Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg praised the New York City Council today for its approval of the City's proposed redevelopment plan for the Stapleton waterfront and the former Navy Homeport on Staten Island.  The plan includes housing, retail, a sports complex, farmers market and complementary uses linked by a new mile-long waterfront esplanade.  The development plan is consistent with the Administration's commitment to reclaim the waterfront and create economic opportunity in all five boroughs, and will provide the local community with unfettered access to the New York Harbor waterfront for the first time since the Homeport's establishment in 1990. 

"Stapleton is one of Staten Island's great historic town centers with its past rooted in maritime activities, however for too long the community has been cut off from their greatest asset, the waterfront," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "The Homeport site benefits from spectacular views of Manhattan and the Verrazano Bridge, and today's City Council approval of the plan affirms my administration's continued commitment and strategy to redeveloping New York's waterfront throughout all five boroughs.  This initiative is a remarkable example of the City working with the community to achieve economic development that also meets their needs.  Stapleton is well on its way to becoming one of New York's great mixed-use neighborhoods that will be a great place to live, work and play."

The plan fulfills goals identified in 2004 by the Mayor's Homeport Task Force consisted of local elected officials, community representatives, local business owners, residents, and City officials.  The City's Economic Development Corporation (EDC), with the support of the Department of City Planning, is coordinating the planning process and leading its implementation.  Earlier this month, EDC was awarded a $1.1 million New York State Environmental Protection Fund grant for work along the waterfront in addition to the $66 million allocated by Mayor Bloomberg for construction of the esplanade and other infrastructure improvements.