Staten Island, N.Y. — Mayor Eric Adams announced on March 14, 2024, that nearly $30 million from his administration’s “Best Budget Ever” will be dedicated to improving parks and cultural institutions across Staten Island. During a press conference held at the Staten Island Zoo in West Brighton, Adams emphasized the importance of supporting all five boroughs of New York City.
“New York is a five-borough city; it’s not just Manhattan-centered,” Adams stated. “Each borough is important because the people of this city are important. Under our administration, we have always made it clear that we have to catch up when it comes to Staten Island.” This funding announcement marks a significant investment in the borough, which Adams noted has historically received less attention.
Accompanying Adams was Borough President Vito Fossella, who expressed gratitude for the mayor’s efforts. “For the last four years, every time I picked up the phone to say ‘Staten Island needs something,’ Mayor Adams was there for the people of Staten Island,” Fossella remarked, highlighting the collaborative relationship between the two leaders.
Breakdown of Funding Allocations
The allocation includes approximately $8 million for the Staten Island Zoo, $6.5 million for the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, $6 million for the Staten Island Museum, $5.6 million for a playground at Bloomingdale Park, and $3.8 million for the Noble Maritime Collection.
Adams detailed specific projects funded by this allocation. For instance, the Bloomingdale Park playground renovation will introduce new play equipment, spray showers, fencing, security lighting, and updated electrical and water utilities. Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, stated that design work for the new playground is set to begin in spring 2024, following community input sessions.
Rodriguez-Rosa added that the department is also prepared to start renovations on the basketball courts in Bloomingdale Park. “Bloomingdale Park is an essential place for recreation for Staten Islanders, which is why we are thrilled to bring these wonderful enhancements for the community,” she said.
Enhancing Cultural Institutions
Funding for the Snug Harbor campus will focus on modernizing the Staten Island Museum and the Noble Maritime Collection, including the addition of lab classrooms and upgraded air conditioning systems. Laurie Cumbo, Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, praised the collaboration between Adams and Fossella for their dedication to preserving Staten Island’s cultural heritage. “Cultural vibrancy is economic development for this borough,” Cumbo noted. “The more we invest in art and culture, the greater Staten Island will be.”
The allocation to the Staten Island Zoo will primarily support renovations to the Children’s Center, making it more accessible for children with special needs and their families. “It’s a substantial investment for the zoo,” said Kenneth Mitchell, the zoo’s executive director. “The Children’s Center was built in 1968, so we’re taking this opportunity to redo that and create a sensory educational center that we can incorporate into our educational programs.”
Strongly advocating for the borough’s needs, Adams expressed pride in the initiatives his administration has undertaken regarding housing developments and the bipartisan efforts made with Fossella. “That’s an important chapter in this administration: our ability to reach out across the aisle and work for working-class families,” Adams stated.
With this funding announcement, Adams aims to leave a lasting impact on Staten Island during what may be one of his final visits as mayor. As the city continues to evolve, the allocation of these funds represents a commitment to enhancing community resources and supporting the diverse needs of Staten Islanders.
