Albany, NY – During this week’s Joint Budget Hearing in Albany, Assemblyman Charles D. Fall spoke directly with Mayor Eric Adams to address key community priorities for the North Shore of Staten Island, recognizing recent improvements while advocating for further action on critical issues.

Assemblyman Fall began by thanking Mayor Adams for delivering on several key requests made in previous discussions:

• Increased NYPD Presence: The Mayor responded to Assemblyman Fall’s call for more police officers on the North Shore, a move that has strengthened public safety and received positive feedback from the community.
• Improvements at the Gerard Carter Center: Following concerns raised last year by Assemblyman Fall, the provider for the Gerard Carter Center was changed, resulting in improved services and positive community feedback.
• Removal of the Martling Avenue Fence: The fence along Martling Avenue in West Brighton/Westerleigh, which had been a community concern, was successfully removed, addressing a long-standing issue.

While acknowledging these successes, Assemblyman Fall expressed deep frustration with the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s (NYCEDC) lack of attention to major development projects on Staten Island, particularly the Empire Outlets and the Staten Island Wheel site.

“While NYCEDC has been responsive on issues related to the other counties of my district which include New York and Kings counties – whether it’s addressing helicopter noise complaints, resiliency efforts, or projects like the Brooklyn Marine Terminal – when it comes to Staten Island, they’ve been silent,” said Assemblyman Fall. “The Empire Outlets and Wheel site have been plagued by over 10 years of mismanagement and unmet expectations. Staten Islanders deserve better, and they deserve progress now.”

Assemblyman Fall called on Mayor Adams to explore significant solutions, asking whether the time has come to shift control of Staten Island’s major development sites from NYCEDC to the New York State Economic Development Corporation.

“If NYCEDC cannot deliver on its responsibilities for Staten Island, we need serious discussions about alternatives. Staten Island can no longer be left waiting for economic development while other boroughs move forward.”

To close, Assemblyman Fall asked for updates on the planned fast ferry service between Staten Island and Brooklyn. “Staten Island has seen the largest surge in fast ferry ridership across the city, and expanding this service to include a Brooklyn connection is long overdue. Reliable ferry service between the two boroughs is essential for economic growth, reducing commuting burdens, and creating new opportunities for our residents. We need this project to move forward now,” Fall emphasized.

Assemblyman Fall will continue to prioritize Staten Island’s economic growth and hold city agencies accountable to ensure progress on critical projects.