The North Shore's Existential Debate: Where do Staten Islanders Fit In?
In the heart of New York City, residents of Staten Island's North Shore find themselves at odds with their neighboring community over the island's identity. Unlike the rest of Staten Island, which is characterized by suburban streets and single-family homes, the North Shore is a densely populated area with old homes, large apartment buildings, and NYCHA complexes on city streets.
For many residents like Janos Marton, 43, there's no question that they're more culturally connected to other parts of New York City than their neighbors in South Staten Island. "I feel like the North Shore is culturally more connected to literally any other part of New York City," Marton said during an interview.
One reason for this sense of disconnection is the geographic barrier of the Staten Island Expressway, which slices through the borough and serves as a divide between the North Shore and the rest. The highway has led to a lack of investment and development in some areas, leaving residents like Bao-chin Keen feeling under-served.
Keen, who grew up in the neighborhood's public housing complex, feels that her community needs more representation. "I just feel like I'm living in Gotham City and we need a Batman," she said during an interview.
The North Shore is one of the few areas on Staten Island with a diverse community of people of color, according to Marton and Cristina González, who moved to the area five years ago. The couple is active Democrats and were drawn to the neighborhood's progressive politics.
González described the North Shore as "lefty" compared to other parts of Staten Island. The couple has been actively engaged in local politics, including supporting Mayor Zohran Mamdani in their St. George neighborhood.
However, not everyone sees eye-to-eye with González and Marton. Republicans have accused Democrats of trying to steal the congressional seat, which could have significant implications for the borough's representation in Congress.
Assemblymember Charles Fall, who represents a district that stretches from Staten Island's North Shore to parts of Lower Manhattan, said that voters across all three boroughs share similar concerns about public safety, transportation, and economic development.
Fall criticized the city's Economic Development Corporation for mismanaging a plan to revitalize the St. George waterfront with a huge Ferris wheel. The failed project led to a domino effect, dooming nearby residents with little to show for the years of planning.
In Stapleton, a predominantly Black community, Rev. Dr. Demetrius Carolina encouraged his parishioners to take action and speak up about their concerns. "I often say to the residents of the North Shore: Stand up, speak up, be heard and be seen because your voice and your life matter as much as anyone else's," he said during an interview.
For Carolina, the court battle over representation is a crucial moment in pushing back against larger challenges to democratic norms across the country. "Staten Island is a small microcosm of a very real macro-challenge we are going to face as a nation," he said.
In the heart of New York City, residents of Staten Island's North Shore find themselves at odds with their neighboring community over the island's identity. Unlike the rest of Staten Island, which is characterized by suburban streets and single-family homes, the North Shore is a densely populated area with old homes, large apartment buildings, and NYCHA complexes on city streets.
For many residents like Janos Marton, 43, there's no question that they're more culturally connected to other parts of New York City than their neighbors in South Staten Island. "I feel like the North Shore is culturally more connected to literally any other part of New York City," Marton said during an interview.
One reason for this sense of disconnection is the geographic barrier of the Staten Island Expressway, which slices through the borough and serves as a divide between the North Shore and the rest. The highway has led to a lack of investment and development in some areas, leaving residents like Bao-chin Keen feeling under-served.
Keen, who grew up in the neighborhood's public housing complex, feels that her community needs more representation. "I just feel like I'm living in Gotham City and we need a Batman," she said during an interview.
The North Shore is one of the few areas on Staten Island with a diverse community of people of color, according to Marton and Cristina González, who moved to the area five years ago. The couple is active Democrats and were drawn to the neighborhood's progressive politics.
González described the North Shore as "lefty" compared to other parts of Staten Island. The couple has been actively engaged in local politics, including supporting Mayor Zohran Mamdani in their St. George neighborhood.
However, not everyone sees eye-to-eye with González and Marton. Republicans have accused Democrats of trying to steal the congressional seat, which could have significant implications for the borough's representation in Congress.
