 Borough President Vito Fossella joined his fellow elected officials as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced a $10 million investment to install enhanced license place readers at the Bayonne Bridge and the Outerbridge Crossing.
They are already in use at the Goethals Bridge. License plate readers collect digitally readable images of vehicle license plates that are used to locate stolen vehicles or vehicles used in other criminal activity, or to identify vehicles involved with missing persons such as children and the elderly. While the Port Authority Police Department has been deploying mobile readers at the Bayonne Bridge and the Outerbridge Crossing, permanent readers use higher resolution cameras that are installed at locations optimal for more precise collection of data, which can be shared in real-time with law enforcement partners for investigations and prosecutions. License plate readers are a tool to combat stolen cars, and while car thefts are down over the last two years, the scanners should drive those numbers down even more. “We will continue to highlight the need for tougher measures and additional tools to stop thieves from stealing cars,” said Borough President Fossella at the Port Authority’s press conference on Monday at the Goethals Bridge. “Progress has been made, and we need to remain vigilant. We have maintained that license plate readers would be an additional and effective tool to reduce car thefts even more. We thank the District Attorney, NYPD and the Port Authority for their efforts and willingness to install these readers.” In addition to those already in use on the Goethals Bridge, the Port Authority’s investment will bring the total number of license plate readers to 40, which will include 24 new readers at the Bayonne Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing. They are expected to be installed by 2026.  Borough President Vito Fossella unveiled a ground-up, one-of-a-kind Behavioral Health Blueprint for Staten Island Children and Young Adults to support those at-risk or already suffering from mental health illnesses at a press conference at the College of Staten Island.
In response to the growing mental health crisis on Staten Island, Borough President Fossella and his health team partnered with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and some of the longstanding organizations that have been serving the borough for more than 50 years to develop a framework to provide the best services to children and young adults with mental and emotional needs. To create the blueprint, there was extensive community participation with educators, students, parents, treatment providers, and clergy. It was led by Dr. Ginny Mantello, the director of health and wellness at Borough Hall. The blueprint aims to address an alarming increase in mental health conditions, particularly depression and suicidal thoughts, among Staten Island youth and young adults from pre-K through the age of 24. “It’s a community-based, school-based, primary care-centered approach to ensure that every child on Staten Island who may show signs of behavioral problems or mental illness will get the help they need,” said Borough President Fossella. “And that will come between a collaboration with the Department of Education, the healthcare providers, so many of you in this room, to ensure that here on Staten Island, with this customized -- not a one size fits all -- but a customized approach that will work for the kids and the families of Staten Island.” The “north star” goal of zero suicides was selected to guide the work, which includes reducing suicidal ideation; reducing suicidal attempts; reducing emergency department visits and hospitalizations for suicidality; improving transition to care post-hospitalization; increasing self-management, connectedness, and resiliency; and decreasing anxiety, bullying, and depression, substance misuse and overdoses. Additionally, there will be a multi-pronged system in the schools this fall to track the data, which will include teen mental health and first aid tips for ninth-and-tenth grade students, increased training for school social workers and counselors, wellness training for school staff, and a mental health literacy pilot program for sixth-grade students.  Borough President Vito Fossella presented a proclamation to Sylvia Moody D’Alessandro in honor of her steadfast commitment to preserving the story and legacy of Sandy Ground, the nation’s oldest free Black settlement in the United States still inhabited by its original descendants.
As she steps down from her role as the executive director of the Sandy Ground Historical Society, Sandy Ground Historical , the proclamation declared May 22 as “Sylvia Moody D’Alessandro Day” on Staten Island. Sandy Ground was first settled by free Black New Yorkers as a farming community in the 1820s. In the 1850s, free Black oystermen from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware came north to work the abundant shellfish beds of the Raritan Bay. Borough President Fossella called the story of Sandy Ground an American story. “Unless you have that person, that devoted servant, the person who believes that the story needs to be told, sometimes people forget,” said Borough President Fossella. “There’s always one person who everybody turns to in order to keep the story alive -- who’s going to tell the next generation the significance and the importance of Sandy Ground, and that’s this lady right there.” Sylvia's daughter, Julie Moody Lewis, offered her thanks for “the affection, the consideration, and the recognition” reserved for mother and referenced the free Black men who settled on the sandy shores. “Sandy Ground is her heart,” she said. “That community out there in Sandy Ground is an authentic historic site, and Staten Island has to make sure that it remains intact and that the historical society stays there, in that place, so we can continue to re-live that history. Take your shoes off and rub it in that sand and get some of that determination that they had.”  Brian Lihari, a senior at Monsignor Farrell High School, received the Michael J. Petrides Student Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science.
