 Borough President Vito Fossella called for discretion and common sense from city agencies in the enforcement of minor infractions for small businesses at a press conference outside of Ariemma’s Italian Deli, a staple in Dongan Hills for more than 70 years.
His call-to-action stems from a long-held belief that the city often makes it difficult for small businesses to operate, oftentimes with rules that are obscure or unnecessary. Santo Ariemma recently received summonses from the City Department of Sanitation Police in the amount of $50 to $500 for the placement of a sign on the sidewalk outside of the store that advertises products and sales. The summonses cited that the sign impeded pedestrian traffic. “We’re here today just a few weeks before Christmas in front of Ariemma’s, which has been here for 70 years, and unfortunately, the Ariemma family got a lump of coal,” said Borough President Fossella, noting the sign has probably stood in the same spot since before Santo Ariemma was born. “As a result, Santo rightfully stood up and spoke out -- and you shouldn’t be afraid to speak out when the government does something wrong. In this case, the government did something wrong.” Borough President Fossella said a “lack of discretion and a lack of common sense was the order of the day” with city agencies often viewing small businesses as a “cash machine" when they need revenue. “Don’t ruin their day with nonsense, at least give them an option to say, 'hey, buddy, this sign is not supposed to be here or can you move it over there,’” said Borough President Fossella. “You can’t consult with people like that? Is that not the norm anymore? We’re here to stand with this family that has committed themselves to Staten Island. They work 12-or-13-hour days and it’s difficult enough with taxes and regulations and everything that comes with it. We’re just here to say the city should step back and see the business owners as the backbone of the economy, as the backbone of our community, as a opposed to a group of individuals or entities that could just grab money whenever they need.” Santo Ariemma said he was handed the summons without any conversation. “The signs have been out here for 30-plus years and they’ve never been in anyone’s way,” he said. “The signs are for advertisements, to try to make an honest dollar and now for me to try to fight this ticket, I have to take a day off from work, which means I am going to lose more money. I am going to have to pay for someone to represent me. It’s a bunch of nonsense for a small family business.”  Borough President Vito Fossella visited Totten (I.S. 34) Intermediate School to cut the ribbon on a new full-sized, 100-yard turf football field with dedicated areas form softball, baseball and soccer, as well as a multi-purpose space for school events, which was funded by our office.
The school’s Borough Student Advisory Council presented a plan to Borough President Fossella in March with their wish to renovate their schoolyard, which had not undergone any major renovations in decades. A month later, Borough President Fossella joined Principal John Boyle and his students in turning over the soil with a ceremonial shovel, promising that "this dustbowl that has been here for 90 years will be transformed into a field of dreams -- it will be epic." Now, that promise has been realized. “It might be a little cold out here, but this field is smoking hot,” said Borough President Fossella prior to the ribbon cutting. “You all had a dream, you came to us, we agreed to try to fulfill that dream and today, here we are -- 90 years in the making. Remember this: Anything is possible when you put your mind to it, when you believe in something, when you work hard, when you work together for the right reasons. That’s what today is all about. You’re going to have some fun on this field and you’re going to have great memories on this field. We are so proud and humbled to do this for you and your families.” As a token of appreciation, Principal Boyle presented Borough President Fossella with the Defender Of The Nest Award, a gold statue of an Eagle, as the students chanted, “Vito, Vito, Vito.” And, to highlight that the field will be for more than just sporting events, the day featured performances by the marching band, the cheerleaders and the dance team. “Since 1935, right back when this building first opened as Tottenville High School, this patch of land has been part of the sports community and of the Staten Island community forever,” said Principal Boyle. “For decades, this grass field was beautifully kept, lovingly maintained and played on seven days a week, but as time came so did wear -- with drought came dust and over the last few years, our field, our home, began to dry up. We still loved it, we still used it, but it slowly transformed into a dustbowl and for a long time, the idea of fixing it or building something bigger or something lasting felt like just a dream. But dreams have a funny way of taking shape when you surround yourself with the right people. Today, we’re surrounded by those people.”  Borough President Vito Fossella and Principal Andrew Greenfield toured the new JV and varsity locker rooms at Port Richmond High School, which were funded by our office.
