Jersey St Merchants Association 4th Annual Holiday Party

The Jersey Street Merchant Association 4th Annual Holiday Party on December 12, 2019 was a huge success! Hundreds of people came out to celebrate. The Jersey Street Merchant Association along with help from The Verrazano Kiwanis Club, The Manfredi Movement and Staten Island Downtown Alliance hosted a wonderful evening of food, beverages and service for this event. Over 500 toys were donated by The Manfredi Movement which made this holiday extra special for so many children. Santa Claus even came with 2 of his elves who made sure to take photos with every child there!
Thank you to everyone who came out, businesses that donated delicious food and also those that volunteered their time to join the 4 organizations that made this event a true holiday community gathering! #CommunityComingTogether                                                                                  

Explore Downtown SI

              #ShopEatVisitDowntownSINY

The Staten Island Guide App has been gaining popularity with its informative information about the entire borough of Staten Island. We have been fortunate enough to partner with this App and have a portion devoted solely for the Downtown area. Retailers have been posting their promotional savings in the Deals and Offers section. 
If you are a retailer in the Downtown SI area, and would like to participate in this free advertising, please contact us at info@statenislanddowntownalliance.com for all the details. 


https://www.statenisland.guide/sections/c/0/i/27212769/downtown

In this EXPLORE DOWNTOWN 
section, you will find all retailers in our area.They are automatically listed  showing the distance from your current location. The special DEALS AND OFFERS section have savings divided by EAT and SHOP. 
These listings are constantly updated.

Download this App or go to https://www.statenisland.guide and discover what the Downtown area of Staten Island has to offer!

North Shore Greenway Report Release

On Monday, May 20th Transportation Alternatives and The Harbor Ring released their report, "Ringing in the Greenway". Representatives from the Councilwoman's Office, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Community Board 1, and other various community departments came out to show their support. This completed pathway will encircle New York Harbor and connect Brooklyn, Staten Island, New Jersey and Manhattan. We are all looking forward to having this secured multi-use path that will be beneficial to Staten Islanders, increase tourism and help the North Shore economically.

The following is a link to the North Shore Greenway campaign that includes a link to their full report:
http://transalt.org/getinvolved/neighborhood/lets-build-north-shore-greenway

Thank you to Rose Uscianowski, Staten Island Organizer of Transportation Alternatives for running this informative press release.

Press Conference for the North Shore Greenway Report Release

The North Shore Greenway is a long sought concept for a bicycle/ pedestrian pathway extending across the North Shore waterfront from the Verrazzano Bridge on the east side to the Goethals Bridge on the west side. It would be comparable to Manhattan's Hudson River Greenway. Portions of the greenway already exist- Faber Park, Heritage Park and the coming "Van Pelt/ Van Name Waterfront Plaza" on the west side as well as the Stapleton Waterfront Plaza and the Promenade at Lighthouse Point on the east side- but they are trying to get the Department of Transportation to commit to finishing the greenway. 

On Monday, May 20th, the Transportation Alternatives and the Harbor Ring Committee are hosting a press conference regarding the North Shore Greenway in order to announce the release of a brand new mini report documenting public support for the concept while calling on the DOT to commit to its completion.

Please join them on May 20th at 9:30 am and support the North Shore Greenway!

Great Mother's Day event by The Created For You Artists Market

The Created For You Artists Market, will be located at The Hub at the Corner Grind-510 Bay Street on Mother's Day, May 11th. This Market is created for local artists, small business owners and entrepreneurs that are looking for a platform to expand their brand, their name and sell their products, services and arts to the public. The market will have vendors that will be promoting their businesses and services. Entrepreneurs that are starting to sell and artists that have amazing artwork will also be on display. These are all wonderful elements that are undiscovered and need to be in the spotlight. Their motto is - "We started as a village and grew into an army!"

The Hub at the Corner Grind, on 510 Bay St., is an up and coming cafe that is a live music venue. All arts and music are from local artists in Staten Island.

