Below is the complete text of Borough President James Molinaros 2012 State of the Borough address. It was provided before delivery and does not reflect routine last-minute edits or ad-libs:
Good evening and welcome.
I would like to thank our sponsor for this evening, Staten Island Community Television and Chairwoman Maria Esposito. I would also like to thank Time Warner Cable for its production assistance. And of course, I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the Center for the Arts, and College of Staten Island President Tomas Morales for hosting once again.
As we begin 2012,my Administration has 704 days left to finish its work.
I am working very closely with Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Cuomo, my fellow elected officials and YOU, my fellow Staten Islanders, to get many important projects done by the end of 2013.
So lets get started…
Two summers ago, at my annual Back to the Beach celebration, a man came up to me with a complaint.
He said that there were too many American flags on the boardwalk…….
As you can imagine, I had a few choice words in response…
So for our next Back to the Beach, I made sure to add even more American flags to the boardwalk!
Several years ago, I was handing out small American flags at a parade.
I noticed there was a small label on the stick that read Made in China.
Can you believe it? American flags made in China!
I told my staff: only order American flags that are made in America.
So to this day – the American flags that are purchased by my office are made in Pennsylvania, USA.
I feel very strongly that we all have an obligation to support a home-grown economy.
As of November, every piece of constituent mail leaving my office has this stamp: Buy American Products – Put Americans Back to Work
And at my annual Christmas Tree Lighting, we distributed toys from American manufacturers. Believe me, they werent easy to find…but we did it.
This past holiday, Americans spent roughly $465 billion, which comes to approximately$700 per shopper.
Im told that if Americans had spent just $65 on gifts that were Made in the USA, we would have created 200,000 new jobs in America.
That shows how each and every one of us can make a difference.
As an example, LL Bean has a new winter boot that is Made in America.
It became so popular that they had to hire an additional 125 more workers for their factory in Maine.
I even went out and bought a pair myself.
Obviously, we are not going to open a boot factory on Staten Island. But we can go with our strength, which is our waterfront, and support our own local economy.
Last November, we started the redevelopment of the Homeport site in Stapleton.
Demolition of the former Navy buildings began in December. As you can see from this footage, it was quite a job to take these buildings down. But in just a few weeks, the structures were removed.
The end result will be a major breakthrough for Staten Island, and a great waterfront view for residents and visitors.
Over the next 18 months, the Homeport project will generate over 1,100 construction jobs. Once completed, there will be 150 permanent jobs, 30, 000 square feet of retail space and 900 new rental apartments.
Mayor Bloomberg has provided $33 million to improve infrastructure and create a new waterfront esplanade. And I have allotted $1 million to renovate the Stapleton train station.
This success story could not have happened without the cooperation of the New York City EDC.
It also could not have happened without the courage and commitment of the developer, David Barry. He is investing $150 million in this project.
Thank you Dave Barry. Please stand and be recognized, and thank you for investing in our community.
Just last Friday, I met with Dave Barry and the Buildings Department to work out the details of acquiring foundation permits.
We are hopeful that work on the foundations will start by July of this year.
This project took courage; political courage, and courage on the part of the investor.
Just nine years ago, all we heard was no to housing at this site. Now everyones for it.
We went through the same thing with Pratt Paper. The first reaction you hear is always no. But because we said yes, Pratt Paper gives us jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity.
I want to thank you and my fellow elected officials for having the courage to say yes to the Homeport.
On our East Shore, we are creating a world-class recreation zone.
With $70 million in capital funding from Mayor Bloomberg, Staten Island will soon have a 35 thousand square-foot Indoor Track.
It will become a premier regional facility, drawing runners and spectators from throughout the North East. And for a change, we will have a leg up on Manhattan. The Staten Island Track will be bigger, and better, than the Armory.
Also coming to our East Shore is a new indoor horse stable and arena for children with special needs. Construction will begin this year.
Adjacent to Freedom Circle, we will create a new entry plaza. It will feature a wave fountain, a green parking lot with 104 spaces and many natural features.
