Borough President Vito Fossella Holds First 'State Of The Borough' Address

Borough President Vito Fossella highlighted the partnership between his office, City agencies, community organizations, and local elected officials who have worked together over the past year as a collective voice for Staten Islanders during his first "State of the Borough" address at Monsignor Farrell High School.

He spoke to quality-of-life issues and made announcements for upcoming projects in the pipeline.

Some key points included:

• We have secured a commitment that a comprehensive task force will be formed within the NYPD, including regional and federal forces, to combat the number of car thefts on the Island
• The re-opening of the Suspension Hearing Center at the Petrides Complex, so Staten Island students, families, and school staff do not have to report to another borough
• Worked with the Office of Emergency Management to open the first Emergency Command Center on Staten Island last summer 
• Our Litter Team cleaned over 86 locations last year after announcing the "Don't Trash On Me" campaign
• A new streetscape plan on Seaview Avenue that creates safer pedestrian walkways and beautification in front of Staten Island University Hospital called "The Medical Mile"
• Exploration of a new Arden Heights Park & Ride in collaboration with Mayor Eric Adams, Senator Andrew Lanza, Assemblyman Michael Reilly, and Councilmember Joe Borelli
• Proposing an extended HOV lane on the Staten Island Expressway with a flyover lane to directly connect to the West Shore Expressway
• Continuing efforts with City Hall and elected officials to bring a performing arts high school to the grounds of Snug Harbor
• This spring, 22-acre North Park will officially open in Freshkills park 
• Continued discussions regarding the revitalization of the North Shore Waterfront and plans for a new park along Front Street
• Working closely with NYC Economic Development Corporation to revisit a senior retirement village called Landmark Colony

...to name a few.

Borough President Fossella ended his address with the announcement of a new marketing campaign for our borough -- Stay on Staten Island. Check out this video to see just some of the many reasons why we Stay on Staten Island.​