The varsity locker room, which dubs as the field house, underwent a complete renovation, including new lockers; bathrooms; heating and air-conditioning systems; new floors; painting, and lighting. The JV locker room was outfitted with new lockers, doors, floors, lighting and painting. “The kids deserve it, the coaches deserve it, Mr. Greenfield deserves it," said Borough President Fossella. "Our best days are yet to come." Principal Greenfield thanked Borough President Fossella and Kevin Moran, the deputy chancellor of operations for the City Department of Education, for the upgrades. “This is absolutely incredible,” said Principal Greenfield. Borough President Fossella is also funding a new science lab for Port Richmond High School, which will include new tables and workstations, as well as upgraded electrical, gas and plumbing systems. “There is a science lab in the school that is about 90-years-old and it looks like its 190-years-old,” said Borough President Fossella. “Port Richmond will get a state-of-the-art science lab, one of the few on Staten Island and one of the few in the city. It’s going to be great for the kids.”  Borough President Vito Fossella, District Attorney Michael McMahon, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo and interfaith leaders stood together in a call to protect religious freedom and condemn acts of hatred.
“The first words in the Bill of Rights are the ability of all individuals to have the free exercise of religion,” said Borough President Fossella at a press conference outside of Young Israel of Staten Island in Willowbrook. “These are the very first rights embodied in the U.S. Constitution before anything else.” He spoke of the arrival of the Pilgrims who left England to seek religious freedom. “They came together, and around this time of year, they celebrated a harvest to give thanks and gratitude for all the blessings in their life,” said Borough President Fossella. “Nothing has really changed in these last few hundred years. We still give thanks and express gratitude for living in the greatest country in the world, in large part because we are free to exercise whatever religion we want.” The press conference was held in response to a growing wave of anti-Semitism and religious intolerance across the country, including an anti-Israeli protest outside of the Park East Manhattan Synagogue on Nov. 19. The protestors used anti-Semitic and incendiary language. “What happened the other day up on the East Side of Manhattan at that synagogue is unacceptable and it is not to be tolerated,” said District Attorney McMahon. “People are simply going about their American right. But it’s more than that, it’s a human right. To follow their religion and express their religion, whatever it is, and that’s something we have to stand up for every day when someone threatens that.” The religious leaders echoed the theme of harmony for worshippers of all faiths. “No matter what aspect of our religions we want to celebrate, it should be allowed to be done in peace and harmony and everybody taking some joy in what others do as well,” said Monsignor William Belford, pastor of St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Castleton Corners. “I speak for our Catholic priests and people in saying no hatred is allowed, only peace and joy.”  Borough President Vito Fossella, the office of District Attorney Michael McMahon, and the NYPD worked together in securing justice for a Staten Islander who was the victim of license plate fraud.
Janine Mule reached out to Borough President Fossella and District Attorney McMahon when a motorist used duct tape to replicate her father’s license plate. In the ensuing months, thousands of dollars of unpaid tolls were accrued and wrongly charged to her 91-year-old father and led to the booting of his car. The fines have since been dismissed. “Numerous summonses were issued and ultimately the plates were turned in in January,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference in Borough Hall. “And then in February of this year, tickets started coming in -- tickets for tolls, speeding tickets, red light cameras and ultimately the car was booted in the summer.” Borough President Fossella called it a “nightmare for her family.” “She reached out for help because you can imagine how you would feel if you were driving a car knowing full well that the tickets you were receiving across the board were accumulating and you had nothing to do with it,” he said. “This is not a victimless crime. Think of all the stress and pressure this family went through because of some dirtbag who went out and just kept racking up these tickets.” Ms. Mule said she tried several avenues for help but kept getting turned away. She received immediate assistance when she contacted Billy Beale, the director of Emergency Management, Public Safety & Veterans Affairs, at Borough Hall. She was then directed to District Attorney McMahon who worked with the NYPD on the case. “I could at least stop thinking about this because to know that this is happening and you’re not doing it and tickets are coming over and over again, penalties are coming, it’s very frightening,” she said. James Clinton, the press secretary for District Attorney McMahon, said his office has “an open and active investigation and there is a suspect in the matter.” “We’re hopeful there will be a resolution and accountability for that individual, but mostly we're grateful that our victim in this case had been made whole and her personal liability and that of her father has been resolved,” he said. 'A Jewel': Borough President Vito Fossella Secures Critical Funds For Maintenance Of FDR Boardwalk10/31/2025
 Borough President Vito Fossella announced that he has secured an agreement from Mayor Eric Adams that will fund the repair and maintenance of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk in South Beach.
If approved by the City Council, the plan would allocate $1 million in the first year and $650,000 annually thereafter for the upkeep of the boardwalk -- an amount significantly more than what is currently being spent to maintain the boardwalk. “Our boardwalk is a jewel, with some unparalleled views of the Raritan Bay, and with amenities for enjoying a walk, fishing, or accessing our beach," said Borough President Fossella at a press conference. “Unfortunately, anybody who spends time in and around the boardwalk knows that parts of it have fallen into disrepair, for one reason or another.” Borough Parks Commissioner Joseph Homsey thanked Borough President Fossella and Mayor Adams for their support. "The FDR Boardwalk is a special place for Staten Islanders, offering incredible views and recreational opportunities year-round," said Commissioner Homsey. "A dedicated maintenance fund would help ensure the boardwalk remains in top condition for visitors to safely enjoy.”  Borough President Vito Fossella and District Attorney Michael McMahon stood in salute with members of the Merrill-Capodanno American Legion Post to raise a flag on a newly erected flagpole at the Livingston WWII Veterans Memorial.
