Updated: Dec. 21, 2023, 5:13 p.m.|Published: Dec. 21, 2023, 3:23 p.m.
Erik Bascome | tbascome@siadvance.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Late-night riders of the Staten Island Railway (SIR) can now feel safer entering and exiting the Great Kills train station.
On Tuesday, Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore) announced that new lighting fixtures have been installed in a dark alley at the rear entrance of the station.
The councilman’s office received a call earlier this year from a concerned constituent who felt unsafe walking through the area at night given the lack of lighting.
Borelli then reached out to the MTA and Department of Transportation (DOT), who worked together to install a new pole with multiple lighting fixtures to illuminate the area.
“The new lighting will provide a more visible and safer corridor for train riders and deter anyone who might think it’s a good idea to hang out there. I want to thank both agencies for coming together to make this much needed improvement a reality, especially in time for the winter months when so many commuters are walking to and from the train in the dark,” Borelli said.
Both agencies thanked the councilman for alerting them to the issue, allowing them to quickly resolve a potential public safety concern.
“Well-lit public streets and walkways keep our city moving and are vital for all the pedestrians navigating around this busy train station,” said DOT Borough Commissioner Roseann Caruana. “These new lighting fixtures will brighten the commutes of many Great Kills residents. We thank Council Member Borelli and the MTA Staten Island Railway for their partnership.”
“Customer satisfaction and safety are critical,” said Senior Vice President of NYC Transit Department of Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “Council Member Borelli was instrumental in relaying a need to increase lighting at the Great Kills station and we are grateful to him, and also to our partners at NYC DOT for ensuring new lights were promptly installed.”