                           

Get Your Hands Dirty - Join Us for Earth Day on Jersey Street

The Staten Island Downtown Alliance will join the Jersey Street Merchant Association to celebrate Earth Day by executing a beautification project along Jersey Street.  We will be getting our hands dirty by planting flowering succulents inside the 30 tree planters lining the Jersey Street corridor. These colorful plants are low water, hardy plants that will stand up to foot traffic and bloom year after year.

Merchants have agreed to care for the plants and keep the tree beds clean.  This project is designed to bring together the residential and retail community.  There will be food, games and entertainment by Redstorm Drum & Dance Troupe.

This beautification project is made possible with a grant from Councilmember Debi Rose and the New York City Department of Small Business Services.

When: April 27 Noon-3pm

Where: Jersey Street across from Columbia Meat Market

Say No to Homeless Shelters on Staten Island

Photo Credit: SI Live Sydney Kashawagi

Department of Homeless Services announced that they would be going ahead with building a 200 unit homeless shelter at 44 Victory Boulevard - right in the heart of the Bay Street Corridor where more than $1 Billion private dollars have been invested in projects such as Empire Outlets, Lighthouse Point, Minthorne and URBY and tens of millions of public dollars have been invested in grants to Local Development Corporations and business organizations to attract and retain businesses and to improve the surrounding community.

There are 42 separate homeless shelters and service sites scattered throughout Community Board 1's service delivery district. There are more scattered throughout Staten Island - but still the Mayor wants to build at least 3 homeless shelters on Staten Island to deal with the 1,300 homeless individuals who claim Staten Island as their last address.

While the Staten Island Downtown Alliance applauds the government for creating a plan to address the homeless crisis, it rejects the notion that Staten Island must accept 3 shelters (one for each Community Board as is proposed for other boroughs) because Staten Island is lacking too many of the necessary services that would help a homeless individual get back on his/her feet.

For example: Staten Island has no public hospital which means that homeless individuals will have to seek medical treatment at our 2 overburdened hospitals. Staten Island has no free access onto the island by car. Christine Quinn, Executive Director of WIN (the entity that would run the 200 unit shelter) said that most of the women owned cars. Staten Island lacks a subway and has limited bus service so there is no way for those without cars to get around. Staten Island has limited job opportunities because it is economically disenfranchised due to the $19 bridge tolls. Staten Island has limited rental housing which means that there will be nowhere for the women and their families who transition from homelessness to find permanent housing. Staten Island public schools are overcrowded and it has few Charter School options.

The list of how Staten Island is lacking in opportunities for its residents is long which likely contributed to the homelessness of these 1,300 individuals. Instead of hobbling them further, why not transition them in shelters close to needed services in Manhattan while using the funds for the shelter lease to build permanent affordable housing which can serve the homeless and reduce the problem in the future?

Taste of Forest Avenue Restaurant Stroll and Street Festival is this Sunday - May 20th

Anyone who attended last years "Taste of Forest Avenue Restaurant Stroll and Street Festival" knows that the event is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. If you missed it, I strongly suggest that you get your tickets today rather than wait for the day of because check in for pre-sale Eventbrite ticket holders begins at 1 PM - giving you a full hour jump start on eating your way down Forest Avenue.  Click here for tickets.

The street festival is hosted by our friends at the Forest Avenue Business Improvement District in partnership with NYC Weekend Walks. It kicks off this Sunday, May 20th at 2PM and runs to 5 PM so make sure that you are on time to taste all the delectable treats these Staten Island restaurateurs have to offer.

The restaurant stroll runs along Forest Avenue from Hart Blvd to Broadway, Staten Island.  The street festival runs from Hart Blvd to Bard Avenue. 

One ticket buys you tastings from over 15 Forest Avenue restaurants. Entertainment for the day
will feature balloon twisters, face painters, magicians, arts and crafts, live music, performances and more! All entertainment will be free and open to the public.

