Tag: Staten Island

Transit Improvements Boost Accessibility for New Staten Island Amusement Center

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By Joseph Morales

    The old Safari Golf in the Eltingville section of Staten Island was once the go to for those wanting to have fun in the borough. It evolved multiple times in its 70-year history and was a source of entertainment in multiple forms. The facility went from a drive-in restaurant and arcade known as Al Deppe’s between the 20s and the 60s, to Safari Golf and Val’s Pizzeria from the 90s to 2010. Staten Islanders across several generations shared fond memories of fun, pizza and family time at what was once a South Shore funplex.

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Possible Loss of Parking Minimums for Residential Buildings Concern Staten Islanders

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By Joseph Morales

Staten Island is New York City’s least populous borough and is considered by many to have a suburban feel. Many people from the other boroughs and Staten Island alike even refer to the borough as a suburb in conversation. This suburban feel is due to the prevalence of detached single-family houses throughout most neighborhoods in the borough. In turn, these homes form communities that have a much lower density than communities in other boroughs. 

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Mass Transit Is Sparking Development on Staten Island’s North Shore

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By Joseph Morales

Staten Island is the most car-centric and least densely populated borough in New York City. Despite this fact, the borough would be America’s 39th most populous city if it were its own municipality, ranking higher than cities like Miami, Cleveland, and Minneapolis. In addition, 17% of Staten Island households do not have access to a car, which is still significantly higher than the U.S rate of 8.3%. Nowhere is Staten Island’s urban feel more apparent than on the Island’s North Shore, with a car-free household rate of 29% and a population density similar to neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens. Mass transit options here include a robust bus network with local buses that could get you just about anywhere on the Island. There are also various express bus routes that connect almost every neighborhood to Manhattan. In addition to buses, some parts of the North Shore also have a train line known as the Staten Island Railway(SIR), that connects the south and west parts of the Island to St. George on the Island’s North and East Shore. Though not considered part of the subway system, the SIR runs with subway trains on a subway-like line with lower headways than NYC subway routes.

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The MTA May Considering Ways to Improve Transit on Staten Island’s West Shore

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By Joseph Morales

  The West Shore of Staten Island comprises the communities on the west side of Staten Island and accompanies about 20% of Staten Island’s total land. The West Shore includes neighborhoods such as Tottenville, Rossville, Travis-Chelsea, New Springville and more. Major destinations in and just outside of the West Shore include, the Staten Island Mall, The Teleport Office Complex, an Amazon Distribution Center and so much more. The West Shore has a large amount of things that can contribute to job growth such as a plethora of green space and other natural areas, suburban-style livable communities and a high density of potential employment hubs. The area also has solid highway access with the West Shore Expressway(NY-440), Staten Island Expressway(I-278) and Korean War Veterans Parkway all traveling through the West Shore. The Outerbridge Crossing and the Goethals Bridge both connect the West Shore of Staten Island to New Jersey. 

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Streets Surrounding Staten Island Railway Stations Can Be More Pedestrian-Friendly

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By Joseph Morales

             The Staten Island Railway (SIR) is a rapid transit line operating on the East Shore of Staten Island. The SIR is the closest thing Staten Island has to a subway. The line is used by many Staten Islanders to get to the St.George Ferry Terminal, either to transfer to the Staten Island Ferry or to get to the St.George neighborhood. The St. George neighborhood has one of the highest employment densities on Staten Island and is home to major attractions such as the Empire Outlets, Snug Harbor and the Richmond County Ballpark home. Many other important points of interest are located in St. George, such as courts, borough offices as well as social services and other municipal buildings. Besides getting to and from St. George, the SIR is used by many to get to and from a variety of places on Staten Island and can be faster than driving on busy streets such as Hylan Blvd. In addition even though more Staten Islanders own cars than in other boroughs, many Staten Island residents do not own a car, so the railroad is critical for these residents to be able to access the East Shore of the Island.

             Unfortunately, many SIR stations might not be considered pedestrian-friendly. According to a survey done by State Senator Diane Savino in 2013, 61% of SIR riders used the bus and 23% walked in order to access the Staten Island Railway, indicating the need for safe conditions at the stations. 16% of Staten Island residents are seniors, who may find it easier to take public transportation than drive, especially considering the Staten Island Railway has not been known to have the same crime or crowding issues as the NYC subway, making it more senior friendly. These station entrances may be considered unsafe for many reasons, such as lack of signaled crosswalks and sidewalks.  The SIR also does not have MetroCard vending machines, station agents and other amenities found in the NYC subway, making the railway less convenient for riders.

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