 Borough President Vito Fossella had the privilege of hosting an emotional retirement ceremony for Chief Warrant Officer Four Adelaide S. Borders who served with honor and distinction in the United States Army for 31 years.
Family and friends surrounded Chief Warrant Officer Four Borders as Borough President Fossella pinned her uniform in his office and congratulated her for her sacrifice, courage, and selflessness. “I can tell by the feel in this room that family is very special,” said Borough President Fossella. “In a world that spins very fast, the fundamentals of family and faith are alive.” Chief Warrant Officer Borders’ distinguished assignments included the 556th Maintenance Company, Fort Riley, Kansas; D Co 702nd Combat Support Battalion, Camp Stanley the Republic of Korea; 632nd Support Company (Hunter Army Airfield) 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia; 595th Maintenance Company, K-16, Air Base, The Republic of Korea; 8th Army NCO Academy Camp Jackson, The Republic of Korea; B Co 101st Forward Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas; Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley Kansas; E Co, 3-1 Combat Aviation Brigade 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas; 125th Forward Support Company, 1-94th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington State; Army Logistics University, Fort Greg-Adams Virginia, and the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team 1st Cavalry Division Fort Cavazos. She is retiring out of the 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, where she served as the Senior Logistics Warrant Officer. Her extensive military and civilian education have earned her multiple medals, certificates and degrees, including a Master’s Degree in Transportation and Logistics from the American Military University. “It is the American soldier and other service members who have worn the uniform who are responsible for the freedoms we have today,” said Borough President Fossella. “And that’s what this lady has done for more than 30 years -- taking pride in the uniform, what it represents, and what is emblematic of this country.” Chief Warrant Officer Four Borders said she felt “surrounded by so much love.” "As I stand here before you today, I am filled with emotion as I retire from the United States Army after 31 years of dedicated service,” she said. “It has been an extraordinary journey  Borough President Vito Fossella joined a crowd outside of Holtermann’s Bakery to support their owners amid unwarranted comments made on a national daytime talk show by a celebrity host.
“We're here to stand up for one of the best families and businesses,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference. “The Holtermann family’s story and the bakery’s story is an American story. This place has been here for 145 years. The Holtermann family have committed their lives to Staten Island. It is respected and it is hardworking.” Borough President Fossella said the family stays up through the midnight hours to prepare holiday orders and often sacrifice their own holidays to ensure their customers are served. Judging by the line today, the message is “you don’t mess with Staten Island." “They’re still here, they’re still strong, and they’re not going anywhere no matter what people on television have to say,” said Borough President Fossella. “They should apologize to the Holtermann family for making stuff up to suit their needs.” Jill Holtermann Bowers said was overwhelmed by the support she has received from her customers and those who have been following the story nationwide. “From finding out this happened yesterday, to people coming in, to getting phone calls from all over, to supporting us in every way, the support has been so overwhelming” she said. “I know how hard my family has worked to keep this business alive. I wish my father was here today to see this -- he would never believe it. He used to come in at 2 or 3 in the morning just to have donuts and rolls for everybody. It takes my whole family and it takes the community who comes in everyday to see us. If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t still be here today. My father always said you do what you love -- and this is my heart.”  Borough President Vito Fossella, the FDNY, and the City Parks Department urged Staten Islanders to apply for firebreak permits to protect their properties.
