STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – I started working for the Advance in 1995 and one of the constant topics of conversation from then until this very day has been the revitalization of the North Shore.
It has seemed incomprehensible that miles of prime waterfront property, with arguably the best views in the world, could be laying largely dormant.
Former congressman and borough president Guy Molinari envisioned a “St. George Station” project that would revitalize the area. Others who’ve run for office here have touted their plans to improve what has been called Staten Island’s “Gold Coast.”
Go pretty much anywhere in the world where there’s an ocean, lake, river, canal or other waterfront space and you’ll see economic development. You’ll see housing and shops and recreational areas. Just look at any of the other four boroughs and you’ll see it.
People are just naturally drawn to the water. And waterfront areas are made to be enjoyed, especially in a big city, where they can give respite from the hustle and bustle. Waterfronts are supposed to be economic engines as well.
But that dream has never fully come to fruition on Staten Island, despite the fact that we are an island with miles of available shoreline. Numerous projects have failed here over the years or never got off the drawing board.
Now Mayor Eric Adams takes another crack at it.
After two years of prodding from City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore), City Hall the other day announced an ambitious plan to invest $400 million in Staten Island’s North Shore.
The plan includes housing, a new school, open space and waterfront access, with more than 7,500 jobs created and $3.8 billion in economic impact.
The plan promises to complete the long-sought-for waterfront connection from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the Bayonne Bridge.
It’s reason for optimism, despite the fact that the chronic nay-sayers out there will no doubt say that it’ll never work. Those folks never tire of rooting against…
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