STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After years of complaints about warped planks, exposed nails and tripping hazards along Staten Island’s Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, more city help may be on the way.
Borough President Vito Fossella announced on Friday that he has secured an agreement from New York City Mayor Eric Adams to establish a dedicated fund for the repair and maintenance of the South Beach landmark.
If approved by the City Council as part of the upcoming November Budget Modification, the plan would allocate $1 million in the first year and $650,000 annually thereafter to keep the boardwalk in safer, cleaner condition, according to an announcement from the borough president’s office.
Damaged boards are seen throughout the FDR Boardwalk in South Beach creating potentially hazardous conditions to patrons. Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)
The boardwalk — which runs 2.5 miles along Father Capodanno Boulevard between Fort Wadsworth and Miller Field — is a treasured waterfront destination for walkers, bikers, and families. But many residents say its condition has deteriorated to the point of danger.
Staten Island residents previously shared their opinions about the conditions of the boardwalk with the Advance/SILive.com.
“The boards are getting worse,” said Sal D., of Ocean Breeze, who has walked the boardwalk for two decades. “My wife tripped and fell here last year. Her sunglasses broke and cut her eye.”
Eddie D’Anna, of Dongan Hills, a regular jogger, said he recently took “one dramatic spill” after tripping on an elevated plank near the Freedom Circle. “I’m always mindful to keep my eyes down, but I still tripped,” he said.
Residents like Phyllis S., of Grasmere, echoed similar worries: “It’s horrible. I have to walk with my head down because of all the nails and the lifted boards. Someone fell last week.”
The FDR Boardwalk along South and Midland Beaches continues to pose safety risks with uneven planks and exposed nails, with major upgrades not expected until 2029.(For the Advance/SILive.com | Amanda Faublas)
The NYC Parks Department recently acknowledged the problems, saying its carpenters make ongoing spot repairs when issues are reported, and that the boardwalk is regularly inspected through the Parks Inspection Program.
Fossella announcement noted that years of wear and tear, combined with delays in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Seawall project, have made consistent upkeep difficult. That work isn’t expected to begin until 2029, with some sections projected to be completed around 2030.
Currently, maintenance relies on limited funds shared among Staten Island’s parks, making repairs inconsistent, the borough president said.
The new funding model mirrors the approach used for the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island, which benefits from a stable, annual maintenance fund, Fossella said.
The FDR Boardwalk along South and Midland Beaches continues to pose safety risks with uneven planks and exposed nails, with major upgrades not expected until 2029. For the Advance/SILive.com | Ama
“Our boardwalk is a jewel,” said Fossella, emphasizing its importance for recreation and community use, “with some unparalleled views of the Raritan-Bay, and with amenities for enjoying a walk, fishing, or accessing our beach, among others.”
Unfortunately, anybody who spends time in and around the boardwalk knows that parts of it have fallen into disrepair for one reason or another, said Fossella.
NYC Parks Staten Island Borough Commissioner Joseph G. Homsey added that the dedicated fund would help keep the boardwalk “in top condition for visitors to safely enjoy.”
If approved by the City Council in the coming weeks, the new fund would represent the most consistent investment in the boardwalk’s upkeep in decades, the borough president’s announcement said.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.