Staten Island’s City Planning Commission Approves Key Land Acquisition to Enhance Stormwater Management

The City Planning Commission met on April 9, 2025, to discuss a significant land acquisition at 1919 Highland Boulevard aimed at enhancing environmental management in Staten Island. The proposed acquisition, approximately 5,940 square feet in size, intends to integrate into the city’s existing blue belt stormwater management program, which addresses critical flooding risks.

This initiative focuses on improving the drainage management of the creek area, a region that has faced challenges from storm events and flooding. The property’s acquisition will facilitate more effective maintenance and management of stormwater, crucial for the preservation of local ecosystems and reduction of water pollution. The existing stormwater management system involves capturing excess water from storms and utilizing natural barriers to filter pollutants before they reach waterways (Source: https://youtu.be/4DoAUh_BVOM&t=5087).

City officials noted that earlier discussions regarding a potential donation of this land had not been successful, prompting the need for formal acquisition. By acquiring this land, the city hopes to simplify the management of the creek and strengthen the overall maintenance of the blue belt project, which has proven effective in Staten Island. Representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection emphasized that the acquisition would combat water quality issues and enhance the city’s efforts to manage stormwater through best management practices (Source: https://youtu.be/A_Jo3Dgp-Is&t=1745).

Supporters of the project highlighted the environmental benefits expected from the integration of this land into the city’s existing blue belt system. They noted that it would improve drainage management in the low-lying area, contributing to the resilience of the community against flooding. Furthermore, it is expected to provide a more cohesive oversight of the creek, ensuring that maintenance activities can be conducted without hindrances associated with private property ownership (Source: https://youtu.be/A_Jo3Dgp-Is&t=799).

The city had previously completed an environmental review last year, assessing the implications of this acquisition, which aligns with broader planning and flooding mitigation strategies within the community. This acquisition would mark a critical step in bolstering Staten Island’s infrastructure and enhancing environmental sustainability in the region (Source: https://youtu.be/g6vXwR-dXwI&t=2752).

In summary, the City Planning Commission’s approval of the land acquisition at 1919 Highland Boulevard signals a proactive measure toward environmental management, supporting flood mitigation and ecological preservation initiatives as part of the city’s long-term urban planning strategy.