Project Overview

OBJECTIVE
Staten Island has a unique potential for development with its strategically located waterfront, the largest supply of vacant land in NYC, and its position within one of the largest markets for goods and services in the world.  However, while Staten Island is well positioned for development, the borough is also faced with challenges that must be addressed if it is to reach its full potential.  The lack of infrastructure is a primary roadblock that must be addressed as well as zoning issues in particular sections of the Island. 

This study is crucial for the future of Staten Island.  There is no reason why Staten Island should not rival the development taking place in other outer boroughs in NYC.  The ultimate objective of this R/UDAT process is to provide a comprehensive plan that accentuates the fact that this borough is an “island”; and underscores the importance of proper utilization of our waterfront.

PROJECT SUMMARY
With funding secured predominantly by Councilman James Oddo along with assistance from Borough President James Molinaro and the Staten Island Foundation, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (A.I.A.) to help bring A.I.A.’s national Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT) to Staten Island.

The process began last summer when the parties mentioned above assisted the Chamber in submitting an application requesting that a R/UDAT team come to Staten Island to provide a comprehensive appraisal (industry needs/opportunities, transportation needs, recreational opportunities, etc.) of the waterfront.  The group was unified in its belief that Staten Island has an underutilized waterfront and subsequently has failed to capitalize on the fact that it is an island!

A.I.A. has been performing R/UDAT’s for over 40 years now and Staten Island will be the 141st R/UDAT in the history of the program.  Communities from all over the country apply and typically two or three applications are met favorably on an annual basis.  It is a very competitive process due to the fact that R/UDAT teams are professionals that provide you with a non-biased expert opinion and work on a volunteer basis.  The entire team signs a waiver pledging that they will not accept any work in the “study area” for a minimum of two years.  Thisis truly an independent study of the waterfront.  The application was approved in the fall of 2007.

The funding referenced above covers all logistical costs (transportation, lodging, meeting facilities, meals, materials, marketing, etc.) incurred by the team.  Project leaders (Peter Hind and Grace Perdomo) visited Staten Island in early March to technically “kick-off” the project.  They spent approximately 72 hours touring Staten Island and meeting with key stakeholders.  Hind and Perdomo took away volumes of preliminary information that they have been deciphering since their departure.  This information is guiding their decisions as they arrange the full team (6-10 architects/planners) that will be coming back in September to perform the comprehensive review.

This group will be arriving on Sunday, September 21st to commence the task of providing Staten Island a comprehensive plan for our waterfront communities.  They will remain here until Thursday, September 25th, and there will be a series of meetings designed to engage the maximum amount of public participation possible.