The award is named for Michael J. Petrides, a Staten Island educator who passed away in 1994 and is awarded annually to a student who shows and practices model citizenship both inside and outside the classroom. Brian is a member of the Scholars Program, an elite group of students enrolled in numerous rigorous classes across several academic disciplines, including advanced placement. He has a 102% GPA and an outstanding SAT score of 1480. His work outside of Farrell includes spearheading a 60-week research project of harmful bacteria levels of the waters surrounding Staten Island. His findings were published in the Citizen’s Water Quality Testing Program, which he presented to the New York State Department of Health. Additionally, he helped develop an alert system to warn residents when the waters contain high concentrations of harmful bacteria and presented his findings to public schools on Staten Island to promote awareness and safety for beachgoers. Congratulations, Brian. You make Staten Island proud. Borough President Vito Fossella Hosts 30th Annual Emergency Medical Services Recognition Ceremony5/20/2024
 Borough President Vito Fossella honored Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics during the 30th Annual Emergency Medical Services Recognition Ceremony in the Staaten. The breakfast honored EMT’s, paramedics, emergency service instructors, and students for their heroic and -- and sometimes -- life-saving work. It was held in conjunction with the kickoff of National EMS Week. “I am proud to keep this tradition going because it is a valuable way to express our gratitude to the brave men and women who wear the uniform so well, and who are frankly willing to die for us sometimes,” said Borough President Fossella. In a hockey-crazed town, he referred to them as “goalies.” “To use a hockey analogy, one of the most exciting plays in the sport is when the goalie has a tremendous or exciting play and saves the puck,” he said. “In a way, that’s what you all do every single day -- you make that tremendous save. When there is a moment of hopelessness, of helplessness, you become the goalies -- you run into the house, you run to the car, or run into the building and you save lives. That is the greatest gift, the greatest vocation, the greatest thing you can do for your neighbors here on Staten Island.”   Borough President Vito Fossella, District Attorney Michael McMahon, and NYPD Borough Commander Assistant Chief Joseph Gullotta, along with a host of elected officials, addressed concerns about squatters during a press conference outside of a home in Westerleigh.
“We all know the expression that the home is our castle,” said Borough President Fossella. “It’s the American dream and those dreams became a nightmare for a lot of people because they realized, unfortunately, that people can just come in and take over their house. And, when the owners try to take back their homes, they realize the squatters had more rights than they did.” Previously, squatters who were able to prove residency and maintenance of a vacant property for 30 days were entitled to the rights associated with being a tenant of the property. However, the 2024 New York State Budget includes a clarification excluding squatters from tenant protections. The hole at the site of the press conference was boarded up after three defendants were indicted on criminal charges for squatting there, said District Attorney McMahon. Assistant Chief Gullotta said Ring Cameras are the best defense to prevent squatters and other home invasions. “If you can afford to put the cameras in your house, then we’re going to be in better shape,” he said. “It provides evidence for us and it provides a deterrent because if someone does go into a vacant lot or a vacant house, we can tell when they arrived and when they left. Cameras play an integral part in what we do."  Borough President Vito Fossella will hosting the first-ever Staten Island Borough President’s Girls Flag Football Showcase at the College of Staten Island tomorrow.
The showcase will feature teams from St. Joseph-by-the Sea High School, St. Joseph Hill Academy, Curtis High School, Moore Catholic High School, New Dorp High School, Notre Dame Academy, and Tottenville High School. There will be four rounds of play at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.  The Borough President's Office, along with community partners, invite you to join us for Green & Clean Week, a week-long celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day.
The following are the dates, times, and locations:
 Borough President Vito Fossella presented the 2023 Patrick F. Daly Award to two outstanding educators who exemplify the selfless leadership of the fallen principal during a ceremony at Borough Hall on Tuesday.
Patrick F. Daly lost his life in 1992 when he was caught in a gang crossfire in Red Hook, Brooklyn, while searching for a student who had left the school building. The award was posthumously presented to David LaMorte, who was the director of the Tottenville High School Marching Band for more than two decades, and to Lawrence Hansen, the principal of St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School. In addition to leading the award-winning Marching Band, David LaMorte served as an assistant principal at Tottenville High School. He was also involved in advancing the education of the arts during his tenure as conductor of the Staten Island Community Band and was the executive director of the Summer Arts Institute. Lawrence Hansen has been the principal of St. Joseph Hill Academy since 2017. He previously taught English Language Arts and religion at St. Clare School in Great Kills to seventh-grade students from 2000 to 2007 and eighth-grade students from 2008 to 2017. A special thank you to the Tottenville High School Band, Port Richmond High School Culinary Department, and Community Media of Staten Island for making this a truly special event. And, thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating these two worthy educators. It was a wonderful and inspiring evening.
Borough President Vito Fossella, United Federation Of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew, and a bipartisan group of elected officials welcomed the Staten Island branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and church pastors in the movement to oppose congestion pricing.
The congestion pricing plan, if implemented, will shift hazardous air pollution away from majority white, high-income Manhattan neighborhoods to Staten Island’s predominantly lower-income, minority residential neighborhoods, stretching from St. George to Mariners Harbor, which already suffer from poor air quality, high asthma, and asthma-related hospitalization rates. “It’s unconscionable that the MTA would knowingly and deliberately further pollute lower-income minority districts here as part of its plan to remove air pollution from Manhattan,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference in Borough Hall. “Simply stated, if the MTA’s congestion pricing program is implemented, more Staten Islanders will get sick and more Staten Islanders will die from the increases and resulting hazards of air pollution. And, most of those deaths will occur from the residents of Staten Island’s most diverse and lower income neighborhoods." Jasmine Robinson, the acting president of the Staten Island branch of the NAACP, called the congestion pricing plan an “undue burden” on the North Shore. “When you talk about people that live in these communities, this is not fair, this is not right, this is an injustice to those that are hardworking,” she said. “This is an undue burden to the people of our communities, to the black and brown communities, to the working class. We deserve better and we deserve more.” Bishop Victor Brown, pastor of Mount Sinai United Christian Church in Tompkinsville, said he was “grateful to see a bipartisan coalition” gathered in opposition to congestion pricing. “It exacerbates the reality that Staten Island per capita leads the city in incidences of cancer and so this plan can only make that reality worse,” said Bishop Brown. “So, members of good intent in this community have no other choice, but to stand in opposition. It’s not morally right so it is imperative that we all put aside our political differences and come to understand that when it comes to incidences of cancer or other illnesses -- illness does not know party, it does not know race and this is something that stands to affect all of us so it is imperative that we continue to join forces and keep the pressure on and to let the MTA know that this plan is wrong for Staten Island.” Borough President Vito Fossella Marks 100th Anniversary Of Our Lady Of Good Counsel School3/21/2024
 Borough President Vito Fossella joined Cardinal Timothy F. Dolan, the archbishop of New York, in a visit to Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Tompkinsville, to mark its 100th anniversary earlier this month.