There will even be a Splash Zone where children can play.
A pre-construction meeting has already been held, and construction should begin in March.
Right next door, we are preserving a piece of Staten Islands past with a new home for the Victory Diner. It will operate as a Parks concession, and will be attached to a new building with a kitchen and comfort station.
A pre-construction meeting will be held in the second week of February, and we expect construction to begin later this spring.
I hope that you will be there for opening day, to share an egg cream on me.
We have a commitment from the Parks Department to open these facilities before the end of my term in 2013. I want to thank Commissioner Benepe and Commissioner Long for their efforts.
I also want to give a special thanks to First Deputy Mayor Patti Harris for her assistance.
If you dont think that all of these improvements are possible, just remember how our boardwalk looked not too long ago…. And what it looks like today….
Anything is possible if we work hard, and work together.
Moving over to our Islands West Shore, we have a fresh opportunity to create new jobs.
Starting in Rossville, there are waterfront properties that are currently underutilized.
First, there is the former Arthur Kill prison site, which has tremendous potential for job creation.
There is also a 33 acre EDC-owned property. An RFP was issued in November, and I expect some positive responses.
And in between is the privately owned LNG tank site.
I just recently met with representatives of the owners. They are applying for demolition permits, and the tanks will be removed by the end of this year.
So you could say, developing this property will soon be a tank-less task!
Further north we have the GATX site, Pratt Paper and of course the container port.
New York Container Terminal is now working closely with the Port Authority and the Governors Office on an expansion, and I am optimistic that they will be moving forward with a $400 million new berth at the terminal.
So this is Staten Islands industrial zone. These are our job producers of today and tomorrow.
As the Governor, Mayor and I have said, priority #1 is jobs jobs jobs.
And let me be clear – all of these sites along our West Shore should be used to attract businesses and create jobs. There should be no new housing developments on our West Shore waterfront, period!
Our waterfront is Staten Islands selling point.
All around the Island, on the North Shore, South Shore and everywhere in between, our waterfront is coming alive like never before.
The transformation I am underscoring tonight could set the tone for the rest of the century, in terms of Staten Island prosperity.
I urge you to work with me on bringing the rest of our Boroughs waterfront to its full potential.
Anything is possible if we work hard, and work together.
One of the keys to our waterfront renaissance is St. George.
Its hard to imagine, just 2 decades ago, the St. George waterfront looked like this….
Step by step, the Borough Presidents Office has brought great improvements to the waterfront.
Such as:
- The Esplanade,
- The 9/11 Memorial,
- The renovated Ferry Terminal,
- And the Richmond County Bank Ball Park, home of the Staten Island Yankees who have won 6 League championships in their 13 year history.
Not bad for the forgotten borough.
Retail stores have returned to the Ferry terminal and our new 220 million dollar Courthouse is on track to open in 2013.
And with funding from my office, new street lamps have been installed, and new medians have been completed on Bay Street.
The same medians will be installed on Richmond Terrace once the ferry ramp project is complete.
As you can see from these photos, we made conditions safer for pedestrians. Instead of crossing in the middle of the street, they are forced to cross only at the crosswalks.
Tonight I have additional good news for St. George.
I have just learned that Triangle Equities and the EDC have agreed on the terms of a deal to redevelop the former Coast Guard site. The ground lease should be finalized soon.
The first phase will include close to 45,000 square feet of retail space.
Subsequent phases are expected to include additional retail space and residential housing.
And picture this….. when both the Homeport and Coast Guard site projects are completed, tourists and residents will have two great shopping destinations within walking distance of the Ferry Terminal.
And there will be just a few pieces left for a continuous waterfront connection, from the Ferry all the way to the Homeport site in Stapleton.
I would like to thank Deputy Mayor Robert Steel and EDC President Seth Pinsky for this long-awaited good news.
As you know, the St. George Theatre has been a Smash-ing success. They were recently featured in an issue of Entertainment Weekly.
