Staten Island Wants Ideas to Keep Its Residents

Staten Island may not be the only borough worried about its future, but it might be the only one to have commissioned a study to understand the next 13 years. Earlier this week, the Center for an Urban Future presented Staten Island 2020 plans. The Advance noted that Mayor Bloomberg had PlaNYC 2030 while SI had 2020, "The study...lays out an ambitious series of recommendations aimed at promoting sensible growth, boosting tourism and protecting the Island's quality of life." Here's a look at some of the problems:

- An increasing number of Staten Islanders are giving up on the borough and moving elsewhere.
- Young adults between 18 and 34 appear to be fleeing the borough, a major problem since young single people and families add vitality and vibrancy to communities.
- The cost of single-family homes on Staten Island is increasingly out-of-reach for many middle-class families.
- Commuting times have been getting higher. (Travel-to-work times increased from a mean time of 26.2 minutes in 1980 to 39 minutes in 1990 to 43.9 minutes in 2000.)
- No financial services firms or other corporate office tenants are coming to Staten Island, despite large amounts of vacant space and inexpensive commercial real estate prices compared to Manhattan. (Most of the recent job growth on Staten Island has been in industries that pay low wages.)

Yikes! The Center for an Urban Future suggests that reversing zoning laws to spur development, promoting cultural institution, developing a dynamic downtown to attract young residents, improving transportation options, and, most of all, having a plan to oversee population growth are key. With so much development, some people don't want any more, but former borough president hopeful John V. Luisi told the NY Times that more housing and stores should be built near the ferry terminal in St. George, not to mention a grocery store, a la the Red Hook Fairway, would help a lot.

SI Borough President James Molinaro was more wary of the findings; Crain's reported Molinaro as saying, "A consultant's report is very easy to do. don't need that. I need how to get things done." As it happened, Molinaro said that during a press coference to discuss building a light rail that would connect to NJ's Hudson Bergen Light Rail, creating a connection to the PATH.

What do you think would make Staten Island more attractive to younger residents? And did you know that Staten Island is the fastest growing borough? Ninety percent of new Staten Islanders are immigrants.

Photograph by Atomische.com

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on April 26, 2007 12:21 PM

Comments [rss]

fedup7777

BRING THE SUBWAY TO STATEN ISLAND ALREADY....NOT ANOTHER BUS LINE TO SIT IN MORE TRAFFIC! BRING THE SUBWAY TO AND THROUGH STATEN ISLAND....

ANNOY YOUR LOCAL CONGRESSMAN & BOROUGH PRESIDENT ABOUT THIS, SEND LETTERS, MAKE CALLS, SEND EMAILS!!!!!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH WITH ALL THIS TRAFFIC... THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE 50 YRS AGO

SickofSI

A direct Subway Link to Brooklyn or Manhattan would be nice. There were plans over 80 yrs ago for both, as well as future plans into Jersey.

Amazing how politicians screw everything up!

A light rail through NJ wouldnt cut it.

Copy + Paste this link.

http://query.nytimes.com/search/query?frow=0&n=10&srcht=s&daterange=period&query=staten+island+subway&srchst=p&hdlquery=&bylquery=&mon1=09&day1=18&year1=1851&mon2=12&day2=31&year2=1980&submit.x=31&submit.y=7

guest

I have lived on Staten Island for just short of 40 years. I have seen Richmond Avenue go from two lanes wide to ten. I have seen the local news programs send their reporters everywhere, but unable to find this Island. I have smelled the dump on many a hot, humid day and I cheered its closing. I was thrilled when I happen to notice the other day that Google maps now says "Fresh Kills Park."

Leave Staten Island? Well, maybe if I win the lottery the upper west side sounds nice. Until then, I'm here. Where else can you get a detached house with three bedrooms and a yard for $600K and real estate taxes that won't suck you dry? Try that in NJ or Long Island. The other boroughs...forget it there too.