The visit began with a mass delivered by Cardinal Dolan. As a special touch, the school’s choir sang hymns throughout his sermon. A tour of the school followed with two eighth-grade students escorting Cardinal Dolan and Borough President Fossella through the hallways and classrooms, where they met with the staff and students. At the end of the tour, a lunch -- which included Irish soda bread and corned beef -- was served. We thank Principal Tara Hynes for inviting us to the centennial celebration of Our Lady of Good Counsel School.  Borough President Vito Fossella and his fellow elected officials illustrated how congestion pricing will negatively impact low-income minority North Shore neighborhoods while benefiting wealthier neighborhoods in Manhattan during a press conference on the steps outside of Borough Hall.
“If anyone wanted to deliberately create a plan that wealthy white residents would breathe cleaner air while low-income minority residents would be left in more toxic air pollution, then this congestion program would meet those goals,” said Borough President Fossella. The city designated four North Shore Zip codes as "environmental justice areas,” stretching from St. George to Mariners Harbor, which already experience high rates of asthma and asthma-related hospitalizations among adults and youth. Meanwhile, none of the 12 Zip codes comprising the Central Business District in Manhattan were deemed as “environmental justice areas.” Borough President Fossella compared the racial and economic disparities of the Staten Island and Manhattan Zip codes. Half of the population in the North Shore neighborhoods are black and Hispanic with an average household income of $62,000 while those in the Central Business District are 62% white with an average household income of $300,000. The current congestion pricing plan, which is scheduled to go into effect this spring, would charge drivers $15 for every day they enter the Manhattan Central Business District between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. This would be in addition to normal parking charges and to other current tolls on bridges and tunnels. The congestion pricing fee would be reduced -- though not eliminated -- on nights and weekends. In January, Borough President Fossella and United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew announced the filing of a federal lawsuit to block the implementation of congestion pricing. Also joining the lawsuit were seven individual plaintiffs, including teachers who work at schools in Manhattan and commute to work because there are no convenient means of public transportation available to them. Since then, most of Staten Island’s elected official officials have signed on as plaintiffs and the Municipal Labor Committee, which represents 400,000 workers, have backed the lawsuit.  Borough President Vito Fossella was joined by the Notre Dame Club, District Attorney Michael McMahon, and students from across Staten Island to announce the 33rd annual Notre Dame Bread of Life Food Drive during a press conference in Borough Hall yesterday.
For the third year, theme is “Fight Hunger, Not Each Other.” “We come from all different walks of life -- different faiths, different languages, different ethnicities,” said Borough President Fossella. “Whatever it may be, when it’s all said and done, we’re just all God’s children and we have to look out for each other. And one common factor and common denominator that we’ve been able to deal with for the last 32 years is to understand that we shouldn’t let anybody go to bed hungry.” Joe Delaney, executive director of the Notre Dame Club of Staten Island BOLD Bread of Life Drive, thanked the students who participate in BOLD each year while addressing food insecurity, not just on Staten Island, but across the country. “Many of the people that come to our pantry have more than one job, but they still need to make ends meet,” he said. Since its inception in 1992 by the Notre Dame Alumni Club, the Bread of Life Food Drive has collected and distributed more than two million items of food. This year, students at participating schools will collect food donations until Friday, March 22. Donations will be distributed to various nonprofits in Staten Island and Brooklyn on Saturday, March 23.  Borough President Vito Fossella once again raised concerns over the potential siting of a new battery energy storage system (BESS) in a residential neighborhood in Castleton Corners, during a press conference at the location. He was joined by Councilman David Carr, who represents the district where the site would be built, along with neighborhood residents.
Prior to the press conference, he was informed that the BESS facility could potentially be built on an empty lot at 1963 Victory Boulevard. The design calls for a roughly 10,000-square-foot facility featuring four power banks, which would border several houses and a number of businesses. The siting of BESS facilities in residential neighborhoods has been a significant cause for concern throughout Staten Island, particularly due to the potential risk of fires, harmful emissions, and endangerment to people and property. Fires at other BESS locations in the state over the summer, specifically in the towns of Lyme, Warwick, and East Hampton, have added to those concerns. "As we know, over the last couple of years in particular, the city and others have allowed these battery storage facilities to pop up across Staten Island, right in people’s backyards practically," said Borough President Fossella. "What we’ve been saying time and time again is while we’re not necessarily opposed to these storage units, they should not be in people’s backyards. We are here to stand united and to say this is not the right place or location for this type of facility. We appealed to the powers that be that Staten Island is unique and deserves some flexibility in siting locations of these types of facilities and the powers that be continue to ignore us. So, we have to keep fighting and try to stand in the way of this happening.”  Borough President Vito Fossella announced the expansion of the Staten Island Vets Discount Program at a press conference outside of Cake Chef's Piece-A-Cake on New Dorp Lane.