Attendees can exchange their ticket for a sampler’s card at the following locations:

Near Verizon Communications: 355 Forest Ave Staten Island, New York 10301 OR Near McDonalds 803 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310.

Attendees who wish to purchase sampler’s cards on the day of the event can go to the following locations on May 20th: Café Milano 401 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310 OR North Shore True Value Hardware 647 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310.

Participating Restaurants:

Beans and Leaves
Burrito Bar
The Kettle Black
Ho’Brah
Panini Grill
Fab Cup
Mar Mar Restaurant
Mustard Seed
Bruno’s Bakery and Restaurant
Project Brunch
Liberty Tavern Grill
Jody’s Club
Philly Pretzel Factory
Casa Franco
Jean’s Fine Wines & Spirits
Pastosa (From 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM only)
Santino’s Gourmet
Cafe Milano

Free Entertainment:

Trackless Train
Face Painters
Balloon Sculptors
Magicians
Children’s Games
Family Photo Booth
Live Music
NYPD Rock Wall (Anticipated)
DJ Team

Restaurant tastings tickets can be purchased at http://forestavenuebid.com/taste-of-forest-ave/. Follow the event page on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1748185388561286/.

Community can weigh in on proposed language immersion school

About the School - Hebrew Public Charter Schools for Global Citizens, a language immersion school that operates K-8 schools throughout New York City, has announced that they will be filing an application to open a school on Staten Island's North Shore in 2019.

Community Input - Aaron Listhaus, Executive Director and Valerie Khaytina, Vice President for External Affairs have made presentations to Community Board 1, St. George Civic, Stapleton and West Brighton area committees and others in an effort to gather community feedback about. Those interested in seeing how a language immersion school operates can join a group who will be touring Hebrew Language Academy Charter School located at 2186 Mill Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11234 on May 22, 2018 at 9:30am.  For more information about the tour or to RSVP, email valerie@hebrewpublic.org or visit their Facebook page here.

Language Immersion - The above video discusses language immersion techniques and how they benefit children of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Similar to Chinese, Greek and Arabic language immersion schools located throughout New York City, Staten Island Hebrew Public will help students become proficient in the Hebrew Language and enhance their ability to learn other languages throughout their lifetime.

Take the Survey - The organization is asking for community input. Those interested can visit sihebrewpublic.org to take the survey or host a meeting by contacting kay@hebrewpublic.org. 

According to their website - "Hebrew Public Charter Schools use a proficiency-based approach to foreign language learning.  They assist students to develop at different rates in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students can often listen to and recognize Hebrew words long before they are able to use them in their own writing or speaking.

"Public schools across the country offer dual language programs in a wide range of languages, including Chinese, Spanish, Greek, and Arabic. These program, which have grown largely in response to demands from local communities, are a proven way of getting students more engaged in their studies, building literacy, raising academic achievement, and preparing children to live and thrive in a global, interdependent environment. The incorporation of an intensive focus on a foreign language in a school’s curriculum supports positive evidence-based learning and developmental outcomes in students.


HEBREW PUBLIC’S UNIQUE MODEL FOCUSES ON:

• Rigorous instruction in English Language Arts (ELA), math, science, social studies, Modern Hebrew language, music, art, dance, physical fitness, and chess.

• Immersive Modern Hebrew instruction, bringing Israel to life in the classroom.

• Individualized math and English language arts learning paths for each student.

• Advanced STEM curriculum, including technology integrated into the curriculum.

• Supportive services are available for English Language Learners and special education students.

• A curriculum designed to develop students’ attributes of global citizenship: empathy, cross cultural understanding, and inclusivity.

• Extended school day and year.

• After school options and yellow bus transportation available.

Seeking a Location - of the School officials are seeking to locate the school on Staten Island's north shore because it is Staten Island's most diverse community with many households speaking at least two languages. They will begin offering Kindergarten and 1st grade then add grades as the school enrollment grows.  Enrollment is open to all students and placement is done by lottery. 

