Staten Island Skyway

SKYWAY PROJECT

The SIEDC reached a milestone for its Staten Island Skyway project recently by completing a feasibility study in collaboration with the Empire State Development Corporation and other partners. The results of the study show that more green space and economic opportunity are imperative to lead the reinvigoration of industrial and densely populated Port Richmond.

Key Goals of the Study:

  • Provide a preliminary assessment of the feasibility of constructing the Staten Island Skyway.

  • Provide an examination of the Right Of Way (ROW) and its connectivity to the community physically and socially.

  • Provide an analysis of development opportunities and constraints.

Next Steps:

The next steps for the project will include public art and streetscape beautification of the at-grade portion of the Skyway at its intersection with Port Richmond Avenue. The demonstration project would include the repair and painting of the existing pillars and sidewalk on both side of Port Richmond Avenue with public art murals that reflect the history and identity of the local community. Landscaping beautification would also occur in a small area of the at-grade public ROW located on the western side of Port Richmond.

BACKGROUND ON THE PROJECT:

Port Richmond residents experience a severe lack of parkland and three times the amount of traffic in close proximity compared to the rest of the borough. In fact, at one acre of park per 1,000 people, the neighborhood's park acreage falls short of the goals set by New York City Planning, which is 2.5 acres per 1,000 people. The Staten Island Skyway would solve these problems by creating a safe area for outdoor recreation and fresh air.

Although we live in the borough of parks, options for outdoor space in this heavily populated section of our borough are very limited. The Staten Island Skyway would change that, improving the quality of life for residents of the North Shore and providing an exciting opportunity for all to enjoy the great outdoors. Now more than ever, it’s important to have access to outdoor parks and recreation for community prosperity and good physical and mental health.

The Staten Island Skyway project will create a park on a half-mile elevated portion of the abandoned North Shore Rail Right-of-Way along Richmond Terrace, between Heberton Avenue and Nicholas Avenue. The park will be modeled after Manhattan’s High Line, providing the community with additional green space, transit connectivity and business opportunities.

PROPOSED AMENITIES INCLUDE:

  • A farmer’s market and community gardens to enhance fresh and local food opportunities for residents

  • Space to allow for educational and entertainment programs

  • A paved wood path for active recreation including jogging and biking

  • Designated areas adjacent to the wooden path where users can workout

  • Scenic views, vertical hanging gardens, historic markers and public art installations