Assemblymember Charles Fall, who represents a district that stretches from Staten Island's North Shore to parts of Lower Manhattan, said that voters across all three boroughs share similar concerns about public safety, transportation, and economic development.
Fall criticized the city's Economic Development Corporation for mismanaging a plan to revitalize the St. George waterfront with a huge Ferris wheel. The failed project led to a domino effect, dooming nearby residents with little to show for the years of planning.
In Stapleton, a predominantly Black community, Rev. Dr. Demetrius Carolina encouraged his parishioners to take action and speak up about their concerns. "I often say to the residents of the North Shore: Stand up, speak up, be heard and be seen because your voice and your life matter as much as anyone else's," he said during an interview.
For Carolina, the court battle over representation is a crucial moment in pushing back against larger challenges to democratic norms across the country. "Staten Island is a small microcosm of a very real macro-challenge we are going to face as a nation," he said.
The whole North Shore vs South Staten Island debate just feels like old news, ya know? Like, we had this same conversation 10 years ago and it's still going around in circles 
I mean, the Expressway is definitely a barrier, but can't we all just get along? 
It's like, you're saying one thing on the North Shore and another thing in South Staten Island. Can't we just find common ground for once? 
And what's with the whole "lefty" vs "righty" politics drama? 
It's Staten Island, folks! We're all New Yorkers at the end of the day 
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. The North Shore's distinct cultural leanings and physical landscape set it apart from the rest of the island, but this sense of disconnection can also be seen as an opportunity for growth and bridging the divide between neighborhoods 
. Marton and Keen's sentiments on feeling under-served and craving more representation resonate deeply, particularly in light of the failed Ferris wheel project, which highlights the need for effective governance and community engagement 
. The role of progressive politics in shaping the North Shore's identity is also noteworthy, serving as a microcosm for larger democratic struggles across the country 
. Ultimately, fostering dialogue and collaboration between residents from different backgrounds will be crucial in navigating these complex issues and finding a sense of unity and belonging within Staten Island.
You know, like that Economic Development Corporation fiasco - what was really goin' on behind the scenes?
. Anyway, this whole thing just feels too suspicious...
. They need to stop fighting and start building, literally! 
It's like a physical barrier that makes them feel cut off.
The highway is like a big ol' divider, ain't no love lost there. And what's up with all these folks feelin' like they need more rep and Batman-like protection? 
But seriously, it's sad to see the North Shore feelin' left out, even though it's got a rich history and culture of its own. 
We need more understanding and unity, not politicians tryin' to one-up each other... 
For instance, the geography of the Staten Island Expressway is creating a divide between the North Shore and South, but what if they could find a way to bridge that gap? Maybe it's time for more community events and dialogue-driven initiatives 
That way, people like Janos and Bao-chin can connect with others across the island and find common ground. I'd also love to see more creative, inclusive design solutions for public spaces in the North Shore - after all, a well-designed layout can make all the difference in fostering community spirit 
The city needs more inclusive planning to avoid more failed projects like that Ferris wheel fiasco! 
they're always being pushed around like their opinions don't matter 
it's like the rest of NYC is saying "we know what's best for you" 
but honestly, every neighborhood in this city has its own unique vibe and identity. Can't we just respect that? 
I mean, I can see why they'd want more representation 
andRepresentation matters too tho. if ppl feel like they're not being heard, thats bound 2 cause some pretty big issues down the line 
it like, splits the community in half and causes all this inequality. and its not just about politics, its about resources and funding. i feel for ppl like Bao-chin Keen who grew up in those public housing complexes with so many issues to deal with. 
. I don't know what it means, but it's totally stuck in my head now.
it's like, yeah I'm more connected to the city than my neighbors, but does that mean we're not part of Staten Island? 
and can we talk about how some ppl are trying to turn this into a "us vs them" thing? 
isn't that just part of being a good citizen? shouldn't we be working together to make our community a better place for everyone?