STAPLETON — A plan to turn an industrialized stretch of Staten Island into a residential community should come with new schools, a waterfront park and a skateboarding area, neighbors said.
The Van Duzer Street Civic Association, along with business owners and other groups, unveiled a list of priorities they have for the city's planned rezoning of the Bay Street Corridor.
"Some of the top priorities for my members are increased ease of public transportation for Stapleton commuters, enhanced safety for pedestrians along Bay Street and the creation of new public schools for the anticipated influx of new families," said Priscilla Marco, president of the civic group.
"These items must be addressed in conjunction with the rezoning of the Bay Street Corridor."
Among changes the city's being asked for are pedestrian improvements to Bay Street, expanding greenscape features on the block, increasing bus service, improving the Stapleton and Tompkinsville SIRR stops, adding a waterfront bike path, rebuilding the destroyed Cromwell Recreational Facility and providing a new skatepark.
"I think the development is good but I think we’re putting a horse before the carriage," said Ed Pollio, owner of 5050 Skatepark, who joined the group to push for the changes.
"There's no recreation center, there’s no trash cans anywhere. You expect this influx of people and there’s no resources for it."
The half-mile stretch of Bay Street, which runs from Stapleton to St. George, will be rezoned as part of a push by Mayor Bill de Blasio to create more affordable housing options in the city.
The area has traditionally been zoned for commercial and manufacturing uses and the city hopes to convince current owners to sell their spots, according to the Staten Island Advance.
