STATEN ISLAND SKYWAY FEASIBILITY PLAN

Location: Staten Island, New York
Client: New York City Economic Development Corporation

The Staten Island Skyway is part of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s vision for public green space that will foster local economic growth. The design team was tasked to look at the feasibility of this effort as well as propose a conceptual design for the space. The plan calls for a portion of the elevated abandoned Staten Island Rail Line to be converted into a 3/4 mile linear park in the Port Richmond neighborhood of the North Shore.

The Study provides analysis of the existing conditions of the site—particularly infrastructure, adjacent land ownership, zoning, environmental attributes, community connections, and design recommendations that build upon the results of the 2017 SIEDC-sponsored design competition for the project. The culmination of this analysis resulted in a design for a “pilot area” of the elevated park as well as its ground level counterpart. This portion will be suitable for passive recreation including walking, lounging, and small events such as market days or informal gatherings. Accessible connections and points of entry were strategically placed to easily bring the community and visitors into the park while still respecting adjacent residents and businesses. Public art displays were also considered as another avenue to engage the community and to attract visitors and draw visitors to the Port Richmond neighborhood.