Updated: May. 20, 2021, 10:14 a.m. | Published: May. 20, 2021, 10:14 a.m
By Giavanni Alves | GAlves@siadvance.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. –– After years of advocacy, City Council members Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore) and Minority Leader Steven Matteo (R-Mid Island) announced that additional Staten Island Park staffing will be included in New York City’s Executive Budget for Fiscal 2022.
The budget proposal in the Executive Budget for Fiscal 2021 includes $161,000 and 10 Parks Department jobs on Staten Island. The budget proposal in following years will be as high as $2.3 million in Fiscal 2022 and $1.8 million in Fiscal 2023 along with 20 full-time roles. The funds will also be allocated toward maintenance of recently opened Fairview Park and soon-to-be-open Freshkills Park, according to Council member Borelli’s office.
“This is great news for Staten Island and our borough’s parks,” said Borelli.
“Minority Leader Matteo and I have continued to advocate for this crucial funding ensuring that our community parks have the necessary staff and resources needed to maintain them for years to come. I’m glad to finally see it in the city’s budget,” he continued.
Matteo also shared his contentment with the recent announcement.
“For years, Councilman Borelli and I have been fighting for more resources and personnel to care for our borough’s many parks. I am pleased our persistence has paid off and we will finally be getting this much needed staffing boost in the upcoming budget,” said Matteo.