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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2003
PR- 040-03
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND STATEN ISLAND BOROUGH PRESIDENT
JAMES P. MOLINARO BREAK GROUND AT BLOOMINGDALE PARK

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro today broke ground for the development of Bloomingdale Park on Staten Island’s South Shore.  Bloomingdale Park is the largest park development project begun during the Bloomberg administration.  In December 2002, the Mayor and Borough President announced a $17 million plan for the development of Bloomingdale Park and the new Charleston Park to provide more facilities for the South Shore region.  In total, approximately 20 acres of parkland will be developed for active recreation and an additional 30 acres of natural area will be made accessible through improved trails.

The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) will manage the Bloomingdale Park project, whose construction costs are estimated at $9.1 million.  Construction of the park and accompanying infrastructure work is scheduled for completion by the spring of 2004.  Bloomingdale Park will include three fields for softball, baseball, and soccer; two basketball courts; a playground, including a spray shower, play equipment, swings, bocce courts, and a comfort station; and park paths, including a perimeter greenway, an asphalt service path, a stone screening footpath, bridges and wetland boardwalks.  Former Borough President Guy Molinari, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, and DDC Commissioner Kenneth Holden joined Mayor Bloomberg and Borough President Molinaro for the groundbreaking ceremony.

“I am proud to preside over the groundbreaking ceremony at Bloomingdale Park on the South Shore, the fastest growing neighborhood of the City’s fastest growing borough Staten Island,” Mayor Bloomberg said.  “We are committed to expanding parkland and creating exciting new recreational opportunities in Staten Island and throughout the five boroughs and engaging the City’s various communities in the process.  I would like to thank Borough President Molinaro and former Borough President Molinari for their leadership and cooperation and invite the people of Staten Island to enjoy everything that Bloomingdale Park will offer in the very near future.”

“The groundbreaking for Bloomingdale Park is a banner day for the children of Staten Island, who have waited so long for ball fields and soccer fields on the South Shore,” Borough President Molinaro said.  “We are very thankful to Mayor Bloomberg for standing behind this project and our children, especially during these difficult economic times. Of Staten Island's 9,400 acres of parkland, a very small percentage is allocated for active recreation - even less so on the South Shore. The Bloomingdale Park fields will help to even this imbalance.”

“Staten Island continues to be the leader in New York City parkland and this project is the largest park construction project in recent memory,” Commissioner Benepe said.  “The development of Bloomingdale Park will provide new fields for sports as well as increased access to the beautiful forests there.”

“I am tremendously enthused by Mayor Bloomberg’s decision to proceed with the Bloomingdale Park project,” former Borough President Molinari said.  “It was a difficult process, but the parties arrived at a very fair decision that should benefit everyone.”

DDC is also managing the next phase of the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) $23.7 million sanitary and storm sewer project. The first phase will go below Bloomingdale Park, along Maguire Avenue from Drumgoole Road West to Ramona Avenue and left to Helene Court.  This phase began last month and is scheduled for completion this summer. A second phase will begin later this year and will provide the community with sanitary sewers and storm sewers to help control flooding.  Completion of this phase is expected within two years.  All of the work in this project is a continuation of the Lemon Creek Bluebelt program.

“The much-needed and long-awaited Bloomingdale Park is one of DDC’s top priorities,” Commissioner Holden said. “Coordinating work of the infrastructure projects and park construction is cost-effective and minimizes impact on the community.”

“The Staten Island Bluebelt is a world-class, state-of-the art model for storm water management, protection of natural spaces, wetland restoration, and water quality improvement,” DEP Commissioner Christopher Ward said.  “The Bluebelt approach aims to integrate Staten Island's natural water drainage network with conventional sewer and sanitary infrastructure to deliver a successful storm-water management system, while promoting wetlands preservation and wildlife conservation.  The work we are doing here in the South Shore communities is critical to the success of the Bluebelt.”

When the sub-surface work is completed, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will begin a $6.5 million project to provide additional public access to Bloomingdale Park.  A new road will extend about 450 feet from Ramona Avenue into Maguire Avenue featuring a cul-de-sac/turnaround feature.  Ramona Avenue will be reconstructed with curbs, storm sewer, new concrete base, and resurfacing from Maguire to Lenevar Avenues.  Curbs will be installed on Lenevar Avenue from Ramona Avenue to Drumgoole Road West.

“The Department of Transportation will design and build a much-needed roadway extension at Maguire Avenue, which will help South Shore residents gain easier access to the new Bloomingdale Park,” DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall said.  “We also will assist our fellow City agencies in any way as they build these two wonderful facilities.”

This summer, development will also begin for the South Shore’s new Charleston Park.  The 42-acre park will have five athletic fields, which will surpass Bloomingdale Park in size and construction.  Charleston Park is expected to be complete in the fall of 2004.

The Department of Parks & Recreation is New York City’s principal provider of recreational programs and facilities for people of all ages and maintains more than 28,000 acres of parkland, with 7,350 acres on Staten Island, including 32 ballfields, 50 playgrounds, and scores of basketball and tennis courts.


 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jerry Russo 
(212) 788-2958
 
  Megan Sheekey  ( Parks & Recreation )
(212) 360-1311
 
  Matthew Monahan   ( DDC )
(718) 391-1641
 
  Charles Sturcken   ( DEP )
(718) 595-6568