Since its opening in 2004, they have held over 500 performances, entertaining over 700,000 guests.
The theatre has attracted such stars as Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross, among many others.
The late Mrs. Rosemary and her daughters, Doreen and Luanne, have worked miracles in preserving the theatre. Please stand and be recognized.
Years ago, I provided funding for a new marquee for the Theatre. But it was delayed for technical reasons.
That delay is now over.
The paperwork for the new marquee is in our hands. We now have the approval to move forward on a design.
I want to thank Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate Levin for her support and patience on this matter.
Ladies and Gentleman, hopefully by my next state of the Borough, there will be a new marquee dazzling you with great new performances.
My office works closely with Commissioner Levin and the Department of Cultural Affairs to support Staten Islands cultural attractions.
With $13 million from my office, and funding from the Mayor and City Council, youll be seeing some wonderful new attractions at…
- The Staten Island Zoo,
- The Childrens Museum,
- Snug Harbor,
- The Staten Island Museum,
- and Richmondtown.
For me, this is not just about improving our quality of life. Our cultural attractions employ hundreds of individuals, and enrich the lives of thousands of others. I am proud to support them.
Now if you took a poll of Staten Islanders, traffic would be the number one issue.
Just look at these photographs …..
Everywhere you go on Staten Island, you face choke points of congestion.
Recently, my staff visited with officials from Essex County New Jersey.
They examined two intersections: One with smart light technology and another with new turning lanes and attractive pedestrian walkways.
According to Essex County officials, congestion has been reduced, and safety has been enhanced.
Essex County is very similar to Staten Island, with narrow roads and heavy congestion. Their success with intersection improvements and smart lights is evidence that we are going in the right direction on Staten Island.
With the support of Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Commissioner David Burney, Staten Island now has 8 intersections in the pipeline for improvement.
I am happy to announce tonight that one of them, Amboy Road and Annadale Road, actually has a start date for construction – April 2012.
This is a credit to what the Commissioners and I started several years ago.
We took a dysfunctional capital process that looked like this…. with no real deadlines and little coordination, and we changed it to this… a linear process with real deadlines and active coordination.
My office meets regularly with DOT and DDC. Its a true partnership. We are working with them and getting results.
All 8 intersections have been funded by my office and our Council members.
Thank you Jimmy Oddo, Vinny Ignizio and Debi Rose!
At one of the intersections, Victory and Clove, I am working with Commissioner Sadik-Khan on a new town center look, with medians, pedestrian crosswalks and overhead traffic signals.
What a positive difference this would make.
On a larger scale, I am working with Councilman Ignizio and DOT to transform Amboy Road in Eltingville from this….. to this………
These capital projects move very slowly… but one thing we can add right away are smart lights.
As I have often said, traffic must control the light, instead of the light controlling traffic.
At my request, DOT installed a smart light here at the College of Staten Island.
It has been in effect for over 2 years, improving traffic flow on Victory Boulevard to and from the Expressway.
So I am pleased to announce that with DOTs approval, we will be installing smart lights in three new locations:
Brielle Avenue in front of Seaview Hospital.
South Avenue and the West Shore Expressway Service Road.
And Boscome Avenue at the Entrance of the Korean War Veterans Parkway.
Smart lights cost up to $150,000 per intersection. Tonight I commit to funding these three locations.
However, there are many more needed. So if our three council members want a piece of the action, Im accepting offers…
These accomplishments would not be possible without the support of our DOT Commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan
We have worked together to ban left turns on Hylan Boulevard where no stacking lanes exist. Recently, we installed new fencing along the median of Hylan Boulevard by New Dorp Lane. It forces pedestrians to cross only at the crosswalk, vastly improving safety conditions at this intersection.
As a result of these and many other initiatives, Staten Island has seen some of the best traffic safety statistics in its history.
Thank you, Commissioner, for making our roads safer for pedestrians and motorists.
Many of you have probably been stuck in traffic at Travis and Richmond Avenues.
