Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro

Staten Island, New York

B.P. Molinaro and Borough Parks Commissioner Paulo Announce Next Phase of Renaissance at South Beach

$1.1 Million Boardwalk Improvements Include New Railings, Benches, Litter Baskets

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro and Borough Parks Commissioner Thomas Paulo today announced that work has begun on the latest improvements to the South Beach Boardwalk.

      Molinaro provided $1.1 million for capital improvements to the 1.7-mile-long Boardwalk, including 112 new benches, new railings, and 30 new decorative litter baskets that will be placed at every six benches. The work started in April and is expected to be completed in December.

       “With this latest phase of exciting improvements, we are continuing our efforts to revitalize the South Beach Boardwalk,” said Molinaro. “In recent years, we’ve witnessed the complete transformation of our beachfront with a new shaded pavilion, gazebo, Sea Turtle Circle, the opening of the Fishing Pier at Ocean Breeze, and The Vanderbilt catering hall and South Fin Grill on the Boardwalk.”

      Commissioner Paulo said, "Thanks to the ongoing commitment of Borough President Molinaro and Mayor Bloomberg, Staten Island's beachfront continues to get even better. It is extremely satisfying to see people enjoying the improvements to the South Beach Boardwalk and the amenities we have been able to provide."

      The renaissance of Staten Island’s beaches and waterfront area began in 1995 when then-Deputy Borough President Molinaro and the Department of Parks & Recreation began a full-scale revitalization of South Beach and the Boardwalk, working with the Staten Island Advance and community residents to revive and improve the area. Since that time, the Borough President’s Office has directed more than $12 million in capital funds to South Beach revitalization.

June 5, 2006