Staten Island Hebrew Public is a public charter school teaching the Hebrew language. It is not a religious school. 

For more information visit their Facebook page or website.

 

#downtownSI shop helps owners restore beloved treasures or purchase gently loved antiques

If you are someone, like me, who becomes emotionally attached to items left to us by family members or jewelry given to us as children, you have experienced the heartache when that beautiful antique watch stops working, or the Hummel figurine gets chipped or damaged. You love it, but it winds up being put to the back of the shelf or hidden away in a drawer only to be enjoyed if you accidentally stumble upon it while searching for something else. Well be heartbroken no more because there is a new shop on Bay Street that can lovingly restore those items so that you can enjoy them again.

Love your furniture again is an aptly named restoration and antique shop serving the #DowntownSI area. Owner Yana Azbel has hit the ball out of the park with this much needed resource for Staten Island.

Love your furniture again fixes broken and damaged figurines and porcelain, fixes antique jewelry and watches, rewires antique lamps, reupholsters and refurbishes furniture and so much more. Ms. Azbel is an estate specialist so she can even organize your estate sale.

For collectors of vintage items, walking into Love your furniture again is equivalent to a child walking into a toy store. There are so many exquisite items on display, you don't know where to look first. From paintings to tapestry, from figurines to fine china, from watches to cameos and furniture of every kind, Ms. Azbel and her team have tastefully arranged the shop so that customers can browse comfortably until they find that perfect, must have item.

Love your furniture again is not your average vintage shop, it is a destination for anyone who appreciates fine objects. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful and will happily tell you the story behind every item in the shop.  Perhaps more importantly, they can help you love the objects you already own but have not enjoyed due to damage, wear or because it no longer compliments a redecorated room in your home. 

Yana Azbel and her team 

Many of us face the dilemma of what to do with furniture that doesn't seem to fit into our new decorating scheme. The item is comfortable and familiar to us but perhaps the color isn't quite right or the upholstery clashes with the new colors we have chosen. Rather than purchase a new factory made item that might not be as sturdy or a custom made item that will take months to be delivered and lots of money to purchase, you could rework your loved item so it compliments your room without emptying your wallet.

That's where Ms. Azbel and her team at Love your furniture again come in. They can transform any item into a custom item that will fit perfectly into your decorating scheme. Not sure? Give her a call at (917) 525-6686 or visit her at 638 Bay Street and ask her for advice. She has a passion for her work and is happy to share her knowledge and expertise. 

Whether you have recently moved to #DowntownSI and are redoing an old Victorian in Tompkinsville or if you have recently purchased a new home in West Brighton or are renting an spacious old apartment in Rosebank, Love your furniture again can help you create a home environment that reflects your personality and makes your guests take notice. I highly recommend that you visit Ms. Azbel and her team regularly to peruse the regularly rotated inventory of treasures from around the world and around the corner.

Love your furniture again is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11am - 8pm Saturday & Sunday 11am - 6pm.

Visit their FB page for more pictures and information.

BIN 5 - "ONE OF STATEN ISLAND'S TOP PLACES TO EAT" - NY TIMES

Downtown Staten Island is becoming known for many great things. The New York Wheel, Empire Outlets, Lighthouse Point, Urby, Makers' Space and so many more are part of a quickly changing landscape attracting millions of visitors from the Staten Island Ferry to the Bay Street Corridor via Staten Island Railroad or MTA bus.

While visitors are discovering amazing views, lush parks and captivating cultural institutions, they are also learning that Downtown SI is home to some of the greatest food in New York City - a fact that is supported by many New York City publications.  In fact, the New York Times called Downtown SI restaurant, Bin 5,located at 1233 Bay Street in Rosebank, "one of Staten Island's top places to eat," and they are absolutely right.

Bin 5 is a foodie's dream come true. A quaint, well appointed eatery located right along the Bay Street corridor just blocks away from Ft. Wadsworth, Bin 5's Executive Chef Stephen Lee and Bartender, Danny Ippolito, serve up impressive food and beverage options at a reasonable price.