It doesnt help that the street should be 54 feet wide, but is currently only 20 – 25 feet wide.
There is only one lane in each direction, and as you can see from this photo, this roadway also serves as a bus route.
So during peak times, there is heavy congestion, and nothing moves.
This road is inefficient and unsafe.
The Department of City Planning has proposed a widening of Travis Avenue as part of its West Shore Study.
Tonight I am pleased to announce that I will be working with DOT to begin the first phase of the City Planning proposal.
Our plan is to widen Travis Avenue from Richmond Avenue to Park Drive North.
This will not only enhance the New Springville Greenway, but improve the safety of pedestrians and bike riders.
There will be new curbs and sidewalks for pedestrians, and badly-needed on-street parking for residents of this neighborhood.
To get this project started, I will be providing funds in the upcoming fiscal year.
We have already completed a capital project at Travis and Victory. The wider intersection with new turning lanes is a huge success.
Making similar improvements at Travis and Richmond Avenue will be an all-around win for motorists, pedestrians, bike riders and neighborhoods residents. So lets get it done!
I would also like to update you on another road improvement that is 30 years overdue.
We have service roads off the West Shore Expressway which just end. They dont connect with the rest of the services.
Take a look at this photo. On the westbound side, in front of Pathmark, you hit a complete dead end.
But thats about to change.
When Lowes announced plans to build a store adjacent to Pathmark, they asked for my support for a waiver. At my request, DOT said no. I insisted that the developers build the portion of the service road that would front the store.
The developers said, in that case, they wouldnt build the store.
I said fine.
Months later, they came back and said that they would build the road.
That portion is now complete.
So all that remains to connect the service road, once and for all…is roughly 1,200 feet.
Why is this important?
Right now, when traffic is backed up on the Outerbridge, which we know is all too common in the summer, Staten Islanders only have two options.
They can take Arthur Kill Road all the way up and around to Charleston.
Or, they can use Bloomingdale Road and Sharrotts Road, driving through residential neighborhoods.
If we complete this service road, it means residents driving to the new retail stores in Charleston can get there directly without competing with Jersey bound traffic.
It means if theres an accident, or roadwork, or an emergency on the West Shore Expressway, the service roads can handle the traffic without affecting nearby residential neighborhoods.
All that stands between us and this good news…is 1,200 feet!
For years, we pleaded for help. But State agencies were unresponsive to the idea.
But theres a new sheriff in town.
Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The Governor understands our traffic problem. He understands that jobs and new stores depend on a functioning road system.
I am pleased to announce that State agencies are now working closely with my office on this issue. I am very confident we will see progress made going forward.
I would also like to very much thank the Governors executive deputy secretary, Joe Percoco, for his leadership on this matter.
Together, we will mark the end of Staten Islands most notorious dead end.
Over the course of 10 years, my office has given millions of dollars to our uniformed services. We have been able to fund new vehicles, equipment and facilities for our Police, Fire and Sanitation Departments.
I am proud of my close working relationships with our Commissioners: Ray Kelly, Sal Cassano and John Doherty.
I also work closely with our local officials: Kevin Ward, Michael Marrone and Ralph Reed.
Thank you….. thank you, for keeping our borough safe and clean.
Some of us remember when talking on the telephone meant using two cups and a string.
Now, you have iPhones, iPads, Hi-Fi, Wi-Fi, BlackBerries, blueberries…
We live in a high tech world.
I am happy to announce tonight that because of the efforts of DOITT Commissioner Carole Post, Wi-Fi internet service, provided by ATamp;T, will soon be coming to Staten Island parks. The first location will be the South Beach Boardwalk.
Time Warner Cable has provided new computers and internet access for the Gerry Carter Center. And more good news in on the way…..they have made a commitment to open two more of these Community Tech Centers: one for the Mid Island, and one for the South Shore.
I would like to thank Commissioner Carole Post of DOITT and Cathleen Sims of Time Warner Cable for their contribution to our community.