He was joined by Staten Island Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Michael Cusick and Staten Island Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Linda Baran, along with veterans and business owners. The Vets Discount Program was started in 2012 by then-Assemblyman Cusick and now boasts more than 200 participating businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, florists, real estate firms, law offices, home repair services, auto body shops, and nonprofit organizations. Through the program, Staten Island veterans receive discounted goods and services at participating businesses across the borough by showing their veteran discount cards. The participating businesses are members of the Chamber or the SIDEC. “We’re not this great country without the sacrifices of the veterans,” said Borough President Fossella. “We try to do a little bit to help and we will continue to be the steward. We’re just humbled and honored to be a part of it. We love our veterans on Staten Island -- and we will continue to support them and to help them in any way we can.” Maria Carrozza, the owner of Piece-Of-Cake, said she was proud to join the program. “These are these individuals who stepped forward for us and it’s not an easy feat and when they come back, a lot of time they’re very humble we don’t even know who the veterans are among us,” she said. “I love thanking them individually and personally for everything they do for our country -- and I encourage other small businesses to join me in this great program.” Businesses wishing to participate can fill out this form on the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce's website: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSe6ALKlKrEo.../viewform. Veterans wishing to receive a discount card can email Bobby Aanonsen at [email protected] or call him at 718-477-1400, ext. 827  Borough Hall funded $350,000 for the creation of a new makerspace/STEM lab at P.S. 39. The office of Council Member David Carr also provided funding.
The work included an electrical upgrade, Promethean board, computers, new furniture, and new flooring. During visit to the school, Borough President Vito Fossella saw first-hand look at the students in action as they used basic materials, including wooden blocks, cardboard, glue, and Legos to create 3D designs while integrating math and science. We hope the new labs help grow their curiosity and encourage critical thinking that can be applied to everyday life and their future goals.  Staten Islanders always show their support to our military families which was evidenced by the sheer number of donations made to our “Stock The Pantry Drive,” which was held in partnership with the Blue Star Families.
Borough President Vito Fossella and members of the Borough Hall staff, as well as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, delivered truckloads of diapers, baby wipes, cereal, pancake mix, pasta and sauce, peanut butter, reusable grocery bags, and healthy kids’ snacks and more to Fort Wadsworth. “We think quite frankly that the fact that we are here is a shame and it’s a stain on the country that active personnel, many with young families, can’t afford to put food on the table or give their infants diapers,” Borough President Fossella said during a press conference inside the Fort Wadsworth food pantry. “Nevertheless, we’re not going to complain about it, we’re going to do something about it. This is the result. And, the message to me today is that Staten Island cares and they want to take care of their neighbors, but they especially care for the men and women who wear our nation’s uniform. We just did a great assembly line of food -- bags after bags after bags -- and fortunately, this food pantry is now packed.” Consuela Rodriguez, the program manager for the Blue Star Families, thanked the Staten Islanders who donated. “Without the Staten Island community, we wouldn’t have all of this, so we appreciate it,” she said. “As you know, 25% of our military families have food insecurity and you all do your part and we all come together as a community to do this.” The drive was held from Jan. 17 to Feb. 23 with Borough Hall serving as a drop-off center, along with Joyce's Tavern, La Fontana, and Deninos. Lifestyles for the Disabled donated a generous number of supplies. Also participating were the Metropolitan Division -- Kiwanis International, Marhkam (I.S. 51) Intermediate School, Beyar's Market and the Richmond County Yacht Club. Thank you to those who contributed -- your acts of charity will help our military families at Fort Wadsworth throughout the year.  Borough President Vito Fossella announced a $5 million capital project to reconstruct the ballfield at Clove Lakes Park.
The grounds at the park are notorious for frequent flooding during rainstorms and become unusable for extended periods of time. The allocation will support a project to reconstruct Field 1, the first renovation of the ballfield in more than 30 years. The reconstruction will include drainage to mitigate flooding and updates to the field, bleachers, and fencing. “Many people use this facility,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference at the park. “It’s used by thousands on an annual basis and is one of the more popular parks, not only on the North Shore here, but across Staten Island for baseball, soccer, just going for a stroll or run, and so many other uses. But there’s a problem and the good news is that the people who use the field will be happy in a couple of years because our goal is to renovate this field." Borough Parks Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone called the project long overdue, pointing out that the field “may now appear more like a lake to some of you.” She said students from St. Peter’s Boys High School and Port Richmond High School volunteer to pump out the water after heavy rainfalls. “Today, we’re talking about a permanent fix and we are looking to put some serious work into this field, work on the drainage, work on getting synthetic turf in here so these fields are usable no matter what the weather is,” said Commissioner Ricciardone. “If it stops raining, you will be able to use the field within an hour. Right now, sometimes people have to wait days to use the field. But, we would not be standing here if it was not for the tremendous support of our Borough President. We’re proud of it and we are looking forward to having people out here and not worrying about how we are going to pump the water out. So, Mr. Borough President, thank you.”  Borough President Vito Fossella and District Attorney Michael McMahon had the pleasure of thanking Police Officers Joe Nobile and Joni Tsulaia for their quick-thinking and heroic actions in preventing a passenger from jumping off the Staten Island Ferry and into the frigid waters below on March 14.