Bin 5 is Michelin-Rated and is the recipient of the Staten Island Advance Readers' Choice Award for Best Restaurant of 2015 and Best Fancy Cocktails of 2016 and 2017. With credentials like that you know that your meal will be memorable.

What we like best about Bin 5 is the fact that seating is limited to just a few tables. Not only is the food fresh from the kitchen but the staff is attentive to your every need. It is also quiet enough to enjoy dinner conversation. 

In the warmer weather you can dine al fresco in the rear courtyard under a beautiful pergola surrounded by lush greenery.  Wrought iron chairs and tables covered in crisp linen cloth are perfectly placed upon level brick pavers in the outside dining area. No need to worry about ruining your Manolo Blahniks when you choose to dine outside because the owners paid attention to every detail when designing this lovely courtyard.

That same attention to detail is evident in the food. Every dish and beverage is created using local, fresh, seasonal produce, prime meats, craft spirits, and hand-selected wines.

The Bin 5 menu was assembled with care. You can choose small plates such as a Strawberry salad or lamb chops served over polenta or full entrees such as short ribs, stuffed pork chops or eggplant lasagna.

Every Saturday and Sunday, Bin 5 offers an extensive brunch menu which can be paired with their perfect weekend cocktail menu. Find out more by visiting their website.

Bin 5 is open: 

MONDAY
5 PM - 10 PM
----------------
TUESDAY - THURSDAY
1 PM - 10 PM
----------------
FRIDAY
1 PM - 11 PM
----------------
SATURDAY
5 PM - 11 PM
----------------
SUNDAY
4 PM - 9 PM
----------------
BRUNCH:
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
11 AM - 3 PM

Due to the size of the restaurant, reservations are recommended.  Call (718) 448-7275 or email DannyIppolitoBin5@gmail.com

Sweet! You can have your cupcake and learn how to bake it too at Pastry Lover's Choice.

Staten Island's north shore is a little bit sweeter thanks to Chef Sahera - the owner of Pastry Lover's Choice located at 370 Van Duzer Street in Downtown Staten Island.

Pastry Lover's Choice is committed to providing their customers with fresh, delicious desserts and gourmet coffee in a pleasant relaxing atmosphere. Their mission statement puts that promise in writing and they certainly live up to it.

The outside of the shop is inviting with large windows adorned with pink and plum cupcakes leaving no mistake as to what lies within. Inside is a delight for the senses. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the sweet bouquet of chocolate, citrus and nuts makes your mouth water.

The interior decoration reminds you of a French bakery with clean wooden tables and round back bistro chairs. Clean white walls and blackboard menu provides the perfect compliment to the beauty of the baked goods which taste every bit as wonderful as they look.

What sets Pastry Lover's Choice apart from other bakeries in the area is the fact that they engage their customers twice a month in a baking class. That's right - not only does the bakery whip up delectable sweet treats, but they will teach you how to bake too!

Everyone is welcome at PLC's workshops so grab mom and the kids and head on down for a sweet experience.

Pastry Lover's Choice is open Wed- Sunday 10am - 6:30pm. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Click here to visit their website to learn about upcoming workshops.

Shop DowntownSI readers can enjoy this coupon.

Don't forget to download the Staten Island App to receive other exclusive discounts from Staten Island Merchants.

Spillin the tea, coffee and so much more at Duzer's Local

Yes Virginia, there is a great organic cafe on Staten Island and it's called Duzer's Local in Stapleton.

Anyone who has visited Staten Island knows that it is one of the best kept secrets of New York City - and that's just how some locals want it.

Since it became part of New York City in 1898, Staten Island has been a retreat for rich families such as the Vanderbilts who wanted a place to chillax close to home. They chose Staten Island because it contained acres of forest, miles of beaches and a plethora of nature trails. The perfect antidote for the hustle and bustle of life in Manhattan. 