We have many new stores opening on Staten Island, so shoppers can make their purchases here locally. A new Target is under construction, and a new Kohls is waiting for permits.
I am very pleased to tell you about the newest venture from Staten Islands native son Kevin Mannix.
Kevin is in the process of opening a Shop Rite Superstore in Charleston.
The new Superstore will employ 350 full-time positions. In fact, its so large that you can actually have lunch inside.
Let me tell you something else about Kevin… He is someone who gives back to the community.
Kevin participates in our Thanksgiving give-away. Just last year, he gave us over 900 turkeys and 10,000 cans of vegetables.
I would like to publicly thank Kevin Mannix, for his charitable efforts and investment in Staten Island. Please stand and be recognized.
Staten Island is fortunate to have a great working relationship with City Planning Director Amanda Burden.
She understands that Staten Island does not have the mass transit, the sewers or the infrastructure to support out of control housing development.
Thanks to her cooperation, we enacted the largest downzoning in over 40 years, and text amendments that have prevented tens of thousands of houses from being built in our Borough.
Growth Management is a continuous process.
I am also pleased to report tonight that working with Director Burden, we completed a commercial rezoning for portions of Richmond Avenue and Hylan Boulevard and new regulations on out of character medical and day-care centers.
Thank you Amanda for helping to solve our problems.
Also with the help of City Planning, we are creating what may one day be our own little silicon valley.
Celerant Technology, a retail software company, has received approvals to expand its facility on Arthur Kill Road.
They have offices in Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio, Florida, and Washington, but their headquarters is right here on Staten Island.
This is an operation that started with just 5 employees, but now has a local staff of 85.
Its a regular micro-chip off the ol block.
Staten Island has over 9,000 acres of City, State, and Federal parkland.
Add new Bluebelt properties, Brookfield, and Fresh Kills Park, and our total acreage of open space jumps to 12,000 acres.
Thats one-third of our Borough!
I would again like to thank Mayor Bloomberg for his leadership on Parks, and especially for keeping the landfill closed and shepherding the transformation of Fresh Kills into a park.
Since 2002, I have allotted close to $40 million to Staten Island Parks.
In the past year alone, we completed…
Independence Park in Travis.
The John DAmato athletic fields in New Dorp Beach.
And four new Tot Lots
A fifth new playground at Blue Heron Park is in design, and should be completed in the near future.
And when you combine my budget, with the Mayors and City Council – there are over $100 million in parks projects for Staten Island that are ongoing. That is unprecedented.
Again, not bad for the forgotten Borough!
The protection of Staten Islands remaining open space is a continuous effort.
Without doubt, Pouch Camp is a natural treasure on Staten Island.
We must save it. We want the Boy Scouts to remain here. We want the forest preserved.
Tonight, I am committing a half a million dollars from my budget for Pouch Camp.
I am also happy to report that Councilman Oddo, and Councilman Ignizio are each providing a quarter of a million dollars.
Together, we are investing a million dollars to protect a portion of this land for future generations.
The Bluebelt is one of the best examples of smart planning I have ever seen.
The engineers and staff at DEP have done an excellent job re-creating nature so that water can flow naturally.
This helps prevent flooding, like we saw recently with Hurricane Irene.
Which do you prefer – sewer pipes, or a natural bluebelt…I am sure that we all prefer the Bluebelt.
Since 2002, Councilman Oddo and I have been working with DEP to create a Mid-Island Bluebelt. Heres an update:
A draft EIS has been issued, and the Final EIS will be completed this spring.
With funding from Councilman Oddo and my Office, we have acquired Whitney Woods, as well as two properties in Richmondtown and another 5 acres in South Beach.
The cost of installing storm sewers would be over $1 billion. The Mid-Island Bluebelt will cost half as much, and be much more beautiful.
Tonight, I would like to announce that Councilman Oddo and I are working with DEP Commissioner Carter Strickland to fast-track the New Creek Bluebelt.
As you can see, it stretches from Todt Hill Road to Father Capodanno Boulevard.