The call to apply for firebreak permits comes following six recent brush fires, including four in Clove Lakes Park, a two-alarm fire in Brookfield Park, and another near Historic Richmond Town. The fires were attributed to a significant lack of rainfall, which has resulted in a drought watch. “We want to call attention to something that could be potentially dangerous, but we can take measure to help protect properties and save lives” said Borough President Fossella at a press conference in Clove Lakes Park. The State Department of Environmental Conservation issues a general permit through Borough Hall to allow residents to cut back and mow phragmites around their homes to reduce the risk of property damage. FDNY Deputy Chief Joseph Duggan said the numbers speak for themselves, placing a historical perspective on brush fires throughout the five boroughs: In a typical October, the FDNY responds to approximately 34 brush fires citywide. This October, there were 197. “Please, clear away the dead leaves around your house -- that will help us out tremendously,” he said. “Brush fires move extremely fast and are driven by the wind. In some parts of the city, we’re going to the same places every day. It’s a severe concern for the homeowners and the firefighters, as well. Anything you can do, we would greatly appreciate.” Residents can apply for the permit by visiting the Borough Hall website , by email, or by calling 718-816-2060.  Borough President Vito Fossella, Council Member Kamillah Hanks Council Member-D49, and Council Member David Carr called for the removal of fencing that was recently installed along the Martling Avenue Bridge by the City Department of Transportation (DOT). The Martling Avenue Bridge bisects Clove Lakes Park between Slosson Avenue and Clove Road. Nearby residents have called the fence an eyesore and said it disrupts their view of the park. “In Medicine, the Hippocratic Oath says ‘do no harm’ and what has happened here is the City of New York has caused harm to this area by putting up a fence that does not belong here,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference. “This is one of the most beautiful areas in New York City. People come here, they enjoy their walks, their runs, they walk their dogs, their kids play here.” Borough President Fossella said the DOT “claims or believes” the fence was installed to protect pedestrians, but he called it a misinterpretation of the law. “That’s only the case if you’re over a railway or a highway,” he said. “Then, they talk about navigable waters. There is a guy from the ferry here who retired eight years ago. I asked him if we could put a ferry here and he said ‘no.’ So, that violates that one.” There is a glimmer of good news: Borough President Fossella said the issue has “reached the highest levels” after a phone call with the mayor’s office. “They are now engaged,” said Borough President Fossella. “I was crystal clear with them that unless this fence is taken down, it’s unacceptable. To their credit, they have indicated that they will review it and will get back to us as soon as possible with a game plan. But everybody needs to know -- tear this fence down and tear it down now.” Borough President Vito Fossella, Delegation Oppose Possible Revival Of Congestion Pricing11/12/2024
 Borough President Vito Fossella joined the entire Staten Island delegation to oppose the potential revival of congestion pricing by Gov. Kathy Hochul before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office. He has pledged to block it from taking effect.
“We are here to be to be the voice of the people who feel like they don’t have a voice,” said Borough President Fossella at a press conference in the shadows of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. “Last week the people of this country and around here said enough, and if you want to see ‘Exhibit A’ of cynicism and exploiting the political process, resurrecting congestion pricing is just that.” In January, Staten Island’s elected official joined a federal filed lawsuit filed by Borough President Fossella and United Federation of Teachers Union President Michael Mulgrew to block the implementation of congestion pricing. “A number of months ago, we sued in federal court to stop congestion pricing because it is a burden on the people of this borough and this region,” said Borough President Fossella, vowing to continue the fight in court. “This whole process is a scam -- they try to fool people, run through Election Day and then bring it back. I hope the good people of this city, state, and region shut it down once and for all.” Borough President Fossella referenced the project’s own environmental assessment. “The government’s own study demonstrated that air pollution will get worse on Staten Island, traffic will get worse on Staten Island, and we would have to pay a third toll,” he said. “They’re intentionally harming people with congestion pricing, they’re intentionally hurting people with congestion pricing -- this is wrong.” Celebrating Louis Lupinacci's Birthday: 'We're So Lucky That He Is Still Going Strong At 100'11/9/2024
 Borough President Vito Fossella presented a proclamation to Louis (Louie) Lupinacci in honor of his 100th birthday during a centennial bash on Oct. 9 at the Staaten.
The proclamation declared Oct. 9 as “Louis (Louie) Lupinacci Day” in the “Borough of Staten Island.” “Louis Lupinacci epitomizes what is great about Staten Island and America,” said Borough President Fossella. “From his service during World War II to his selfless commitment to the much-loved Kiwanis Club and the Staten Island community, Louis has led by example, with compassion, kindness, determination, and persistence. Faith, family, friendship, and freedom are at the core of Louie. We’re so lucky that he is still going strong at 100.” Affectionally known as Uncle Louie, he was born to Margaret and Vincent Lupinacci on September 13, 1924, and grew up on 57 Mott Street in New York City. He enlisted in the United States Army during World War II and trained as a machine gunner at Fort Sheridan. He landed in the first wave on Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy and continued securing beaches throughout the European War Theatre. Upon his discharge, Mr. Lupinacci returned home and was employed in a frozen fish packing company before his uncle secured him a job at a construction company. Mr. Lupinacci met his future wife, Nancy, while she was working at Chemical Bank on Canal Street in Manhattan with his sister, Camille. They were married in St. Mary’s Church in Rosebank on January 20, 1951, and held their reception at the Murat Club in St. George. They traveled by train through Canada for their honeymoon and settled in Rosebank upon their return home. The couple were married for 56 years before Nancy’s passing in August 2007. In 2008, at the age of 84, Mr. Lupinacci traveled to Hong Kong to visit his godchild, Veronica, and her family. In 2013, he traveled with Veronica, and her husband, Eddie, to France, where they visited the first tower he liberated and visited the exact spot where he landed at Normandy. During a visit to a World War II cemetery, a flag was poignantly raised in his honor. (Photo courtesy of the Lupinacci family) |