The memorial bears the names of 280 neighborhood men who saw combat action during World War II. Flowers and plants decorated the memorial, but there was no flagpole. That prompted Pablo Hidalgo, the post’s vice commander, to reach out to Borough President Fossella, who joined with Dist “These were the guys who went off to war, served this country honorably and helped to liberate the free world,” said Borough President Fossella before the flag-raising. “And, as we know, here on Staten Island, we always pay homage and honor those who served because without the veterans, we would not have the freedoms we enjoy. Today, we say thank you to the veterans here across Staten Island and across the country by raising a new flag and flagpole in their honor.” Mr. Hidalgo thanked Borough President Fossella and District Attorney McMahon for fulfilling his wish to erect a flagpole at the memorial. “I am a veteran, a Marine, and now I am going to enjoy coming by here and seeing the flag and saluting my comrades,” he said. Together, they hoisted the American flag and a POW flag onto the new flagpole, giving the men whose names are etched into the Livingston WWII Veterans Memorial the dignity they deserve.  Borough President Vito Fossella honored Linda Lo for her decades of volunteerism at charities across Staten Island, including Catholic Charities, the Blue Star Families, AmeriCorp Seniors, the AARP, as well as at food pantries and soup kitchens. She was particularly startled when she learned there was a food pantry at Fort Wadsworth.
For her efforts, Linda was recently named the “New Yorker of the Week’ by NY1. After seeing that Linda received that honor from NY1, Borough President Fossella thought it was only fitting that she be named “Staten Islander of the Week.” Borough President Fossella referred to Linda as the type of person who dives in when she sees a need. “There’s a key word called virtue -- the virtue of just giving back,” said Borough President Fossella during a small gathering with Linda’s family and friends in his office. “All of those things are done in quiet solitude without fanfare and without any desire to look for attention or for a pat on the back. Linda, you show up when others don’t show up, you show up when others run away. Every time one person steps in, it makes a difference and Linda, you have made a difference -- and we thank you.” Linda’s calling to volunteer began after 9/11 and continued to grow after she retired. “I don’t think I do all that much, it just seems like I do,” she said. “I just have fun with all the organizations that I volunteer for. I love the people that I meet and they become lifetime friends.” Borough President Vito Fossella, Mayor Eric Adams Announce Joint Allocation To Staten Island Zoo10/22/2025
 Borough President Vito Fossella and Mayor Eric Adams announced a joint $7M capital project to reconstruct the Children’s Center of the Staten Island Zoo into a fully-accessible nature play and learning space.
“The Staten Island Zoo is a tremendously valuable institution and a cornerstone of the Staten Island youth experience, especially for kids to access and experience nature,” said Borough President Fossella during a visit to the Zoo. “The backbone of the Staten Island Zoo is teaching people their place in a great big world and we are happy to play a role in expanding that experience.” A new Sensation Station will transform the Children’s Center site into a “Sensory-Themed Nature Play & Animal Encounter” zone, which can be enjoyed by children of all developmental abilities and sensory tolerances. Children will be able to play and learn through interactive experiences. A new otter exhibit and Slotherium (for sloths, anteaters and armadillos) will be an attraction highlight. This is the first update to the Children’s Center since it was built in 1968. "Staten Islanders deserve the benefits of offering a world-class education and cultural center, and with our joint investments toward the Staten Island Zoo, alongside Borough President Vito Fossella, we are helping to deliver just that," said Mayor Adams. The project is the newest renovation plan for the Zoo, which serves over 175,000 visitors annually and over 20,000 school children in educational programs. “Our re-imagined Children’s Center will further our mission to foster appreciation for animals and natural areas, through the close-up nurturing experiences we provide our guests, especially children,” said Kenneth Mitchell, the Zoo’s executive director.  Borough President Vito Fossella, parents, and students rallied to oppose changes to the Gifted and Talented (G&T) Program for elementary school students.