Staten Island still contains more parkland and beaches than any other borough in New York City, earning it the moniker of "Borough of Parks". But amidst all that greenery are quaint little towns whose main streets are lined with businesses providing everything a visitor, vacationer or local will need.

Restaurants, live theater, museums and art galleries are scattered throughout the island but most are located on the north shore near to the St. George Ferry terminal which connects to all buses and the Staten Island railroad.

The Staten Island Ferry is a New York City icon providing riders a free 20 minute trip between lower Manhattan and St. George. Two railroad stops away from the ferry
is Stapleton, a town created by visionaries William Staples and Minthorne Tompkins who, in 1836, operated their own ferry between Stapleton and lower Manhattan.

Since then, Stapleton has been noted for having a thriving business district that services the stately homes located up in the hills. It's no wonder that Duzer's Local owner Annette Bruno chose Stapleton as the town to open a companion shop to her Henry's Local in Downtown Brooklyn.

Duzer's Local is located in a 1930's building containing high tin ceilings, hardwood floors and large glass windows looking out onto the street. The decor inside resembles a turn of the twentieth century general store with chalkboard menus, metal tins and large glass jars displaying baked goods.

The tasteful decor really compliments the architecture of the building, but the real "taste" is provided by the food. Duzer's Local menu of organic coffees, teas, muffins, waffles and bread pudding is beyond tasteful and it doesn't end there. Duzer's Local also has a savory menu serving up brilliant combinations such as goat cheese and figs on a croissant, hummus and sun dried tomato on a baguette and bacon and zucchini baked in a quiche. 

Prices at Duzer's Local are as friendly as the staff with the most expensive coffee running under $5 and menu items under $10.

Duzer's Local was opened in 2016 but it has already been woven into the fabric of the community. Most days the shop is filled with locals discussing everything from hiking to politics and all the subjects in between.

If you are tired of paying high prices for mediocre food offered by chain coffee shops, stop into Duzer's Local located at 387 Van Duzer Street just blocks away from the Stapleton train station between Beach and Wright Streets. Present this coupon for 10% off your next visit.

Download the Staten Island App for more unique discounts from Staten Island merchants.

Becoming a regular patron at El Patron

Known for it's outstanding food and 24 hour - 7 days a week service, El Patron has become a staple for diners, bar hoppers and brunch goers across Staten Island's north shore. Located at 520 Bay Street in Stapleton, El Patron offers authentic Mexican food at give-away prices. 

It is always breakfast time at El Patron - whether 7am or 7pm you can enjoy a hearty platter of Huevos with bacon, Spanish sausage, cheese or anything you like. If you prefer more traditional Mexican fare, try their pork tripe tacos or a steaming hot Mariscos (seafood soup).

Not feeling adventurous? El Patron makes great hamburgers topped with a variety of goodies and crispy french fries smothered in cheese, meat or naked with a side of ketchup.

El Patron's fully stocked bar is as beautiful to look at as it is tasty to imbibe.  In fact, throughout the restaurant, beautiful hand painted frescoes tell a picturesque story of the home country.

Food is served hot and quick.  The price point for dinner is $35 per couple so El Patron's prices are as friendly to your wallet as the wait staff is to customers. 

You can visit El Patron at 520 Bay Street, Stapleton, Staten Island 10304. Click here for their menu.

          

History of the North American Indian Monument/the National American Indian Memorial Association.

On June 26, 1909, wealthy textile merchant, Rodman Wanamaker, sent a letter to President WilliamH. Taft proposing to erect a monument to a dying race, “the North American Indian”.

Rodman Wanamaker and Indian Chiefs at Ft. Wadsworth 1913

Wanamaker enlisted the help of notable personalities such as Joseph H. Choate, Dr. Joseph Kossuth Dixon and J.P. Morgan to persuade congress to place the monument at Fort Wadsworth (as stated in the official program for the 1913 groundbreaking) “…upon the highest hillcrest in the harbor, as a witness to the passing race to all the nations of the world as they come to our shores...

