On Friday, September 13th, Mayor Eric Adams announced the groundbreaking of 12 acres of public space on the New Stapleton Waterfront, Staten Island. This marks a significant milestone in the Staten Island North Shore Action Plan, a $400 million investment aimed at revitalizing the borough with over 20 acres of public space, mixed-use housing, and job creation. “We’ve made it clear: In our administration, Staten Island is no longer the forgotten borough,” said Adams during the ceremony. His administration continues its commitment to bring progress and economic growth to the North Shore.
The plan includes transforming a 35-acre former naval base into a mixed-use community with over 2,100 residential units, a 600-seat public school, and ground-floor retail spaces. Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer emphasized the administration’s commitment to repurposing underutilized public land. “We are turning two miles of vacant coastline into homes, jobs, and over 20 acres of public space,” said Torres-Springer. The project is designed to create more than 7,500 jobs and generate $3.8 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years.
Andrew Kimball, CEO of NYCEDC, celebrated the progress, stating, “Breaking ground on this mixed-use waterfront is another key milestone in the North Shore Action Plan.” The project aims to enhance the community’s connectivity with improvements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along Front Street. New pedestrian paths, roadside planters, and lighting will enhance safety and accessibility.
Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, who has been a staunch supporter of the project, hailed the development as a transformative moment for Staten Island’s future. “This project is not just about housing and open space; it’s about building a stronger future for our families,” said Hanks. The improvements are set to reshape the North Shore, long regarded as a neglected part of the city.
NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue highlighted the recreation benefits for the community. “In addition to improved waterfront access, this investment will provide the borough with its first new NYC Parks recreation center in over 14 years,” she said. The project will also feature dedicated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting environmental sustainability and public safety.
The revitalization of the North Shore Waterfront is expected to have long-lasting impacts, not only bringing economic growth but also improving the quality of life for residents and making the area a sought-after destination for both locals and visitors.