The gathering was prompted by a proposal by a mayoral candidate frontrunner who has suggested eliminating the G&T Program if elected. “We’re here today to remind folks that elections have consequences and to shine a light on a program that may disappear if the wrong person wins in the upcoming race for mayor,” said Borough President Fossella. “For those who believe fully in improving education for all kids, removing or dismantling the Gifted & Talented program would be a big mistake.” Borough President Fossella pointed to Staten Island Technical High School as a testament to the success of G&T programs. “One of the best schools, frankly in the United States, is Staten Island Tech, in part because we allowed those kids to be challenged in the elementary schools and the middle schools," said Borough President Fossella. And, those kids are not only leaders today, but they’ll go into college and be the leaders of tomorrow. I can’t emphasize enough what a mistake this would be.” Benny Huang, a senior at Staten Island Technical High School and former G&T student, said the programs provide “life-changing and transformative environments.” “These programs not only pushed me academically, but they affected how I think, how work and how I view the world around me,” he said. “Starting an accelerated program was where I first started to feel challenged. It wasn’t pressure for pressure’s sake, it was a push to grow, a push to continually learn. I strongly agree that every student deserves that same opportunity for growth in early life. Cutting the Gifted & Talented programs -- it doesn’t provide a level playing field. Instead, it’s only going to eliminate the one place where curiosity, drive and creativity is encouraged, not diminished." Push To Improve Express Bus Service: 'There Is Some Progress, But There Is Still Work To Do'10/17/2025
Borough President Vito Fossella was joined by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 726 President Daniel Cassella and transportation advocates to provide an update on their ongoing work with the MTA to improve express bus service for Staten Island commuters.
Together, they have been working closely to identify the source of these issues and advocate solutions to the MTA. At a meeting with the MTA in July, Borough President Fossella secured some short-term and long-term commitments to improve service. Among the initiatives promised were the development of Quality Assurance maintenance teams, cycling newer buses from the other boroughs, and training more mechanics to make long-term repairs to buses. “For the last several years, we have tried to be the strongest advocates possible for the often-beleaguered Staten Island commuter, especially the express bus riders,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference at the Yukon Bus Depot. He called attention to increased maintenance issues and bus cancellations since the Meredith Bus Depot closed in January, a move he had previously condemned. The closure, in addition to a flurry of maintenance and service issues, contributed to 530 bus cancellations in June, 971 cancelations in July, and 518 cancelations in August. Last month, the cancelations dropped to 174. Borough President Fossella said if a commuter misses one bus or, worse, two buses, it is the difference between being on time or late for work. He called on the MTA to implement long-term solutions, such as another garage and increased parking at both the Yukon Depot and the Castleton Depot. “So, in a way, we took a snapshot, we got their attention, there is some progress, but there’s still more work to,” said Borough President Fossella. “But folks, you need to know, we’re not going away. The MTA is going to have to continue to make investments for the good folks behind me.”  Borough President Vito Fossella stood with leading members of Community Boards 1 and 2, the leaders of several local civic associations, and local residents to oppose Intro. 1138, the Universal Daylighting Bill that is currently under the consideration of the City Council.
If passed, the law will mandate daylighting, the act of removing parking in the vicinity of a corner to improve visibility, within 20 feet before the crosswalk of every intersection across New York City. The Department of Transportation estimates the bill will eliminate roughly 300,000 parking spots across the City - nearly 50,000 on Staten Island alone. It has also publicly stated that the changes the bill calls for will cost $3 billion - more than double the agency's current annual operating budget. At the press conference, in the heart of Great Kills, Borough President Fossella argued that the "one-size-fits-all" approach is not practical and does not make sense for the issue of street safety. In a place like Staten Island, where owning a car is a necessity, not a privilege, particularly because our borough is a transit desert, he argued that universal daylighting is poised to be a major disruption on people's lives. "For a variety of reasons, among the lack of mass transit options, people across Staten Island need their cars, and we also know that parking is at a premium," said Borough President Fossella. "For whatever reason, there is an effort in the New York City Council to take away 300,000 parking spaces across the City. And then what happens if you park on the corner? You'll have to park somewhere else. It'll be a residual roller-coaster effect up and down the block." While daylighting may be necessary in certain intersections on Staten Island, the Borough President argued that the "cookie-cutter" approach is going to "take away something that is very fundamental to a lot of people" and do far more harm than good. He also relayed the issue of Universal Daylighting to the City of Yes, which will enable more density on Staten Island through allowing accessible dwelling units and eliminating parking requirements on large-scale developments - ultimately increasing the demand for parking. The bill is currently referred to committee. Borough President Vito Fossella Allocates Funding For State-Of-The-Art Biplane Imaging At RUMC9/16/2025
 Borough President Vito Fossella announced a $1.52 million capital allocation to acquire state-of-the-art biplane imaging technology for the new vascular institute at Richmond University Medical Center.