There are serious drainage problems throughout this area.
We can channel this water into ponds and streams using the proven Bluebelt method.
A total of 19 retention ponds will be created to hold and control storm water.
Once in place, we will be able to channel storm water from our streets and neighborhoods, into beautiful, natural, Bluebelt ponds.
You know Im a fan of common sense. On an Island with a lot of hills and wetlands, expanding the Bluebelt to control flooding is just plain common sense.
Now from one engineering marvel to another…. Fresh Kills, once the worlds largest garbage dump, is undergoing an amazing transformation into a 21st century park.
An important part of that transformation will be the addition of windmills and roads. Heres a video about the windmills and roads that my office created in cooperation with the Departments of Sanitation and Parks.
And I also want to give a special thank you to Deputy Mayor Cas Holloway and Fresh Kills Park Administrator Eloise Hirsh.
(Cut to video of Fresh Kills).
That video is just one segment of a feature-length documentary, which my office has been working on. It will illustrate the past, present and future of Fresh Kills. Its quite a story!
The documentary is in its final stages of editing and will have its premiere by early summer at the St. George Theatre. Admission will be free to the public.
Obviously we all agree on the necessity of the roads…
Staten Island is served by two excellent hospitals: Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital.
Its vital that we keep these institutions healthy and strong. That way, they can do the same for us.
Over the past ten years, I have allotted millions of dollars for our hospitals.
These funds have been used to purchase new life-saving equipment and ambulances.
Most recently I cut the ribbon on RUMCs newest specialized medical unit. This facility will screen an estimated 10,000 Staten Islanders each year and help save many lives.
At University Hospital, the new emergency room sees up to 80,000 patients each year. And the McGinn Education Center is a great asset to both health care professionals and the community.
I want to take a moment to congratulate both hospitals for their excellent cooperation during Hurricane Irene. They showed grace under pressure, protecting and helping Borough residents. Thank you.
As someone who has been a patient at both hospitals, I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staffs for their dedication to the people of Staten Island.
I would especially like to recognize their presidents, Anthony Ferreri and Richard Murphy.
I am happy to announce that our long awaited animal shelter will begin construction in April. This will include the Tommy Monahan surgical unit. You may remember that Tommy was the young boy who tragically lost his life trying to save his pets from a fire. This new shelter and surgical unit, which has won an award from the Design Commission, is a beautiful monument to Tommys memory. Completion is expected in March of 2014.
I would like to turn now to some young people making a difference in their community.
When we opened Bloomingdale Park in 2004, I was approached by the mother of a young girl named Megan Ajello. Megan, who was 10 at the time, uses a wheelchair and could not play on the playground equipment we had just built.
I was really moved by her story, so I provided additional funds for play equipment that is ADA accessible.
Since then, every playground my office has funded has ADA accessible play equipment.
Now all the children have an opportunity to enjoy their parks and be part of the fun.
I would like to invite Megan and her parents, Dan and Linda, to join me on stage.
Three years ago, I was at an Arlington Civic Meeting when a young man stood up. His name is Jarred Moller and he said Me and my friends skate. We dont play basketball and we dont play baseball. Can you build us a skate park?
On the spot I said: I will allot one million dollars to build your skate park. But, I know how government works. Youll probably be married before its completed.
But I was wrong! Last summer Jarred and his friends were invited to work with design consultants at Faber Park. They were able to share their vision for the skate park.
The kids had great ideas and the result is a beautiful design. It will blend in with the surrounding natural features – the ramps and equipment are part of the landscape of the park.
Im happy to say that the skate park will begin construction this year. And I checked with Jarred this morning – He hasnt gotten married! In fact, the skate park is rolling along quickly and is one of the Citys fastest moving projects.
I would like to thank the Parks Department and City Parks Foundation for their commitment to this project.
And it all happened because one young man stood up and got involved.
Jarred, will you please join me on stage?
Schools have been a priority of my administration since day one. Because, as I often say, children are 25% of our population, but they are 100% of our future.
