Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
B.P. Molinaro announces capital funding for acquisition of property at Goodhue Center
Allocates $3 Million Toward Purchase of New Brighton Site for Park
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro today announced the allocation of $3 million from his FY’07 capital budget to the Parks Department toward the purchase of several acres of the 42-acre Goodhue Center site for public parkland.
At the announcement at the New Brighton facility, Molinaro presented a check to Borough Parks Commissioner Thomas Paulo and C. Warren Moses, Chief Executive Officer of The Children’s Aid Society, the nonprofit group that runs Goodhue.
Molinaro’s funding will supplement the $6 million already secured by City Councilman Michael McMahon to acquire 35 acres of the century-old recreational facility for public parkland and save it from developers. The total cost of the property is expected to be upwards of $18 million. Molinaro added the site to the State Open Space Acquisition List to underscore the importance of this property for preservation.
The sale would allow Goodhue to build new facilities on the remaining seven acres and continue to operate its summer camp, afterschool programs and counseling services.
“I am continuing my effort to protect Staten Island’s natural areas by purchasing them for public parkland,” said Molinaro. “Over the years, I have allocated millions of dollars from my capital budget to preserve Staten Island’s small-town character. More than 25 percent of the Borough’s land mass is parkland, and we’re increasing that number each year. The Goodhue property could one day provide the final link in the ‘North Shore Greenbelt,’ that begins with Skyline Park and ends at Snug Harbor. That’s a fine legacy to leave our children and grandchildren.”
Mr. Moses said, “Borough President Molinaro, by his actions today, helps to assure the children and families of Staten Island and New York City that The Children’s Aid Society will continue to serve them for generations to come. Mr. Molinaro’s commitment also significantly supports the City’s and Children’s Aid’s desire to create dozens of acres of parkland for the community’s enjoyment.”
Commissioner Paulo said, "Goodhue is one of the last great park acquisitions on the North Shore. Its acquisition fills an important link in the open space network which includes Allison Pond Park, Snug Harbor and Silver Lake."
The City has begun the ULURP (uniform land use review procedure) application, starting the process of acquiring the property, which could take several years.
The Children’s Aid Society Goodhue Center has been providing services to the Staten Island community since 1912. The Center’s beautiful facility, made up of woodlands, ballfields, outdoor pool, pond, gymnasium, and computer Learning Center, provides a perfect setting for the many recreational, educational and mental health services offered, which include afterschool, summer day camp, teen, tutoring, nature, sports and school vacation programs.
September 7, 2006