BP Oddo issues a call to Staten Island: Draw the line. Get involved. Have your voice heard.
In a strongly-worded letter, Borough President James S. Oddo, State Senators Lanza and Savino, Assembly members Cusick, Fall, Reilly, and Council members Matteo and Borelli asked Marisa Lago, Chairperson the New York City’s Department of City Planning, to reject a proposal that would permit R-7 zoning in St. George. Such zoning would pave the way for the construction of two residential towers of 26 and 27 stories respectively.
Since 2016, Borough President James Oddo has been trying to get City Planning to help stop teardowns on Staten Island. They have refused, delayed, and stood in the way, even as they champion new high-density zoning to allow apartment buildings.
Today, Borough President Oddo is asking Staten Island for their help to prevent City Planning from introducing R-7 zoning to Staten Island. Staten Islanders are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns by taking five minutes to email City Planning to tell them “No” and “Enough” of them ignoring what Staten Islanders want for Staten Island, and to stop trying to force feed their idea of what Staten Island should be.
“It will be just the beginning. And all of it will come without addressing any of the infrastructure concerns we all share. Just as they did with the Bay Street Corridor. Hell, just like they did in the 1960’s when the built the bridge. Except this time, it will be high rise apartment buildings, not single-family homes,” noted Borough President Oddo.
Written comments will be accepted through November 30, 2020. They can be mailed to Olga Abinader, Director, Environmental Assessment and Review Division, New York City Department of City Planning, 120 Broadway, 31st Floor, New York, New York 10271.
Email comments can also be submitted via the city’s webpage here: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/nycengage/contact/contact.page or emailed directly to Borough President Oddo who will forward to them to City Planning: joddo@statenislandusa.com.