My administration has provided nearly $17 million in funds for our schools. We have also helped open seven new schools, bringing 2,700 more classroom seats to the Borough.
In fact, over the last ten years, my office has either helped open or provided funding for every public school on Staten Island. Thats every public elementary, intermediate, and high school.
And that is something I am very proud of.
And now, thanks to the efforts of Councilman Oddo, a new elementary school is being constructed at the old Doctors Hospital. This school will provide relief to the overcrowding in PS 48 by adding 416 school seats. It is set to open in 2013.
On the North Shore, working with Councilwoman Rose, an elementary school will be opening at the former St. Peters School. It will provide 372 school seats. Construction will begin in March and the new PS 59 is expected to open in 2013.
In Woodrow, I am working with Councilman Ignizio to create the Boroughs first Green School. This new elementary school will produce more energy than it uses. Students will be able to track their energy production and usage with interactive monitors. When its completed, PS 62 will serve 444 students and be the first Net-Zero Energy school in the state of New York.
So, in the next few years, we will be cutting the ribbon on new schools in every council district and adding over 1,200 more school seats to Staten Island.
I would like to thank Lorraine Grillo, Brian McGinn and everyone at the School Construction Authority, for their superb efforts on these projects.
I also want to say that working with schools chancellor Dennis Walcott is a privilege. He is an outstanding chancellor who cares about our schools and, more importantly, our children.
Let me state at this time that I strongly support Mayor Bloombergs reform efforts on education. Remember the social promotion issue? The mayor and I had faced intense opposition to doing away with it, but it has proven to be the right thing for our kids.
The same people that fought the end of this irresponsible policy are now opposing reform once again.
The architects of yesterdays failures think they have the solution for todays problems.
We should never be afraid of change that helps our students. Its just common sense!
One of the ways my office has been able to help is by bringing modern technology and learning tools to the classroom. Through my budget I have provided millions for computers, Smart Boards, and mobile science labs.
And now were funding Smart Tables. They are ideal for elementary school students. These desks of the future have an interactive touch screen. Children can work together to do math problems, explore a map, or paint a picture.
Bringing new technology to our classrooms ensures that our students have innovative and exciting ways to learn. And that is good news for Staten Islands future leaders – our children.
As you know, we have been improving athletic facilities in schools. After receiving much needed upgrades, we cut the ribbon at the Curtis High School pool in November. And a new athletic field at Susan Wagner High School is under construction. That will make six High Schools that have received new athletic fields since 2002.
Also, I feel very strongly that there should be an accommodation for the arts in our schools. Maybe its because theater played a part in my education. When I was in grade school, many years ago, I played Christopher Columbus in the school play. There was some unrest with my crew – they thought we might go over the edge of the world. They were about to declare mutiny and I was really concerned, but then I had my big line. I looked out over the water and said Seagulls! Seagulls! They nest on the rocks! Land ho! Land ho!
The auditorium is the Heart and Soul of many schools. That is why I have provided almost $3 million to modernize and upgrade school auditoriums. And thats proven to be a high note with the kids.
I often tell children that reading is a lifelong skill. When they ask why its important to learn to read, I tell them So when you grow up you can read to learn.
To help encourage reading, I have provided $6.3 million for school and public libraries throughout Staten Island.
The upgrade and expansion of the Stapleton Library is underway. When completed, it will be almost triple its original size. And after 20 years, a state of the art library in Mariners Harbor is now under construction. Both are on target to be completed this year.
Working with Councilman Ignizio, I have also committed funds for a new library in Huguenot.
We cut the ribbon on the Curtis High School Library last November. Now, working with Councilman Ignizio, the library at Tottenville High School is being renovated and getting upgrades. It should be completed by September of this year.
But what good are new libraries if you dont have books?
Over the last three years, my office has partnered with Barnes amp; Noble to bring more books to our schools.
Each November and December, shoppers at Barnes amp; Noble are asked if they would like to buy an additional book, which would be donated to school libraries.
