Staten Island Community Board 1

Staten Island Community Board 1
Name	Staten Island Community Board 1
Settlement type	Community board
Borough	Staten Island
Country	United States
State	New York (state)
City	New York City

Staten Island Community Board 1 is a local advisory body that represents neighborhoods on the northeastern portion of Staten Island, interacting with agencies like the New York City Department of City Planning, New York City Department of Buildings, New York City Department of Transportation, Mayor of New York City, and the New York City Council. The board advises elected officials such as the Borough President of Staten Island and members of the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate on land use, zoning, and municipal service delivery alongside institutions like NYC Health + Hospitals and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Overview

The board functions within the framework established by the New York City Charter, coordinating with offices including the Office of the Mayor of New York City, the City Planning Commission (New York City), the Comptroller of New York City, and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. It serves as a liaison among civic organizations such as the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, cultural institutions like the Staten Island Museum, and faith-based groups connected to St. George Theatre and South Beach. Stakeholders include representatives from the New York Police Department, the FDNY, and healthcare providers such as Richmond University Medical Center.

Geography and neighborhoods

The jurisdiction covers neighborhoods including St. George, Tompkinsville, Stapleton, Clifton, Rosebank, Shore Acres, Fort Wadsworth, New Brighton, Port Richmond (adjacent overlap), and waterfront areas proximate to the Staten Island Ferry. Boundaries interface with infrastructure projects like the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Bayonne Bridge, and corridors served by the Staten Island Railway and MTA bus routes connected to Whitehall Terminal. Parks and landmarks within or near the board’s area include Conference House Park, Clove Lakes Park, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, and historic sites such as Fort Wadsworth and Staten Island September 11 Memorial.

Governance and membership

Membership is appointed by the Borough President of Staten Island and includes appointees from local New York City Council members and ex officio representatives from agencies like the New York City Police Department precincts and the Department of Education (New York City). The board is chaired by a locally elected chairperson who presides over committees—examples include land use, transportation, public safety, and youth services—working with representatives from organizations such as the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation and nonprofit partners like Project Hospitality. Meetings follow procedures influenced by the New York Open Meetings Law and involve testimony from community groups including the Staten Island Advance readership and civic associations tied to Grymes Hill and West Brighton.

Responsibilities and functions

The board issues advisory recommendations on seven major topics defined in the New York City Charter: land use, zoning, ULURP referrals through the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, municipal service delivery, liquor licenses via coordination with the State Liquor Authority, public safety with input from the New York City Police Department, and capital budget priorities submitted to the Borough President of Staten Island. It engages with entities such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for transit planning, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for waterfront issues, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on shoreline and wetlands concerns.

Planning and development initiatives

The board participates in planning involving waterfront rezoning proposals similar to those processed by the New York City Department of City Planning and has weighed projects adjacent to redevelopment sites like the Stapleton, Staten Island redevelopment area and mixed-use proposals near St. George Terminal (Staten Island). It reviews ULURP applications from developers linked to firms that have worked on projects across New York such as those associated with Related Companies and local developers. The board consults with agencies on resiliency measures influenced by events like Hurricane Sandy and programs modeled after Rebuild by Design, coordinating with Federal Emergency Management Agency and NY Rising initiatives.

Community services and programs

Through committees and partnerships, the board connects residents to services provided by organizations including NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Human Resources Administration (New York City), Department of Sanitation (New York City), and local nonprofits like Staten Island YMCA and Good Shepherd Services. It facilitates dialogue on public housing concerns involving the New York City Housing Authority, education issues affecting P.S. 1 (Staten Island) and other schools under the New York City Department of Education (DOE), and cultural programming with institutions such as Historic Richmond Town and Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden.

History and notable actions

Since its formation under the New York City Charter reforms of the 20th century, the board has engaged in high-profile matters including responses to infrastructure projects like the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge expansions, debates over waterfront industrial conversions similar to controversies in Red Hook, Brooklyn and Gowanus, Brooklyn, and advocacy during recovery after Hurricane Sandy. Notable local campaigns have involved preservation efforts for sites like Fort Wadsworth and support or opposition to transit adjustments proposed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, with coverage by media outlets including the New York Daily News and The New York Times.

Category:Community boards of Staten Island