On February 24, Borough President James Oddo welcomed New York City mayor Bill de Blasio to Borough Hall for a frank conversation about Hurricane Sandy relief and the Build it Back Program.
"We’ve tried to pack in many meetings in 6 weeks here at Borough Hall but this was the most critical,” said Oddo. “Much of the 6 weeks has been staff and I dealing with the sins of the ’60s, ‘70s and 80s. I don't want to be a part of any further mistakes. There is an opportunity for us to transform communities. Today was about making sure this administration is here for Staten Islanders.”
Oddo has asked the Mayor to facilitate buying property from owners who lost homes and businesses, noting that the best way to help these people move on is with a check. “Acquisition for redevelopment is the best way to help now. Put a check in their hands,” he said. With the acquired property, redevelopment would need to be done smartly and with infrastructure suitable for the land.
"We’ve tried to pack in many meetings in 6 weeks here at Borough Hall but this was the most critical,” said Oddo. “Much of the 6 weeks has been staff and I dealing with the sins of the ’60s, ‘70s and 80s. I don't want to be a part of any further mistakes. There is an opportunity for us to transform communities. Today was about making sure this administration is here for Staten Islanders.”
Oddo has asked the Mayor to facilitate buying property from owners who lost homes and businesses, noting that the best way to help these people move on is with a check. “Acquisition for redevelopment is the best way to help now. Put a check in their hands,” he said. With the acquired property, redevelopment would need to be done smartly and with infrastructure suitable for the land.