Since this program began, over 10,000 books have been purchased and donated. 4,000 books were donated this year alone.
This years books are being delivered to the schools as we speak, and the students are very excited.
This is a great example of government, business, and residents working together. Thank you Barnes amp; Noble for making this a success. And Staten Island shoppers, thank you for your generosity.
I would like to take a moment to congratulate Staten Island Tech on their recent ranking in US News amp; World Report – they are the top math and science high school in the City and 13th in the country! Outstanding job! Thank you Principal Maniscalco for your leadership.
But despite all weve done in our schools, one problem continues to be a deep concern: Bullying.
Borough Hall has been grappling with this issue for some time.
This past November, I attended a workshop at PS 65 given by Making Books Sing.
Working with third graders, two actresses demonstrated what happens when one child bullies another.
Lets take a look…
[VIDEO]
Sadly, bullying does happen and it needs to be addressed.
There are many groups out there with anti-bullying programs. They need our support. Lets get them into our schools and get this message out.
I want to turn now to an issue that has me deeply concerned: Autism.
For too long government has had its head in the sand about autism funding and awareness. Theyve been kicking the can down the road, saying the next administration can deal with it.
In 2010 I formed an Autism round table to raise awareness and fight for more services on Staten Island. This was the first time in the Boroughs history that leading autism organizations and the Department of Education and government had been brought together in a working group. I am proud of what we have accomplished.
I am pleased to announce that work has started on a $1.5 million project at On Your Mark. It will create a Community Center for teenagers and young adults. When completed, their facility on Victory Boulevard will offer innovative programs in fitness, computers, vocational training and more.
I have also furnished $2.3 million to Eden II to help create Staten Islands first autism center. Construction is set to begin next month and they hope to cut the ribbon on the new school by September.
Working with Councilmen Oddo and Ignizio, we have allotted $3 million to the Grace Foundation. They are in the process of renovating a building at Seaview into a multi-use educational space. Demolition has been completed and construction will begin soon.
These three new projects will enhance the lives of Staten Islanders with autism.
There may not be a legal obligation to help these children, but there is certainly a moral one. I am proud to be able to help them.
Earlier this year, I was Principal for the Day at Eden II. When I arrived I was greeted by a talkative and enthusiastic boy named Billy. From the moment I walked in, this 13 year old wanted to tell me all about his school, his teachers, and his friends.
Later I learned that when Billy started at Eden II, he was a very different boy.
But dont take my word for it – Heres Billy himself. Why dont you explain?
Thank you Billy.
Billys success would never have happened without early intervention.
Early intervention programs give children with autism and their families hope and the chance for a happier and more independent life.
And it saves the State of New York money. By spending more on early intervention, a child with autism will need far less government support as an adult.
Lets work together to support our State officials as they balance the fiscal challenges with providing resources for autism.
This is one investment we cant afford not to make.
Looking ahead, I have a plan of action for my last two years in office. I want to see:
- The new autism facilities completed.
- The passage of State Senator McDonalds Autism Bill of Rights.
- The continued updating of my Autism Services Guide so parents can easily obtain hope and information.
- The continuation of my autism round table and public forums to raise awareness.
- Creating a job placement program for adults with special needs, by partnering with local businesses.
- And working with the governors office to preserve and improve programs for children and adults with special needs.
Lets never forget: The function of government is to help people do what they cannot do for themselves. And I will continue to fight for more support for Staten Islanders with special needs.
I want to close with a message of concern and hope.
Throughout tonights presentation, we have heard from several young people. But I am very worried about their future, and the future of the City, State, and Country.
We are all working to give our children the tools they need to succeed. But there needs to be a future for them.
We need to support the reforms proposed by Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg, just like we supported the reforms in government back in the 1970s.
Change must happen, for our childrens sake.
Because, anything is possible if we work hard, and work together.
I would like to introduce you to some friends who also have high hopes: The On Your Mark Chorus.
Thank you and goodnight.
Working Relationships