When the partners, who were on their first patrol together, spotted the passenger attempting to jump over the railing, they joined together to pull him back to safety. In saving the passenger’s life, they showed a selflessness that we should all emulate -- and they honored their oath to serve and protect.  Sunday mornings on Staten Island in the 1970s and early 1980s used to mean one thing: Touch Tackle Football. Every Sunday, hundreds of fans would show up to watch a series of games featuring former NFL players, homegrown legends, and five-star athletes.
One team stood out among the rest in the Staten Island Touch Tackle League: The L&M Tavern Football Team who were undefeated in consecutive regular season games between 1983 and 1986. Borough President Vito Fossella welcomed some of the original players into Borough Hall on Wednesday and presented them with a proclamation declaring February 28, 2024, as "L&M Tavern Football Team Day" in Staten Island. “I just thought it was a beautiful Staten Island story, especially as you look back all these years later and with your induction into the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame,” said Borough President Fossella. “It was a team effort and something that is sort of missing today.” The team was originally formed as O’Neil’s Service Station in 1975 and played in the Staten Island Touch Tackle League’s Southern Division. Three years later, L&M Tavern, a small neighborhood bar on Targee Street in Concord, took over sponsorship and moved the team to the League’s Northen Division and then its Western Division. In 1981, they won the famed New Dorp Father’s Club Lion Tournament. It was in the 1983 season when they became a formidable team with the addition of several key players. Their practices were sharp and crisp, and they played with unparalleled confidence. On Sept. 11, 1983, they took the field at New Dorp High School and shut out the highly ranked team of B&A Jewelers, 6-0. Their win on that hot and sunny morning was just the beginning of an undefeated 12-0 season and playoff run. The L&M Tavern Football Team played with a “never say die” attitude and their record speaks for itself. The team was inducted into the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame last year.  Borough President Vito Fossella and some of his fellow elected officials applauded a ruling in their favor in the appeal of their lawsuit to challenge New York City’s non-citizen voting legislation.
Local Law 11, which was passed in 2022, sought to give lawful permanent residents and persons authorized to work in New York City the right to vote in municipal elections. Borough President Fossella and several other New York City elected officials filed a lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams, the NYC Board of Elections, and the City Council in New York State Supreme Court. In June 2022, State Supreme Court Justice Ralph Porzio ruled in their favor and the defendants appealed. On Tuesday, in a 3-1 vote, the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department, ruled in favor of Borough President Fossella and the plaintiffs, determining that Local Law 11 is null and void. The decision held that Local Law 11 violated the New York State Constitution and the plain meaning of the Constitution’s language requiring voters to be citizens. The decision additionally holds that Local Law 11 violated New York’s Municipal Home Rule law that requires a mandatory referendum before the law could take effect. “Fortunately, common sense prevails in New York, thanks to the decision reached by the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department,” said Borough President Fossella. “The New York State Constitution is clear in that only citizens can vote in our local elections. It is simply irresponsible and nonsensical to extend this right to non-citizens. We are pleased that the Appellate court shared this understanding. This is a win for New York citizens and upholds the integrity of our elections.” Also joining him in applauding the ruling were several fellow plaintiffs in the lawsuit: Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis; State Sen. Andrew Lanza; Assemblyman Michael Tannousis; Assemblyman Michael Reilly; Councilman David Carr; Councilman Joe Borelli; Queens Councilwoman Joann Ariola; Queens Councilman Robert Holden; Queens Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, and Brooklyn Councilman Kalman Yeger. (Photo courtesy of the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com/Annalise Knudson)  Borough President Vito Fossella addressed congestion pricing and the migrant crisis, as well as his commitment to education, parks, first-responders, and veterans when he delivered his State of the Borough Address in Monsignor Farrell High School, his alma mater. “This is our second State of the Borough address,” said Borough President Fossella to a packed house, which included Staten Island’s elected officials and educational, business, economic, and cultural leaders. “It’s a way to give you a snapshot of our priorities and the work we are doing. I hope you think we are doing OK.” In a touching moment, he played a video tribute with community leaders offering thanks to former Borough President James P. Molinaro for his advocacy of Staten Island during his three terms in office. He presented him with a proclamation which declared Feb. 10, 2024, as “Borough President James P. Molinaro Day.” Borough President Fossella called Staten Island a “place to live, grow, and love with your family.” “So, we are creating new schools for our children, new parks, new athletic facilities,” he said. “We continue to push for new ideas for the St. George Wheel site and Empire Outlets and will help John and Margo Catsimatidis in their efforts to have the Staten Island FerryHawks Stadium soar. We will improve our waterfronts: North Shore, Mid-Island and South Shore. And continue to attract economic engines to our West Shore “JOBS COAST,” where more than 10,000 people work. We will expand the Bluebelt success to the North Shore to reduce flooding. We will continue to pursue a fast ferry service from Staten Island to Brooklyn and other transit options. We will tap into the spirit and ingenuity of our community to shape and build our future. We will do this by finding a common cause and common ground to produce real results.” He continued his condemnation of congestion pricing and noted the pending lawsuit he filed with the United Federation of Teachers against the MTA. Since it was filed, most