on May 30, 1893.
• The station has been part of the BMT Jamaica Line and has undergone renovations over the years to maintain and improve its facilities, including a significant renovation in the early 2000s.
• As an elevated station, its structure has undergone periodic maintenance to ensure safety and operability.

Interesting Facts

• It is an important station for residents of the Cypress Hills neighborhood in Brooklyn and adjacent areas of Queens.
• The station is located above Jamaica Avenue, an important commercial and transit artery in the area.
• It is exclusively served by the J train (the Z express service train skips it during peak hours).