MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG CREATES TASK FORCE TO REDEVELOP STATEN ISLAND’S HOMEPORT

Task Force Will Consist of Representatives from the Community, Staten Island Elected Officials and Members of the Bloomberg Administration

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the creation of a 16-member task force that will focus on the redevelopment of the Staten Island Homeport and its surrounding community. The task force will be made up of representatives from the community, Staten Island elected officials and members of the Bloomberg Administration. The Homeport encompasses 36 acres along a one-mile stretch on the Narrows waterfront in the Stapleton section of Staten Island.

“This task force is charged with shaping the redevelopment of Homeport to take full advantage of this world-class waterfront site in Staten Island,” Mayor Bloomberg said. “It will address ways to integrate the surrounding community into a plan that not only finds the best possible use for the Homeport site, but also strengthens the economic viability of the neighborhood and Staten Island as a whole. As I said in my State of the City address, we need to advance a strategy for this critically important site that will increase jobs in Staten Island and benefit New York City’s economy.”

The first objective of the task force will be to select a consultant that will work closely with the task force to create a detailed, area-wide development framework that addresses potential uses as well as transportation, parking, open space and waterfront needs. These requirements are in line with the Bloomberg Administration’s goal of redeveloping New York City’s waterfronts in all five boroughs.

“I’ve always believed that by the end of my term in 2005, a plan for the Homeport would be in place,” said Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro. “I am confident that we are now taking the first step with a project that will be acceptable to the community and will continue the revitalization of the waterfront from the St. George Ferry Terminal to the Verrazano Bridge.”

“The Homeport should become the crown jewel in Staten Island’s Gold Coast on the North Shore,” said Council Member McMahon. “We are thankful the Mayor is now bringing the proper focus and attention to realizing the potential economic benefit the Homeport presents. I am optimistic that we can promote a use that will have a positive economic benefit for the whole of Staten Island and the rest of the City.”

Members of the task force include:

• James Molinaro, Staten Island Borough President
  
• Michael McMahon, Council Member, District #49
  
• James Oddo, Council Member, District #50
  
• Andrew Lanza, Council Member, District #51
  
• Vincent La Padula, Senior Advisor to the Mayor
  
• Daniel L. Doctoroff, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding
  
• Andrew M. Alper, President, NYC Economic Development Corporation
  
• Amanda M. Burden, Commissioner, NYC Department of City Planning
  
• John Antoniello, Chair, Community Board 3
  
• George Caputo, Chair, Community Board 1
  
• Lou Caravone, Chair, Community Board 2
  
• Joseph Marotta, former Chair, Community Board 1
  
• Cesar Claro, President, Staten Island Economic Development Corporation
  
• Henry A. Salmon, Chairman, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
  
• Rev. Calvin Rice, First Central Baptist Church
  
• Jim Svetz, Local Businessman and Resident of Stapleton

“It is clear from the appointments to this task force that the Mayor wants Staten Islanders to determine the future of the Homeport site,” said Vincent La Padula, Senior Advisor to the Mayor. “The North Shore of Staten Island’s waterfront has enormous potential for redevelopment opportunities and we want to do everything possible to ensure that this is a consensus building process that meets the needs and interests of everyone involved.”

“Bringing new life to our waterfront properties is a priority for this administration,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding Daniel L. Doctoroff. “With the investment the City has already made in Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark at St. George and the renovations we’re currently making to the St. George Ferry Terminal, we are committed to enlivening the North Shore waterfront with uses that benefit all of Staten Island.”

“Homeport represents an excellent opportunity to spur economic development in this area,” EDC President Alper said. “The study will ensure that we take a comprehensive look at the mix of economic development possibilities and community open space needs. We look forward to a strong working relationship with Staten Island’s elected officials and members of the community.”

The City gained ownership of the site, which was first developed by the U.S. Department of the Navy as a ship maintenance and harbor operation facility in the 1980s, in 1995. Homeport’s spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and the Verrazano Bridge, coupled with a world-class pier and waterfront esplanade, makes it one of the premier waterfront assets in New York City.