of Staten Island’s elected officials have joined as plaintiffs and a union representing more than 400,000 municipal workers joined the lawsuit last week. “And they tell us, congestion pricing will incentivize us to use mass transit,” Borough President Fossella said. “If you want to reduce congestion, take a look at this silliness. You used to have two parking lanes and four travel lanes on a roadway. Then they added the bike lane, a buffer, and shortened the parking lane, even taking away some parking as a commercial lane -- now we’re down to three travel lanes. But what’s the reality? One side of the parking now has a restaurant shed in it and two of those three travel lanes have double-parked delivery trucks. Leaving us all, with one travel lane. End this nonsense before you tax us again. Here’s a start -- try going after people who use the subway and buses, but never pay! Fare evasions are approximately $700 million -- that’s more than 2/3of their $1 billion goal. And why not fix the subways now? For those who use the subways under current conditions have troubling experiences. Some subway cars have become de facto homeless shelters, with the threat of violence around every corner.” Borough President Fossella also reiterated his stance on the migrant crisis by continuing to call it “unsustainable." “One area where common sense has disappeared has been the migrant crisis,” he said. “It continues to be an absolute mess. Last year, we found it necessary to resort to the courts on two occasions to protect the people of Staten Island and our neighborhoods from harm. First, you may recall how some rolled out the red carpet, handing out champagne, free hotel rooms, and three meals a day to migrants. At the time, we said it was unsustainable. We asked, ‘How much is this going to cost?’ The response: About a half-billion dollars. That was then. Now, the cost has jumped to more than $12 billion dollars, averaging almost $140,000 per year, per migrant. We were prepared to fight and we did. When the City moved migrants into the old St. John Villa, the tide changed. We had our Alamo. Day after day, night after night, we stood with the community. We stood our ground, to shut it down. We stood up for common sense. Then we sued and we won. Today, St. John’s Villa is empty!” He called out the brazen attack on police officers by migrants in Times Square, which was captured on video. “Two weeks ago, we watched insanity in real time,” said Borough President Fossella. “This was Times Square at 8:30 pm. Two police officers were being beaten by a number of migrants. The migrants were arrested and, within hours, released. We invited the two police officers to join us tonight, but the department would not allow them as there is an investigation ongoing. We understand. So, perhaps we can have any police officer -- active or retired-stand -- up so we can show them how we respect what they do.” A large part of Borough President Fossella’s State of the Borough address highlighted his continued commitment to Staten Islanders by outlining his work over the last wo years. “The prevailing political theme today seems to be following another playbook,” he said. “It is loaded with endless competitions: us vs them. Where we win, they lose. Or they win, we lose. They lose, everybody loses. For the past two years, around here, we have tried something a little different. We are not competitors. We are not even rivals. We are partners, trying to work together to make your lives better. Great partnerships can make great decisions.” He shared a lighthearted video of his dog, Malibu, exploring the “Borough Of Parks’ while wearing a GoPro. “As you saw in the opening video, our parks and public spaces are unique and popular attractions,” said Borough President Fossella. “We have and will continue to support efforts to make all our parks better. Across Staten Island, you are always within just a few minutes of a park, in fact, our parks and natural areas now total 10,218 acres, representing 27% of our Borough’s land area. We wish to thank Commissioner Sue Donoghue and Borough Commissioner Lynda Riccardione and her Parks team for their commitment to keeping our parks the best in the city.” He cited funding allocations with Council Members David Carr, Joseph Borelli, and Kamilla Hanks to improve Walker Park, Annadale Green, Aesop Playground Phase 2, Midland Playground, and basketball courts at Bloomingdale Park. He also announced that the ballfield at Clove Lakes Park will be completely renovated. “This is one of our most highly-used and in-demand ballfields,” said Borough President Fossella. “Not only is it old and worn, but also after heavy rain, the field is too flooded to use. This project will correct that and provide new turf and drainage. For our park users, it’s a home run. Indeed, you can’t think of parks without thinking of youth sports. One of the major reasons we are so committed to improving parks is to provide our young people access to the best types of ballfields, basketball courts, pickleball courts -- even archery." He offered this nugget: “One thing that is more important than giving kids access to a nice place to play and have fun is giving them a quality education” and thanked those who work with our students every day. “Fortunately, we have many dedicated teachers, administrators, coaches, and school professionals who want nothing but the best for Staten Island kids both inside and outside the classroom,” he said. Among Borough President Fossella’s educational commitments are:
He noted a year of firsts: The first-ever pickleball tournaments for intermediate and high school students, a bocce tournament and the recently played inaugural Staten Island High School Girls’ Basketball Tournament. “And I am pleased to announce today that we will showcase another ‘first’ -- the first-ever high school boys and girls Flag Football Tournament. This will be organized in partnership with the College of Staten Island and Tom DeAngelis of Next Level Flag Football. We are also looking into creating a PSAL league for our intermediate schools.” Borough President Fossella talked about his “Field of Dreams” which will be built in Wolfe’s Pond Park for children with special needs which is modeled after a park in Toms’ River. “It will have plenty of parking, accessibility, and, most importantly, the design will be driven by those in the special needs community. Community visioning sessions are to begin next month,” he said. “Upon completion, this park will be the best of its kind in all of New York