Even with warmer temperatures and the return of spring, memories of a brutal winter blizzard are still fresh for many people on Staten Island, especially in New Brighton, where more snow fell than anywhere else in New York City.
Even with warmer temperatures and the return of spring, memories of a brutal winter blizzard are still fresh for many people on Staten Island, especially in New Brighton, where more snow fell than anywhere else in New York City.
Residents say getting through those storms was difficult, but what frustrated them most was the city's response. Homeowners described it as poor, disappointing and disrespectful. Shaun Winter remembers just how bad things were. "I walked a mile and a half to go to the bank, just to get some money," he said. Winter told Eyewitness News his street was buried under snow for days with no plows in sight. He says that didn't change until the issue got media attention. Asked what happened afterward, he said, "All of a sudden, that next day, I woke up going, oh my God. So do you think it was the media attention? Yes, it was." Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said residents in the borough are hit especially hard during major storms because so many rely on cars. "We are car dependent and therefore people are disproportionately impacted," Fossella said. "So if you live in Manhattan or parts of Brooklyn, you can walk to a subway and you're fine. You can't get to work if you can't get out of your block or take your kids to school." City leaders have since acknowledged mistakes were made when it came to snow removal on Staten Island. But that view is not shared everywhere. Eyewitness News Anchor Joe Torres noted that while the response drew heavy criticism on Staten Island, "there are four other boroughs in New York City, and over there, the assessment of the city's response is very different than it is here." Queens Borough President Donovan Richards offered a more positive view of the city's cleanup efforts. "I think the cleanup, honestly, they did a relatively good job," Richards said. "Of course you are going to miss some spots here and there. Everybody wants to see blacktop immediately, and that's not just how the real world works." Citywide, residents agree this past winter was unlike anything seen in nearly three decades, covering most of Mayor Eric Adams' lifetime. But Staten Island residents say the storm response only reinforced a long-held belief that their borough gets overlooked. "But Staten Island is always the second child," said New Brighton resident Barbara Lindsay. "Unfortunately we don't get the attention we could get or should get. Why? I don't know." Many residents say that perception won't change until they see City Hall make snow removal on Staten Island a top priority. Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo,Former NYPD sergeant sentenced after fatal cooler throw during botched arrest
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
After 100 days as mayor, how do New Yorkers think Zohran Mamdani has done so far?In a new Marist poll, 48% of New Yorkers approve of the job Mamdani has done so far. Mamdani's approval rating is lower than that of Eric Adams (61%) and Bill…
Read more »
MAMDANI’S FIRST 100 DAYS: Transportation stakeholders give Mamdani high marks on streets agenda, but moreMayor Zohran Mamdani was sworn into office at midnight on Jan. 1 inside the old City Hall subway station. The symbolism of the act seemed clear: better
Read more »
Mamdani has a racial equity plan to inflict pain on New YorkInstead of attracting jobs and creating wealth, socialist New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to redistribute wealth along racial lines.
Read more »
Mamdani pushed combined $23B worth of new NYC taxes in just his first 100 daysMamdani claims whopping 9.5% NYC property hike will be ‘last resort’ as he unveils record $127B budget
Read more »
In his first 100 days, Mamdani brings a unique star power to New York City governanceCrowds of supporters show up to Mamdani's news conferences. He's had a lot of early wins, including with President Trump.
Read more »
In his first 100 days, Mamdani brings a unique star power to New York City governanceIn the process, he’s been able to notch a few notable early wins.
Read more »