Yes, we have some problems, but they are all solvable. We need greatly increased mass transit. A Gowanus Tunnel to replace the aging parking lot above 3rd Ave. (See gowanusproject.com) and stick a train track in there as well to Manhattan. We need a light rail hook up to the Husdon-Bergen Light Rail in NJ. Want more? How about a train over to Perth Amboy to NJ Transit? Imagine, a train to the Jersey Shore instead of gridlock on the Garden State Parkway. A rail link from Manhattan could also serve the Teleport. Put a train link there, and suddenly businesses will be falling over each other for its office space.

In St. George, we need rezoning to allow for the building of multi-story apartment buildings. Yes, we will see some nice homes go to the wrecking ball, but get one nice dozen story condo with a Whole Foods and a Barnes and Noble and poof...suddenly people will realize they can live here, fall onto the ferry and be in lower Mahattan in 30 minutes...for free!

Slowly, there is some change. The St. George Theater, the Ballpark, and the Film Festival come to mind. Fresh Kills Park will be a huge boost to our image as hopefully it erases the dump from memory. (Whoever thought of that ice cream name should choke on it.)

We are a county of 478,000 people-- we would be the largest city in 27 of the 50 states in the nation. There is no reason for the bad rap this Island takes, nor is there a reason for the miserable mass transit we have been given.

There is much that can and must be done. It can be done if enough Islanders would go beyond just complaining and start putting together real plans to improve our image and quality of life.

Thanks....

Chet

Jill

Have you seen this site?

www.savestatenisland.com

Cynthia von Buhler

I also want to mention that this article posted by Gothamist only lists the problems that Staten Island faces and not the good things about Staten Island that are also featured in the 2020 report:

"Staten Island is on the brink of reaching new heights. It is home to several of the city’s most attractive neighborhoods, enjoys a high overall quality of life and has an array of somewhat hidden jewels like the St. George Theatre, Mid-land and South Beaches and Wagner College. The number of jobs in the borough has been on the rise, some long-depressed neighborhoods are poised for a renaissance and Staten Island has ample opportunities to grow and diversify its economy in the years ahead."

The fact that there are people on the island who care enough to get this report made is a big step in the right direction. People on the North Shore of Staten Island are now making their voices heard.

I understand how the kids who grew up on Staten Island feel. I wouldn't want to live where I grew up either (The Berkshires of Massachusetts). Most people want to move on and find their own space. Most of my friends who live in St. George grew up elsewhere. I like the merging of suburbia and big city that can be found in St. George. It is a very unique place and it is rapidly changing for the good. The 2020 report talks about this St. George renaissance. It is very exciting to be a part of it.

As I mentioned on TV, I'm moving my art studio from The Meatpacking district to Staten Island because I love the island and PREFER it to the trendy and pretentious neighborhood Meatpacking has become. I was there before it turned into the rich person's enclave and I want to find a new place to pioneer. I choose Staten Island. I like a challenge and I really do love it here. Check out our site. I think many of you will be surprised.

Cheers, Cynthia von Buhler

www.prodigalborough.com

Cynthia von Buhler

I moved to Staten Island 2 years ago from Brooklyn. We looked everywhere near Manhattan and we chose Staten Island's St. George neighborhood because it was inexpensive, safe, and beautiful. Also, we really enjoy commuting to Manhattan on the ferry. It is the best part of my commute. On a subway you can't use your computer (for fear of having it stolen from your hands). The ferry is so safe, clean, and peaceful. I have my Starbucks (yes, you can get that at the ferry terminal, Staten Island side) and use my computer. There is so much to love about Staten Island and I believe things are going to get better here. I was interviewed on NY1 News last week about my being a young artist who recently moved to the island. I'm also having a solo show at the museum here. Time Out NY also recently did a feature on our castle-like 1920s house. If you'd like to view that, read the 2020 report and see all the wonderful things about Staten Island, please visit the website we created 2 years ago: www.prodigalborough.com

Tim

The following posts are true, however, the native islader is not the problem its mostly the Brooklyn transplants. Having lived here for 23 years I see the island getting worse every day due to traffic and overbuilding. There are thousands of annoying Soprano types and wiggers. Not to mention that SI also has the worst air quality in NYC.

tory

I agree with those above that stated staten island is going downhill and that increased density and fast ferries are its only hope, but it may be permanently handicapped by political stagnation. What clout do we have compared to the other five boroughs? Not even considering the native stupidity. Maybe many of the current residents could be convinced to allow denser rezoning if they knew they would make a lot of money selling their ugly pink brick boxes to make way for apartments. Then they would move away! Killing two birds with...