City. These families deserve it.” Borough President Fossella acknowledged Staten Island’s veterans. “Parks, youth sports, education as well as our freedoms are not possible without the sacrifices of our veterans,” he said. “Here is just one way you have demonstrated your support for their service. A little more than a year ago on Jan. 27 we were notified that a local veteran’s funeral would be held at Holy Child church in Eltingville. We were told he had no immediate family. So, we reached out to our veteran community. And, the result was this beautiful tribute. We would like to thank Vito Giobbe of the Disabled American Veterans, the FDNY, and Rolling Thunder and members of the Staten Island veteran community for their outpouring of love and support. Staten Island never forgets the men and women who have worn and wear our nation’s uniform. In June, we had the opportunity to honor a very special Veteran and FDNY retiree Anthony Aquaro who is 102-years- old, and his wife Gloria who is 101 as honorary Borough Presidents of the Day. The Aquaros represent all that we value here in Staten Island: Family, Faith, Country, Service, and Freedom.” He referenced Borough Hall’s ongoing partnership with the Blue Star Families to keep the pantry at Fort Wadsworth stocked for our active military families. In addressing transportation, he said it’s “needless to say, we like our cars. That’s why it remains vital to keep our roads paved and safe… In 2023 alone, DOT paved 164 miles of roadway and repaired 16,000+ potholes. Cooperation is key. There is a stretch of road along Arthur Kill Road and Clay Pit Road that was an issue for years with not only potholes but also serious water and icing issues. Band-aid solutions had been made, but the problem never went away. It was like driving on the moon. We worked together with DOT and DEP to identify the real problem, which was a drainage issue. That was fixed, the road, and was repaved. Problem solved because of good teamwork. We also focused on making our streets safer, such as right outside this building, where safety improvements were made to prevent accidents on Amboy Road.” While there are no “silver bullets,” Borough President Fossella announced that a Transportation Task Force will be created to address the traffic and congestion challenges that we face every day. Borough President Fossella thanked Michael Cusick, the president of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, and Linda Baran, the president of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, for their support of the borough’s large and small businesses. “Small business remains the heart, the soul and backbone of Staten Island’s economy,” he said. “There are more than 14,000 businesses on Staten Island providing more than 116,000 jobs. And these are more than just offices and storefronts -- they are a beloved part of our lives and neighborhoods. Too often, the city and state treat these employers as the enemy through a combination of higher taxes and heavy regulations. Our goal is to help our small business to flourish, while, at the same time, push back against radical and burdensome regulations that come from the city and state. Along with our partners in SIEDC we are making the west shore of Staten Island a literal 'Jobs Coast.' From Amazon to Pratt Industries, to Broadway Stages and Bricktown, the jobs have grown to number in the thousands. And we are working continuously to attract new industries. Howland Hook Marine Terminal continues to grow. It employs 300 people and we recently announced with the Governor and Port Authority an almost $300 million investment to ensure it remains a hub of commerce and a source of good-paying jobs.” In speaking of our first-responders," said Borough President Fossella. “Staten Island’s fabric is incomplete without our dedicated first responders: Our police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. When others across the city continue to view some of our first responders as villains and the enemy…especially the police -- remember the dumbest thing ever proposed “defund the police? Well, around here we simply say “Thank you for your service. Their work can be rewarding, but it can also be dangerous.” He concluded the evening with another announcement what he called “a new beginning.” “For the first time in over 30 years, we are looking to fund a formal study to assess the feasibility of Staten Island becoming its own city or county,” said Borough President Fossella. “We will explore secession. This is not a new topic. And, as somebody once said. ‘It’s not personal, it’s strictly business.’ Nearly everyone has an opinion on secession. ‘Don’t do it. Do it tomorrow. Let’s look at it, maybe. ‘Staten Islanders have legitimate questions. Is it what’s best for us? Can we afford it? Can we make it on our own? Create our own local economy and workforce? Staten Islanders deserve answers to these questions. Like Joe Friday said, ‘Give us the facts.’ That’s why we are funding a study. I’ve spoken with each Staten Island elected official about it. We are going into this with our eyes wide open. When the study is completed, we will share the results with all of you. As our elders used to say: ‘Before you get ready to jump, be sure you know where you’re gonna land.’” The evening came to a close with Gabriella Valentine, accompanied by students from P.S. 29 and Port Richmond High School, signing “God Bless America” to Anthony and Gloria Aqauro -- “a profound note of optimism that Staten Island will continue to grow, to prosper, to stick together, and to stay united for many years to come.” “As we stand ready to look at our challenges in the face, I ask you to see through the eyes of our friends, Anthony and Gloria Aquaro. They have lived through the Great Depression, World War II, Civil Unrest, The Korean and the Vietnam Wars, recession. But, the good times far outshine the bad times. Because look… Anthony’s about to turn 103-years old. And. he’s still smiling. If anyone knows what our country has been through -- they do.” Tune into the State of the Borough Address, produced by Community Media of Staten Island. Available on Verizon’s Channel 37, Spectrum’s Channel 1997, stream on the Community Media Staten Island app, or by clicking here.   Borough President Vito Fossella joined his fellow elected officials and members of the law enforcement community to offer his support to legislation introduced into the State Assembly to address the dramatic spike in car thefts across Staten Island, the city, and the state.
