Something is fishy at the Staten Island Ferry terminal. Back in 2008 Mayor Bloomberg and Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro introduced the public to two gorgeous, 10-ton tropical fish tanks at the St. George ferry terminal. A year later only 10 percent of the 400 original fish survived and were replaced, but still people seemed to enjoy the addition. But now, three-and-a-half years in, those $750,000 tanks are looking worse for wear. A concerned commuter wrote in today to point out, "It's now 2011 and the fish tanks are more atrocious than ever. They were originally meant to brighten up the commute and make it more pleasant for riders, but every morning I only see slow death in those tanks."
Could Somebody Please Clean The SI Ferry Fish Tanks?
The Lunch Quadrant: St. George, Staten Island
Welcome to the Lunch Quadrant, where we offer you four lunch options (two standing, two sitting) by a given subway stop. Last week we went to Wall Street and now we're taking it nautical with a quick ferry trip across the narrows to Staten Island. The Forgotten Borough doesn't always get the best press but that doesn't mean you can't find a delicious lunch! St. George, right off the ferry or the SIR, has lots of tasty eats (and great views). Got love for Shaolin? Give us your picks in the comments!
After Bomb Threat, SI Ferry Terminals Evacuated Reopen
The Staten Island Advance reports, "Police officers are evacuating the St. George and Whitehall ferry terminals after a bomb threat was called in, a source told the Advance." The caller allegedly said that a bomb would go off at the "Staten Island Ferry Terminal at 9:30 a.m.” It's unclear which terminal the caller was referring to, so "Both terminals on the Staten Island and Manhattan sides are currently being swept by bomb-sniffing dogs." Update: The terminals reopened after the dogs found nothing suspicious.
Before Crash, Staten Island Ferry Captain: "Passengers Hold On!"
Officials say that the Staten Island Ferry that crashed into a dock at the St. George Terminal last night lost power when it was entering its slip. The Staten Island Advance reports, "Ferry Chief James DeSimone said the propulsion system failed as the ferry docked, and compared it to a car suddenly losing its brakes. He said the unidentified captain 'took the appropriate action' and that all crew members were given mandatory drug and alcohol tests."
Breaking: Staten Island Ferry Crash
According to the wires, at 7:13pm, a Staten Island ferry experienced a "hard docking" with "several injuries" at the St. George Terminal in Staten Island. No one was seen in the water, and the ferry regained power and was able to pull in to the berth. The Fire Department is calling all hands, and 750 people are being evacuated from the ferry. More details as we get them. Update 7:43pm: there are reports of 10 "yellow tag" (intermediate level) injuries. Lots of helicopters out over the bay. Update 9:25 p.m.: Fifteen people suffered minor injuries, according to the Staten Island Advance, which also reports, "Witnesses reported that the Marchi, which left Whitehall at 6:45 p.m., came in fast after the power cut out. There was an announcement from the pilothouse to 'hang on,' followed by more urgent announcements, and riders scrambled to the rear of the boat." The John Marchi ferryboat and Slip 5 both suffered damage.
Only 10% of Staten Island Ferry Fish Survived First Year
Oh no: The Staten Island Advance reports on some sad news about the beautiful fish tanks in the Staten Island Ferry's St. George Terminal: Apparently only 40 of the 400 tropical fish have survived since being introduced last year.
Over the past 12 months, most of the delicate fish have died; some became the lunch of aggressive tankmates, while others were stressed from people banging on the glass, aquarium experts said. Aquarists have said the fish were also stressed because the constant lighting in the bright terminal kept them from having a necessary restorative sleep cycle.more ›
Missing Teacher Found in Water Rescue Off S.I.
The Daily News reports that Hannah Upp, the NYC Teaching Fellow missing since August 29, was found hours ago after she "jumped into the chilly waters off Staten Island in an apparent suicide attempt."
Williamsburg the Sequel: SI's St. George?
With its own music festival, budding arts community, and plenty of backlash...is Staten Island primed to become the next hipster haven? One tipster sent in these photos taken in the St. George section of SI last week. Yuppies and hipsters and street art, oh my! It will be like New York City's very own island of misfit toys...toys with neon accessories and a breathtaking air of entitlement.


