BP Molinaro slams “additional child tax credit” loophole; calls on Congress to act immediately

Borough President James P. Molinaro has expressed his outrage and urged Congress to act to correct a tax loophole which affords illegal immigrants the opportunity to claim an “Additional Child Tax Credit” for children who do not belong to them and/or do not live in this country.  The loophole costs the United States $4.2 billion a year in payments to the illegal immigrants.

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BP Molinaro, Councilman Oddo & Dept. of Env. Protection announce preservation of Whitney Woods

Borough President Molinaro, Councilman Oddo, and the Grasmere community celebrate by planting a “Bluebelt” sign on the property

Borough President James P. Molinaro and City Council Minority Leader James S. Oddo recently announced that Whitney Woods in Grasmere has been forever protected from development.  The property is now a vital part of the Mid-Island Bluebelt system.

Read the press release

BP Molinaro, Parks Department break ground on new "Fun Coast" improvements

Groundbreaking for Staten Island beach improvements

Borough President James P. Molinaro and Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe have broken ground on $12.2 million in improvements for Staten Island’s East Shore beachfront.

A new “Splaza” or splash plaza will be constructed adjacent to Freedom Circle, and will feature a decorative fountain with interactive spray showers, along with benches and decorative plantings in the surrounding area.  Ground was also broken for the refurbished Victory Diner, which will be fully restored and refurbished, providing a great place to grab a quick lunch or snack for boardwalk and beach users.  Both improvements are slated for completion by the end of 2013.

Autism Fair Draws Hundreds for Up-To-Date Information

Over 600 Staten Islanders joined with Borough President James P. Molinaro as he held an Autism Resource Fair to present vital information to parents and caregivers of autistic children and young adults.  Service providers were on hand to provide families with information and assistance, and seminars were held detailing important advancements in technology that can assist people on the autism spectrum.  Updated autism resource guides are still available from the Borough President's Office, and can be obtained by calling 718-816-2133 or by clicking on this link:

Updated Autism Services Resource Guide

BP Molinaro and NYCEDC Announce Development of 58-acre site in Charleston

Charleston Renderings were provided by Guido Passarelli and Sons

Borough President James P. Molinaro and New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth Pinsky have announced that a developer has been chosen to transform 10 acres in Charleston into village-style retail space.  This development will not only create new jobs, but will jumpstart the development of entire 58-acre parcel of land near the Bricktown Shopping Center.  For more information, please read the press release.

Read EDC Press Release

Borough President Molinaro Outlines Initiatives in
2012 State of the Borough Address

The State of the Borough Presentation at the Williamson Theatre featuring: Megan Ajello, Billy Irvine , Alexander Ciprut, the On Your Mark Chorus singing "High Hopes", and the Susan Wagner High School Chorus singing "Star Spangled Banner"

Borough President James P. Molinaro recently gave his 2012 State of the Borough Address to a crowd of 400 at the College of Staten Island. Highlights include:

• $1 million to save Pouch Camp
• Improvements to our Borough's waterfront
• New school construction
• Residential and Retail Development at the Homeport site
• Update on Wind and Solar Power at the former Fresh Kills Landfill
• Traffic improvements across the Island, including intersection enhancements and Smart Lights
• New parks and playgrounds
• A commitment to help those with autism and their families

Read the transcript from the speech

View the State of the Borough Address on video

The Preservation of Pouch Camp is a Top Priority for BP Molinaro

William H. Pouch Scout Camp

The preservation of Pouch Camp is a top priority for all Staten Island elected officials.  Borough President Molinaro is working together with all Staten Island Elected Officials to secure a conservation easement that would permanently preserve the property as open space and prevent housing or commercial development. Although these are challenging economic times for City and State government, we simply cannot afford to lose this valuable Greenbelt site to developers.  BP Molinaro said “I will do everything in my power to preserve Pouch Camp so that future generations of Staten Islanders can continue to have access to the parkland for recreational purposes.” 

NOW PLAYING:

Staten Island's New Tourism Video

Borough President Molinaro unveils the Staten Island Attractions video at the Staten Island Ferry's Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan.

Staten Island's many cultural attractions, as well as its parks and recreational opportunities are featured in the 9 minute video, which is designed to attract both tourists and residents alike. As passengers wait to board the Staten Island bound ferry, they can learn about the attractions that can be reached by bus and those that are within walking distance of the St. George Ferry Terminal. The video will be played on a new 65" high definition video monitor, mounted above the information booth in the passenger waiting area.

The video was produced by the Borough President's Office and sponsored by the NYC & Co. Foundation, the Richmond County Savings Foundation, and SINY, Inc. Narration for the video was provided by Ken Dashow, radio personality from New York's Q104.3 fm. The video will run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.