Transportation would still be an issue. The place is an urban planner's nightmare. In fact, I've heard that urban planning classes sometimes use the island as an example of bad planning...or the consequences of a total lack thereof.

A large part of its problem is the rest of the city. If Brooklyn and Manhattan weren't such nice places to move to, people with good taste and good intentions would stop leaving SI and try to make it better. And Staten Islanders who don't leave wouldn't be going to Manhattan and Brooklyn for their weekend fun. Its doomed to be a bedroom community by its proximity to the greatest city in the world. Let's not pretend they're one and the same.

Such a shame, such a waste. I still love it in the dark recesses of my heart.

Jen

I completely agree that transportantion and hip, trendy shops would help transform SI into a small city environment and make it a place to live instead of a place to flee from. The residents living in fear that their home will turn into a congested, over-populated island by allowing easy access to and from SI should open their eyes because it's already reached that point. More public transportation would offer residents choices for commuting other than their cars to get from here to there, ultimately cutting down in street traffic and pollutioin. Trendy shops would keep the spending on the island and away from Manhattan. This island needs change. It's the wealthiest borough so there's absolutely no reason why spending on areas of improvement than on areas that offer no appreciation. If SI's politicians do read these posts, I hope they address these concerns and work towards these improvements.

Cris

This post could not have come at a better time. As apt owners in SI, yet also Manhattan renters, we are perpetually torn between giving up our apt in Manhattan, so that we may move back to SI full time. But with lack of feasible transportation, cultural events, restaurant and shops of interest (that don't make you feel like you are over 50 years old); the decision starts to feel as a no-brainer. This island, with such great potential is consistenly degressing, instead of progressing. We love our neigborhood and apartment in SI and wish we could spend more time there, but it is increadibly incovenient. Just thinking about our long commutes and lack of activities once we're on the island, makes us wonder why in the world we're still holding on to our apt there. Deep down inside, we're hopeful and believe that changes may soon come. As late 20somethings, we would hate to give up a place we love, so we're giving it a few more years before deciding to sell and buy elsewhere. How can one get involved in facilitating this change? I would love to be part of it... crisher@nyc.rr.com

xgeyiph772

As one born-n-raised on SI, it's heartbreaking to go back (I live in Queens now) and see what has NOT changed. There have been many improvements (more express bus service, new zoning laws) but on the whole there's a second-class feeling that permeates the entire boro. If I see one more 1970s townhouse redone with stucco and those UGLY cornerstone bricks made to like like a VERY poor-man's Italian villa, I swear I'll scream. Staten Islanders want so desperately to look and be like "The Sopranos" that any 20-something with half a brain would stay away in droves (and if you're gay or black, God help you). It's a shame because there are some nice, old-line n'hoods and rents are very affordable, but taking the bus/ferry with some of the most nasty, talkative, scuzzy homeless people or loudmouth Guidos is enuf to keep anyone away. I sincerely hope immigrants move in, because they make the n'hood so much more interesting.

Still Not Amused

That's my point "Graduate" ! It was a getaway spot in the pass until wealthy folks took notice and started build those aforementioned "Ugly houses" . The phrase "Poor man's Hampton's" referred to just that . S.I. has most of the same benefits you see in the Hampton's with some exceptions obviously . To little to late is right on the money "Graduate" because the city didn't catch the oversight in time to put a stop to all of that development .

Still Not Amused

That's my point "Graduate" ! It was a getaway spot in the pass until wealthy folks took notice and started build those aforementioned "Ugly houses" . The phrase "Poor man's Hampton's" referred to just that . S.I. has most of the same benefits you see in the Hampton's with some exceptions obviously . To little to late is right on the money "Graduate" because the city didn't catch the oversight in time to put a stop to all of that development .

Michelle

Staten Island is the city's red-haired stepchild. No one will care about it unless the people of Staten Island make their voices known. If we want more transportation, more cultural/entertainment attractions, then we have to complain to people who can do something about it--and care to do something about it.

