By: Teresa Roca
When I tell people that I live in Staten Island, I always get the same response: “Do you live near the dump?” Unfortunately, Staten Island has gained many stereotypes throughout the years. We are known as the “forgotten borrow,” we had the Fresh Kills Landfill, and we are almost as notorious as New Jersey for carrying a majority of the world’s guidos and guidettes. Staten Island has been my home for over 21 years. I want to choose an area in Staten Island instead of a more hip New York City area like the Village because I want to bring to light how historic and special this borough actually is.
To do that, I chose to report on the East Shore of Staten Island. This area is home to the small towns of Arrochar, South Beach, Grasmere, Dongan Hills, Grant City, Midland Beach, New Dorp, Oakwood, Old Town, Richmondtown and Bay Terrace. I chose this section of Staten Island because of the history these towns carry as a whole. South Beach has the largest boardwalk in New York, hosting firework displays, free concerts and festivals. Old Richmondtown is the city’s only living historic village where people can experience civic, commercial and domestic activities. If you want an escape from the hectic city, the East Shore of Staten Island is a great place to find peace and quiet.
Because of its attraction and history, the East Shore would be an intriguing location for Neighborhood Faces, Small Business, and Community Service. As for the conflict story, a newly added bus lane runs through most of these towns, causing traffic and impatience among East Shore Staten Islanders. This is threatening the peaceful tone the area is known for.
After reporting on the East Shore, I hope people will learn more about this borough and appreciate Staten Island for the history, beauty and enjoyment it should be known for.
I understand why you want to reveal the history and beauty of Staten Island’s East Shore. But, it is also important to show the problems, the issues, the challenges in the area. Keep that in mind when you shape your story proposals.
I’ve lived on Staten Island as my family has businesses there. For years I sucessfully ran the Colonnade Diner in Rossville but closed up shop last summer due to landlord disagreements. We still operate the Colonnade on Hylan.
Staten Island definitely does have a pretty tarnished reputation. A lot of its rep comes deservingly (ever been cursed at for smiling at somebody in the supermarket?), but that attitude is still unique and flavorful and ofcourse there are great people with great stories to uncover. The East Shore has a lot to offer and most people aren’t aware of it. Should be a lot of fun!