The Joan and Alan Bernikow Heart and Vascular Institute, which is slated to open next year, will bring together advanced cardiology and neuroscience services in one unit. Biplane imaging is one of the most advanced interventional technologies available. It uses two rotating cameras, one on each side of the patient, to take simultaneous images. As the cameras move from side-to-side and front-to-back, they produce highly detailed images of blood vessels, soft tissue, and blood flow in real-time. Biplane imaging is also used to path the blood flow through vessels, which helps to find the precise location of disease or malformation. The project expands RUMC’s existing Catheterization Suite, which currently treats over 500 cardiac patients annually. The number of preoperative and holding bays will also be increased to better accommodate patient volume while improving patient flow and staff services. Additionally, the allocation includes refurbishing the existing waiting area and reception area. Borough President Fossella said he is “humbled and appreciative that I get to play a little part in this." He also said the new equipment will provide more reasons for Staten Islanders to stay at home to find high-quality health care. “This is an outgrowth of that premise,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference in the hospital’s Sipp Auditorium . “Not only will this provide better health care to the existing patients, but it’s going to allow other patients to come here who would have gone someplace else. My only hope and prayer is that people will live longer and better and get better care because of this."  Borough President Vito Fossella stood between the soaring wings of the Postcards Memorial, which perfectly frame the spot where the Twin Towers once stood, to remember the 267 Staten Islanders who were lost 24 years ago and the First Responders who have died since due to their work at Ground Zero. Hundreds gathered for the annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony amid a backdrop of American flags. Bells tolled, heads bowed, and tears were shed as the names were read one-by-one by their family members. “Staten Island took a heavy hit on 9/11 and it’s wonderful you all came out to remember those who lost their lives on that tragic day,” said Borough President Fossella. “Innocent people should not be slaughtered or killed because of what they believe. That goes against what the United States has been all about. So, as we keep the 9/11 families in our prayers and thoughts, let’s stand together and be united like we were 24 years ago.” Mayor Eric Adams remarked on the strength of New Yorkers. “I think the most significant part is what happened on 9/12,” said Mayor Adams. “We got up. Our city responded. Builders built, teachers taught, firefighters did their job, police officers continued to secure our city. It was as though those attacks would collapse our city, but we showed our resiliency. When we got up, the whole country got up.” The processional was performed by the Staten Island Pipers and the colors were presented by the United States Coast Guard Sector New York and the United States Army. Rebecca Quilla sang the National Anthem. Bishop Peter Byrne, pastor of Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, led the invocation, and Bishop Victor Brown, pastor of Mount Sinai United Christian Church, led the benediction. The ceremony concluded with the Staten Island Pipers performing Amazing Grace and the Tottenville High School Ceremonial Taps Unit playing the somber echoes of Taps as family members gently placed roses at the Postcards Memorial and the First Responders Memorial. And as an FDNY tugboat sprayed water, the Tribute In Light rose into the nighttime sky across the harbor.   Borough President Vito Fossella honored two swift-thinking police officers, including one from Staten Island, for their heroics in saving two sleeping brothers and their dog when their home caught on fire in Coney Island.
He was joined by Deputy Chief Michael Glynn, commanding officer of the NYPD Quality of Life Division, and District Attorney Michael McMahon, along with the families of the two officers during a small gathering in his office. Police Officer Christopher De Sciora, a resident of Tottenville, and Police Officer Andy Guo, members of the 60th Precinct’s Quality of Life Team, responded to reports of a house fire within the vicinity of Canal Avenue and West 36th Street in Brooklyn on the morning of Aug. 10. The front door to the home was locked, but the partners heard a dog barking inside. "I don’t know if it’s in the rule book, if it’s in the training manual, or perhaps it’s good instinct and good fortune that you were there to save lives," said Borough President Fossella. "There is a family out there that is alive, there is a dog that is alive because you guys were there and responded the way you did. It’s magic and it’s appreciated.” The officers encountered a lot of smoke and initially thought the fire was in the neighbor’s yard, but he directed them to the house next door. Bodycam footage, posted to the NYPD’s Facebook page, shows them mounting a chair to climb the fence, smashing open a glass door, and immediately calling out to the residents to alert them to the fire. They quickly escorted the brothers, and their dog, Sherlock, to safety. We thank Police Officer De Sciora and Police Officer Guo for their service to the NYPD and their commitment to keeping the residents of our city safe.  Borough President Vito Fossella stood with members of the fishing and boating community to express their strong opposition to the proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement Project, a natural gas pipeline which would run under the length of the Raritan Bay.