“This is the bottom line, like most things in the bail reform a few years ago were a joke, if you steal a car whether it be on Staten Island or anywhere in the state, it’s a joke -- you get a slap on the wrist if anything,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference outside the 122nd Precinct in New Dorp. Assemblyman Mike Reilly and Assemblyman Michael Tannousis introduced legislation that would increase the penalties for those who commit grand larceny auto. The legislation also aims to increase the prison sentence for those who commit grand larceny auto again after a previous conviction. In addition, the legislation would try 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds in the Youth Part of Criminal Court rather than in Family Court. State Sen. Andrew J. Lanza introduced a companion bill in the Senate. Borough President Fossella said there are rings in New Jersey who come to Staten Island and recruit 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds to steal cars “because they know nothing is going to happen to them. They go to Family Court, plea to a misdemeanor, and they’re back on the street to steal another car.” “And, last summer in particular, it was like happy hunting season, in which sometimes people would get two cars stolen from their house in a single day,” he said. “And if you caught them, if you were lucky enough to catch them, nothing happened. And yet, despite the best efforts of the people who serve in the New York City Police Department every single day to combat crime and to keep us safe and to prevent stolen cars, what happens is these individuals know they can get away with anything. If you need any more exhibits as to what you can get with away, just watch the video, it’s not about stolen cars, but its emblematic of where we are as a city right now, watch the video of the police officers getting beat up by migrants in Times Square two weeks ago. That is what we’re dealing with right now. That’s the mentality, that’s the disposition that the people who wear the uniform are the enemy, the people who come here illegally can beat them up without consequences. We on Staten Island, quite frankly, are looking to change that mentality, change the attitude and this legislation is a step in that direction. I want to thank the men and women in the New York City Police Department who are on the frontlines every single day to try to keep us safe.”  Vito kicked off the inaugural Staten Island Borough President’s Cup for high school girls’ basketball teams with these words during a press conference at the College of Staten Island. “I guess the simple thing for me to say is ‘it’s about time, right ladies?' It’s about time that we have a Staten Island High School Basketball Tournament for the girls. We know the boys have had it for many, many years and we just thought it was long overdue for the girls to participate and enjoy what the boys have enjoyed for many, many years.” All 13 girls’ basketball programs in Staten Island high schools -- eight from public schools, four from Catholic schools, and Staten Island Academy -- will play in the tournament. The tournament’s inaugural round of games begins Friday at Moore Catholic High School at 5 p.m., followed by round two on Sunday split between two sites -- St. Joseph Hill Academy and Staten Island Academy. The quarterfinals will be played on Tuesday, Jan. 30, and the semifinals on Thursday, Feb. 1, both at the Petrides School. It will culminate with the championship game -- “The Staten Island Borough President’s Cup” -- at the College of Staten Island at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3. As a bonus, the games will be streamed live on Community Media of Staten Island -- Channel 34 on both Spectrum and Verizon, as well as on their free app. Momentum for the tournament had already been building with an Instagram page created by the players, featuring photos and videos thanking Vito for organizing the tournament. “These girls have been waiting,” said Kristine Zieris, a committee member and former player and coach at St. Joseph-by-the-Sea High School. “They’ve watched the boys. They’ve seen the big crowds. Now, it’s their turn to finally get their recognition. All these teams are wonderful, they are enthusiastic, and they can’t wait to show you what they can do. So, it’s about time.” Samantha Giordano, a member of the Port Richmond High School Raiders, has been playing for as long as she can remember. “I’ve been playing basketball for a really long time and with most of the girls standing behind me since I was a little girl,” she said. “So, to be able to bring us all into one tournament is something that makes the younger girl inside of me really happy.” Danielle Williamsen is graduating from St. Joseph-by-the-Sea High School this year. “It’s going to be a great competition, especially knowing some of these girls behind me -- it’s a bunch of friendships that I will have forever,” she said. “So, playing against them and seeing who’s the best is a great way to go out.” Borough President Fossella left the girls with a message. “At the end of the day, you talk about experiences, friendships, competition, and coming together,” he said. “This is a team, this is a family, but most of all ladies, we are doing it for you. We hope you have a great time, a great experience. Play hard, make new friends -- and on February 3rd, we hope this place is packed for the championship game.”  Borough President Vito Fossella smiled as he leaned against a bookshelf in the library of P.S. 32 as he waited for Madison Piantosi to walk through the doors. When she did, she was greeted with a chorus of “Surprise” from Principal Nancy Spataro, Assistant Principal Evy Schultz, her teachers, her classmates -- and most importantly, her family. Madison, now a fifth-grade student, was among the winners in the 2023 “Readers Are Leaders Challenge.” Last year, for the first time in the Challenge’s history, the winners were offered the opportunity to write a story or book of their own with one selected for publication. Still not sure what was going on, Madison shyly nodded when Vito asked if she remembered participating in the Readers Are Leaders Challenge and if she remembered writing a book when she was in the fourth-grade. “Well, you were not alone,” said Borough President Fossella during a visit to Madison's school. “A lot of students submitted books, but we could only choose one winner who could actually get the book published. And, you know what book we chose -- yours!” Vito held the manuscript in his hand of Madison’s short story, titled “The Time The Sisters Switched,” a tale of sibling rivalry and sisterly love which carries the message that anything is possible. “The Time The Sisters Switched” will be published by Bob Williams, the owner of Showtime Publications. He will be partnering with Denise Arena, owner of Wizard of Art & Design, who will craft the illustrations to bring Madison’s story to life. “Your book will be in every bookstore, not only in the country, but around the world,” Willams told Madison. “Now, what I want you to think about is where do you want to have your first book signing? Do you want to have it here at school? All the kids are going to want a signed copy of your book. Do you want to have it at Barnes & Noble? You’ll be a big shot at Barnes & Noble.” Principal Nancy Spataro said the school places a strong emphasis on writing. “We know this was in the fourth-grade,” said Principal Spataro. “There were some rough drafts along the way, you persevered, you didn’t give up, and look where you are now.” The most poignant moment was saved for Madison’s dad, Michael. “I am so proud of you,” he said as father-and-daughter locked in a long, tearful hug. “Like, I tell you all the time, if you put your mind to it, you can do anything you want to do. And, this is just proof. I see big things.” |
