STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The following are key takeaways from this week’s Community Board 2 meeting, which took place Tuesday at the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield.
These points represent some of the updates and discussions from both the public session and committee reports.
Officials oppose mayor’s proposed property tax hike
Representatives for both Assemblymember Michael Tannousis and Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo voiced strong opposition to the mayor’s suggestion that property taxes might be raised to address the city’s budget deficit. The representatives argued that such a proposal is a “no-go” and that Staten Island homeowners are already overburdened.
Instead of a tax hike, the officials said they are calling for systemic equity, pointing out that the current system allows owners of high-value properties in other boroughs to pay less in taxes than some Staten Island homeowners.
Resident makes urgent plea for help with unresolved sewer gas hazard
Resident Deborah Phelps Seda delivered an emotional statement detailing a severe sewer gas odor that has plagued her family and neighbors since Dec. 1. She said the odor is causing headaches, nausea, and burning eyes, forcing her family to evacuate their home five times. Despite numerous visits and attempts by the Department of Environmental Protection to flush and treat the sewer lines, the source of the problem remains unknown after more than two months, she explained.
Seda asked the board for a timeline for a solution, information on resources for displaced families, and clarity on the health risks of long-term exposure.
Input on Dongan Playground requested
Jennifer Miller of the city Parks Department called for community input for the Dongan Playground. The city will be reconstructing the multi-purpose play area, which includes the basketball courts, the asphalt area, as well as the handball courts. She urged residents to fill out the survey on the Parks Department website, which will be open until Feb. 26.
The playground, which shares a city block with PS 52, is located on Mason Avenue, between Buel Avenue and Dongan Hills Avenue, in Dongan Hills.
Legislation to address high electricity costs advances
Pirozzolo’s office reported that a bill aimed at tackling the high cost and unreliability of electricity has successfully passed the State Assembly. The legislation, which was co-sponsored by Pirozzolo, would create a commission to study the modernization of the state’s electric grid. The goal of the commission is to identify and address the present and future challenges that contribute to making the grid unaffordable and undependable for residents. The bill has now moved to the state Senate for consideration, and the community will be updated as it progresses.
Some of the additional topics discussed include:
A Cash-for-Guns Buyback is planned for Feb. 28 at Calvary Chapel, Mariners Harbor.
Various city Parks Department events are on tap, including: a winter tree ID hike on Feb 28; a land navigation/outdoor skills program on March 1; an accessible nature hike on March 14, and a mud-painting event in March 21.
The NYC comptroller’s office discussed the release of an audit on city contracts.
The board’s Traffic & Transportation Committee reported on the Seaview Avenue redesign and the Arthur Kill Road widening.
To view the full meeting, see the video below.