“The concern we have is that the project will unearth or disrupt some of those sediments that are on the floor of the Raritan Bay right now,” said Borough President Fossella at a press conference outside of the Mansion Marina in Great Kills. “If that happens, what will that do to the quality of the water?" This project would add a 17.4 mile “enhancement” to an already-existing pipeline that traverses the entire width of Staten Island. The “enhanced” pipeline will flow to Long Island, Queens, and Brooklyn with Staten Island bearing the risks and burdens while potentially paying a 3.5% increase for gas and service they will never receive. Borough President Fossella recalled spending time on South Beach as a child when the water and the beach were polluted. “Since that time, we have made a lot of progress to improve the quality of the water,” he said. “As a result, we have an ecosystem, fishing has gotten better, people are seeing seagulls and whales and dolphins that they never saw before. Again, where we have made progress, why would we turn back the clock?” In a letter written to Cheryl Sandrow at the state Department of Environmental Conservation last month, Borough President Fossella asked “if any other alternatives were studied or suggested for the proposed project before the sites of the Staten Island shoreland were selected.” “The waterway is a jewel, the Raritan Bay is a jewel -- let’s not tarnish it with an unnecessary project until and unless we get clearer answers,” said Borough President Fossella at the press conference.  Put the Brakes on This Parking Grab —- Sign the Petition
On Staten Island, cars aren’t a luxury — they’re a lifeline. As the most car-dependent borough, with limited transit options and families who rely on driving for work, school, and everyday life, Intro. 1138 would rip away thousands of parking spaces from our neighborhoods, punishing Staten Island drivers yet again. This one-size-fits-all daylighting plan ignores the reality of Staten Island streets. At the same time, the goal of safer streets is one we all share — but this bill goes too far. Taking away parking on nearly every corner won’t suddenly make us safer — it will only make it harder for seniors, parents, and small business owners to live and work here. If you own a corner property, you will automatically lose two parking spots in front of your own home. Staten Islanders deserve targeted safety fixes where they’re truly needed, NOT a citywide mandate that sacrifices our quality of life. Frankly, we're tired of it. Let the City Council know that we oppose the Universal Daylighting Bill by signing the petition. Borough President Vito Fossella announced an allocation of $45,000 to the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp to fund transportation costs for the campers.
Sunrise Day Camp is the world’s first full-summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, provided completely free of charge. The camp, which is operated by the Joan & Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center on the grounds of Staten Island Academy, serves over 200 children every year with activities that include sports, music, arts & crafts, swimming, and much more. It is specially equipped to support the children with their treatment and medical needs. “For the tenth year now, there has been a group of people, who through nothing but the grace of God, give kids with cancer and their siblings an opportunity to just be kids,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference on the final day of camp yesterday. “We just came in from outside and they’re just having a ball. What we’ve done once again with joy in our hearts is provide funding for the siblings of the children with cancer to come and enjoy the festivities and the fun and to be supportive of their brother or sister. This brings so much joy to the children and their families. It’s just such a simple difference it makes in their lives.” Eleven of this summer’s counselors were once campers. “They’ve come back to give back and what a beautiful message that is of being here for the next generation,” said Borough President Fossella. Orit Lender, CEO of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, extended her "heartfelt gratitude to the borough president because he has been a tremendous friend to the JCC and a tremendous friend to Sunrise." “As the borough president alluded to, we don’t know if this could be a child’s last summer, so every day counts, every minute counts," she said. "And it is our job to make sure that minute brings joy, smiles, laughter, and friendship to the children we serve and their families."  Borough President Vito Fossella announced that Staten Islander Angie Master has been designated Vice Chair of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
Angie Master is a long-time real estate broker at Prendamano Real Estate, handling all aspects of commercial real estate. In her time with the LPC, she worked on the designations for a number of significant landmarks, including Frederick Douglass Memorial Park in Staten Island, the Old Croton Aqueduct Walk in the Bronx, and the former Whitney Museum of American Art at 945 Madison Ave. Prior to her real estate career, she worked as a management consultant and marketing executive and taught marketing as an adjunct professor at Wagner College. She has also served on the board of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island and on the board of Staten Island Academy. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Stanford University and earned her Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School, where she was the Robert Lear Scholar. “We offer our well-earned congratulations to Angie Master as she assumes the important role of vice chair of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission,” said Borough President Fossella. “As a longtime Staten Islander with a deep appreciation of NYC’s unique cultural and architectural history, she will perform well in this capacity, and we thank her for her service to the City.” (Photo courtesy of the LPC)
Borough President Vito Fossella and NYPD Staten Island Borough Commander Melissa Eger addressed the dangerous surge of motorists making hazardous and unlawful right-handed turns from the middle lane instead of the bus lane on Hylan Boulevard.
