Effort underway to put new face on North Shore
silive.com - August 17, 2011NORTH SHORE
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island’s North Shore waterfront could take on an entirely different cast in the not too distant future, now that the city of New York has called for proposals to develop 14 prime acres near the Staten Island Ferry.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert K. Steel and New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky last Friday announced that the city is seeking responses from developers for the purchase or ground lease and redevelopment of two city-owned parcels on the St. George waterfront.
The Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the two sites will help determine the feasibility for long-term development, potential uses and necessary infrastructure investments. The two parcels are currently used as parking lots for the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George and the St. George Ferry terminal.
The RFEIs require respondents to replace all publicly available parking during development and to add new parking that may be required by any proposed development.
Many have long thought that this area could be redesigned to attract tourists and generate growth in what is considered Staten Island’s downtown area.
“In order to continue building for the future, it is imperative that we seek out new and innovative ways to create jobs and additional opportunities for the residents of St. George and Staten Island, while also making the Island a top destination for visitors,” said Bloomberg. “The potential to develop these sites while maintaining the availability of parking — combined with projects at the Homeport, Howland Hook and at the Ferry Terminal — will be a catalyst for the further revitalization of the North Shore, as well as the entire island.”
Linda Baran, CEO and president of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, said she brings a lot of people over to Staten Island from other places. “They always say, ‘I can’t believe there’s nothing going on here.’ It’s great that the administration is going to focus on the St. George area. I think there is a lot of opportunity there,” she said.
She’s not alone in her observations. Initial over-the-fence response from those who live nearby has been akin to “It’s about time.”
Public officials have been equally grateful.
State Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-North Shore) sees the RFEIs as a positive step. “Responsible development of these two sites is crucial for a vibrant downtown Staten Island as well as for bringing jobs to this area, both in construction projects and long-term use,” he said.
State Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) said, “I express my gratitude to the Bloomberg administration for releasing this RFEI that will help jumpstart economic development in the St. George area, which is primed for an economic revival.”
Rep. Michael Grimm (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) was equally receptive. “The lack of commercial development on Staten Island’s waterfront has been a squandered opportunity for decades, most especially in St. George with its panoramic views of Jersey City, Manhattan and Brooklyn,” he said. “I am confident that this proposal is a key first-step in turning that enormous potential into a reality.”
Over the next few days, North Shore reporter Virginia Sherry will survey Staten Islanders who live and work in the area to get an idea of what they would put on these two parcels if they held the purse-strings and could dream big. Look for their responses next week.
To read this article at its source, click here.
Categories: Chamber in the News