I'd start by making houses more affordable for middle class families--that way people would have an incentive to stay on the island rather than move to Brooklyn or New Jersey. Rent might be reasonable, but housing prices are ridiculous.

Reviving the island's northern rail line might help get people off/on the island, but the real issue is the trip from the island into Manhattan. I agree, a connection from St. George to the lower Manhattan subway lines seems to be the only working options. Express buses are only great/fast when there isn't any traffic, which is rare.

In order for Staten Island not to be considered the city's outcast, it has to be integrated into the city. The best way it can be integrated is by having better and faster transportation options.

TheGraduate

Still Not Amused - calling it the "poor man's Hamptons" couldn't be further from the truth now! Staten Island in the 50s was filled with tiny beach bungalows. Is was a vacation spot with small neighborhoods that had cute shops and local businesses. Slowly, but surely, because of the lack of oversight the bungalows were razed and replaced by the ridiculously ugly homes others have spoken about above. I cannot even begin to tell you the number of victorian homes that have been destroyed to make way for a semi-attached home or townhouses. What a shame.

There was no such thing as urban planning when the Island was still empty enough to make a difference. I think this study is a case of too little too late.

Still Not Amused

"Subway" They have railroad tracks that I believe go too S.I. . I'm not completely sure but I think they do . I say that because the High School I went too on the (R)train right before in completes the turn into [59].St. There are tracks that turn into the fourth Avenue line . Anyway, That's the beauty of S.I., It's not easy to reach by mass transit . Moving on, The island is the southern version of the Hampton's in many spots . You can call it "The poor man's Hampton's" .

fat and blond

I think there's only one cultural institution on SI, isn't it Snug Harbor? Sounds like you know your SI history, james. I can't imagine SI having Victorian homes, but if it did, it could by our Spring Lake.

I haven't set foot in that borough in over 20 years, used to go to bike races early in the morning at the SI mall. early as in 6 am starts, just like the races in all the other boroughs.

Didn't see any guidos participating even though Italy has a storied bicycling history.

uh oh, I'm having Breaking Away flashbacks of the Cinzano team.

James

Good lord, where do you start when it comes to improving Staten Island? It would take so much work, but as a native Staten Islander now living in Brooklyn (thank god) I would like nothing more than seeing it blossom. My family and lots of my friends still live there and I'm back there often.

As everyone's said, nothing will happen without the transportation. Since that issue's been addressed perfectly by others here, I'd have to mention the image problem. People HATE Staten Island, even those that are from it. No one wants to bother with it, and sadly, a good portion of its population is perfectly happy with that. I don't know how it could be done, but the image of the hateful, backwoods Staten Islander needs to be eradicated in order to get people to go there. It really needs a thriving cultural community.

The guido problem is huge, that last comment by Barb is exactly who you're dealing with. Racist, ignorant, self-secluding, tasteless people who love to destroy beautiful Victorian houses for stucco abonimations that are built on an entire plot of land, eliminating all traces of green for the sake of a grotesquely mammoth house. It's rampant in my old neighborhood where my parents still live. It's heart-breaking, but not surprising.

If that's hate-speech so be it. I grew up there, I know exactly who I'm talking about. It goes all the way up to the top too - look at Congressman Vito Fossella and Jim Molinaro, the borough president. If a politician doesn't have an Italian last name, he or she's got a pretty large chance at being completely ignored. Sometimes I think the city made a deal with the Mafia to give them SI if they minimized their presence in the other boroughs. Hopefully when Molinaro's out next year he'll be replaced with a more innovative and intelligent politician more enthusiastic about improving Staten Island in some meaningful ways.

The more immigrants, the more diversity, and therefore more incentive for the racists to leave. I couldn't be happier that 90% of new residents are immigrants - if that's actually true.

barb

90% of people moving to Staten Island are immigrants? Well, right there's your problem. And things are not changing for the better. That's why so many old-timers are moving out. Sorry, had to be honest, but I bet a lot of people agree with me.

real life on empty tv

that's true, if you've seen true life, summer share.

Most of the people in it were from Staten Island. then there's the other episode, true life, I live in Staten Island and want to get off this crazy thing.