From the start of 2025, this pattern has led to 32 accidents, including seven in the last month. Bus lanes lining Hylan Boulevard can be used to make a right-hand turn and can be used for all other travel outside of the posted hours, however dangerous and unlawful turning has become commonplace, stemming from a misunderstanding of these rules. The posted hours in which the bus lanes can’t be used for right-hand turns are 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. towards the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. towards Tottenville. “Just as importantly, even when it is a bus-only lane, if you want to make a right- hand turn you can get into that lane a block or so before to do so,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference outside of the 122nd Precinct in New Dorp. “We know of 32 accidents, but there are probably hundreds of other close calls.” Borough President Fossella is calling upon the city to “take a more proactive approach,” which could include more signage, signs in the roadbed, or larger signs on poles. NYPD Borough Commander Eger said unsafe turning behaviors “have become far too common across Staten Island, but especially along the corridor of Hylan Boulevard.” “These actions put drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at serious risk -- and they are completely avoidable, as well,” said NYPD Borough Commander Eger. "Our message to our public, to our Staten Island community is clear and simple: Use the bus lanes properly, turn safely, and follow these rules. When necessary, we will and we do enforce, but our main goal is to always prevent injuries and to save lives and to keep our roadways safe for our community. So, let’s break this habit of unsafe turns and let’s work together to keep our streets safe for everyone.” (Video footage courtesy of Community Media of Staten Island)  Borough President Vito Fossella called the "City of Yes" zoning amendments “a mistake,” which have the potential of increasing development in Staten Island’s relatively low-density neighborhoods.
He is a lead plaintiff in a lawsuit filed in the spring with Staten Island and Queens-based civic associations and public figures, challenging the legality of the amendments, as well as arguing that the plan sidestepped a full environmental review. The "City of Yes" plan can potentially add 80,000 units of new housing to the five boroughs through a series of regulation changes to things like accessory dwelling units, such as backyard cottages, basement and attic apartments, and extensions on existing residences. “After hearing the arguments, we believe stronger than ever that this was a mistake, that Staten Island and other parts of the city will suffer, that the city didn’t do enough, not only did it not review, but it also ignored a lot of our concerns,” said Borough President Fossella at a press conference outside of Richmond County Surrogate Court. Attorney Jack Lester said the "City of Yes" plan was separated into three parts, encompassing carbon neutrality, housing opportunity, and economic opportunity to circumvent the environmental review requirements. “What the city attempted to do with this rezoning, which we hope we can halt through this court proceeding, is to make the environment the enemy of housing,” he said. “The environment is not the enemy of housing, and, in fact, if the policy’s objective was to increase housing, then there should have been steps made to protect the environment. What the city did was rush to create density for profiteering for the exclusion of the environment.” Borough President Fossella said this is only the third rezoning effort in the city’s history. “Most of it has been to respect and ensure that the environment is protected, that there’s more open space, there’s more air, there’s more circulation, more yard space -- and because this only happens every 50, 60 years or so, it is why we have to stand strong now,” he said.  Borough President Vito Fossella presented the 2024 Albert V. Maniscalco Community Service Award to Joseph Delaney, a community leader who is most well-known for directing the Notre Dame Club of Staten Island’s annual Bread of Life Food Drive.
The Albert V. Maniscalco Community Service Award, established in 1986, honors the ninth Borough President. His tenure from 1955 to 1965 saw the creation of the Greenbelt and the construction of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The Maniscalco Award celebrates civic-minded Staten Islanders who have dedicated their lives in service for the betterment of their community. “One of the common denominators for the people who receive this award is selflessness,” said Borough President Fossella during a small gathering in his office. “It is achieving, it is doing, it is accomplishing things, making things better, taking the initiative, always being there, never saying ‘no’ but ‘what can I do to help.’” A crowning achievement of Mr. Delaney’s legacy of service is the Notre Dame Club of Staten Island’s annual Bread of Life Food Drive, which he has directed since 1992. In its 34 years of operation, the Bread of Life Food Drive collected and donated over 2.5 million food items to people experiencing food insecurity in Staten Island and Brooklyn. His Bread of Life Food Drive has been replicated to Notre Dame Clubs in more than 300 cities across the United States. A native of Pleasant Plains, Mr. Delaney currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and serves on the boards of the Jewish Community Center, Virtual Enterprises International, and the University of Notre Dame Alumni Club of Staten Island, always with his wife, Nancy, at his side. For 41 years, until his retirement in 2010, he served in several executive capacities within the professional services firm, Deloitte LLP. Following the ceremony, Mr. Delaney joined Borough President Fossella in unveiling an engraving of his name on a plaque at the entrance of Borough Hall. He joins more than 30 individuals and organizations who were previously honored with the Albert V. Maniscalco Community Service Award. “You know, it starts with the village, but it really starts with the family, and everybody who’s here in this room for me today, you’re not just my friends, you’re my family,” said Mr. Delaney when awarded the honor. “So I thank you for that recognition and our family getting together today. Thank you and may God bless you.”  Borough President Vito Fossella and District Attorney Michael McMahon honored 11 crewmembers of the Samuel I. Newhouse ferryboat for their heroic and quick-thinking actions to rescue a 26-year-old passenger who went overboard on June 8.
