Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
B.P. Molinaro to host town hall meeting regarding the completion of Bloomingdale Park
Calls on Parks Department to answer for long delay
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro today announced that he, along with Councilman Vincent Ignizio, Senator Andrew Lanza, and Assemblyman Louis Tobacco, will host a town hall meeting on Wednesday, August 27 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph-St. Thomas Church, located at 6097 Amboy Road (entrance on Maguire Avenue) to call upon the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to provide answers as to why they have still not completed the second phase of Bloomingdale Park.
Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe has been invited to attend or send a representative so that the public may directly ask the Parks Department why they refuse to complete the Park as originally planned and promised.
“The completion of Bloomingdale Park has been 100% funded and court-approved,” Molinaro said. “I’m sick and tired of making excuses for the Parks Department, and I am demanding an answer for my constituents.”
Councilman Ignizio said, "Bloomingdale Park has achieved its desired goal of truly being the Central Park of the South Shore. Despite the fear mongers’ worst predictions of floods and destruction, the Park has not had any problems. These claims were not accurate. Armed with this knowledge the City should move forward with the plans for the entire site. This park is overused and under-sized and we need to build the second half now. I have worked on this park since its inception and know first hand how its enlargement is sorely needed for my constituents."
Senator Lanza said, “Bloomingdale Park has become one of Staten Island’s most enjoyed and beautiful parks. I am proud to have worked together with Borough President James Molinaro and Mayor Michael Bloomberg in successfully developing the many wonderful recreational spaces at the park. I thank Borough President Molinaro for his leadership and join him in his call to build upon the proven success at Bloomingdale Park for Staten Island residents.”
Assemblyman Lou Tobacco said, “Bloomingdale Park is the gem of the South Shore, and the people who use this park deserve to have it completed as planned. I’m hopeful that our community will be able to finally get answers from the Parks Department regarding the completion, and I look forward to the day when Bloomingdale Park can be enjoyed in its entirety.”
In a letter to Commissioner Benepe, Borough President Molinaro called upon him to attend the meeting and provide answers. “This delay is your doing, and I am requesting that you provide answers not only to myself, but to the people of Staten Island who are being shortchanged by your refusal to complete the Park,” Molinaro wrote.
“The long delay and lack of answers from the Parks Department regarding Bloomingdale Park is outrageous. I hope that Commissioner Benepe will realize that the people of Staten Island are not going to let him get away with inaction and lack of communication. I am strongly requesting that he join us and answer to the patrons of Bloomingdale Park directly,” Molinaro concluded.
August 21, 2008