“We’re here today to say thank you for saving a life,” said Borough President Fossella during a gathering in his office. “These things can happen at any time. The ferry is a lifeline for thousands of Staten Islanders and it’s a renowned tourist attraction. I always knew that the ferry crews were the best, and you revealed it once again, and you demonstrate that the world knows the Staten Island Ferry crew is the very best. You do it every day of the year and we’re grateful and we appreciate it. So, we thank you.” Captain Ryan Burtchell was piloting the Newhouse with a mostly junior crew -- who had performed practice drills that morning -- when he was informed that a passenger jumped overboard. The ferry crew had already thrown a life ring into the water to mark the passenger’s location. The captain radioed the other vessels in the area and coordinated with the Coast Guard and NYPD who pulled the passenger out of the water. “We stopped the boat and started looking for the passenger in the water and he was actually lying flat on his back,” said Captain Burtchell. “Thank God, they threw the life ring over right away, so we were able to get to the location quickly. The crew was excellent. In these situations, their communication is key. They train hard for moments like this.” The crew members honored were Captain Ryan Burtchell; Assistant Captain Vinny Pedulla; Mate Joe Esposito; Mate Tim McCann; Mate Perry Iyampilla; Deckhand Yogi Selvarajah; Deckhand Carlos Davis; Deckhand Bill Dunn; Deckhand Sheehan Hettiarachchige; Deckhand Mark Cyparski, and Deckhand Andrew Ehrenfeld.  Borough President Vito Fossella and District Attorney Michael McMahon honored the Monsignor Farrell High School Varsity Lacrosse team following their unprecedented season in which they won three titles, including their second straight Catholic High School Athletic Association city crown.
“It’s wonderful to have all of you here,” said Borough President Fossella, a 1983 graduate of Farrell, during a press conference on the steps of Borough Hall. “If you can think about that semi-final when you were down by 6 at half-time and you came back to win. In a way, that’s a metaphor for life. You broke new ground -- the first team ever to win all three titles -- and you did it with dignity, you did it with respect. If you come together as a team and you believe in yourself and have faith not just in yourself, but in your teammates, anything is possible. Remember what you did on the field but in life, it is more important what you do off the field. To all of you, I say congratulations.” Lou Tobacco, president and CEO of Farrell, said the team gave “new meaning to the word grit, new meaning to the word tenacity, and new meaning to the words, ‘never say never.’” “You never let anyone intimidate you,” said President Tobacco, a 1990 Farrell graduate. “Some of the games were very exciting and you never quit, you always came back like a Lion. So, we love you and we’re very proud of you. You deserve this celebration -- and you deserve to be celebrated for the rest of your lives.” At the end of the ceremony, Borough President Fossella presented the players and coaches with Certificates of Appreciation, as well as a proclamation declaring June 18, 2025, as “Monsignor Farrrell High School Varsity Lacrosse Team Day” in the Borough Of Staten Island. Congratulations to the Lions -- you make Staten Island proud.  Borough President Vito Fossella was joined by Staten Island veterans’ groups to rededicate the three plaques adorning Borough Hall.
One plaque is dedicated to 150 Staten Islanders killed in action during World War I, one to Giovanni da Verrazzano, and one to Commodore John Barry. Over time, each of them experienced weather-related discoloration. At the request of Borough President Fossella, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, along with Altus Metal, Marble & Wood, worked to restore the plaques to their former glory. The area in front of the plaques, located on the Stuyvesant Place-side of Borough Hall, is affectionally known as “Commodore Barry Plaza.” As the Navy’s first commissioned officer and the first captain of a ship bearing our nation’s flag, Commodore John Barry is widely regarded as the “Father Of The American Navy. “There are three plaques on this building, they were put up at different times for different reasons, but they were commemorating individuals who made a difference to this country, and in a way, indirectly, to Staten Island,” said Borough President Fossella. “So, one day we said, why don’t we clean them up? And we did -- and what a difference. It’s part of just having pride. Little things do make a difference. Like a lot of things over time, you sort of get used to it and you ignore the meaning and the true purpose of what it was all about. That’s why we’re here today -- to say that we’re proud of our community.” The Curtis High School JROTC presented the colors, Miss Staten Island Madison Gattullo sang the National Anthem, and Borough Hall intern Matthew Mistretta sang God Bless America. As the ceremony concluded, red, white, and blue wreaths were hung under the plaques. |