On December 8, 1911, Congress adopted an act which read: “Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that there be erected, without expense to the ‘United States Government’ by Mr. Wanamaker of New York and others, on a United States reservation, a suitable memorial to the memory of the North American Indian.” It was signed by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate pro tempore.

On April 27, 1912, the Federal Commission of Fine Arts approved a design that included a sixty foot bronze Indian figure with his left hand containing a bow and arrow hanging at full length, while the right hand was uplifted palm facing forward with two fingers extended to the sky signifying the Indians universal sign for peace.  The statue stood on top of a seventy foot high pedestal. The pedestal stood on top of the thirty five foot tall museum located at the upper most rampart of Fort Wadsworth. Thus rising over 300 feet from the water. This would have been higher than the Statue of Liberty.

On February 22nd 1913 President Taft, 32 Chiefs from many tribes and other dignitaries broke ground at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, New York and laid down a brass plaque to mark the spot upon which the monument would be erected.

Mr. Wanamaker and Mr. Dixon then set out on an expedition to visit various Indian nations. Their goal was to record through photographs and film, North American Indians in order to memorialize their way of life. They carried with them the flag that was flown during the groundbreaking ceremony in Fort Wadsworth and a document titled “Declaration of Allegiance”. Leaders of the various nations were asked to sign the declaration and salute the flag as a sign of peace and mutual respect between the United States government and the Indian Nations.

In December of 2013, the flag that was hoisted in all of the nations was returned to Fort Wadsworth and flown once again.

In the months following, America’s attention shifted from North American Indian nations to enemy nations overseas. Daniel Chester French, the designer of the monument, departed to work on the Panama Canal. Rodman Wanamaker and members of the National American Indian Memorial Association diverted money to support the war. A member of the Commission of Fine Arts called the monument, “…an ungainly Indian on the roof of a Greek Temple,” eroding the public’s passion for the project. The monument was never built. 

One hundred years later – in May of 2012, Red Storm Drum & Dance Troupe and NYS Senator Andrew J. Lanza embarked on a mission to resurrect interest in the monument, however their efforts were thwarted when the National Parks Service refused to acknowledge the 1911 Act of Congress that provided the land upon which the monument would rest.

Red Storm Drum & Dance Troupe

Red Storm Drum & Dance Troupe will not relent in their mission to see the monument built.  Staten Island artist, Gregory Perillo has designed a new, less costly and smaller monument to be built at Fort Wadsworth overlooking the New York Harbor.

Red Storm Drum & Dance Troupe has now partnered with Native American Indian musician, Jeff Harrell and the Bayview Community Council, Inc. dba Staten Island Downtown Alliance, to raise the funds needed to build the monument. The first step will be the initiation of a law suit to force the National Park Service to turn over the land that was dedicated for the monument in 1913. 

To make a donation to the NAIM please click here. Every dollar counts.

Craft House Downtown Staten Island - Where Foodies go to be wowed

This week Biz Buzz is featuring a restaurant that feeds your body and your soul.

Craft House, located at 60 Van Duzer Street in Downtown Staten Island, was born when Rocco DiSpirito, host of Food Network's "Restaurant Divided", came to Staten Island to issue a his challenge. 

This neighborhood eatery was formerly known as "Against Da Grill" until it was literally split down the middle so that neighborhood customers could vote on which menu and ambience they preferred - the original menu and decor created by beloved owners Vinny and Kuron, or the new fare and decor created by DiSpirito and his crew.

The decision wasn't even close. Diners preferred the new look and menu provided by DiSpirito and hence, Craft House was established.

Today, Craft House is a neighborhood attraction for anyone who appreciates great "down home" barbeque and award winning craft beer brewed right on the premises.

With 69 varieties of beer and cider to choose from, in cans, bottles and on tap, you can rest assured that you can find a libation that will keep you coming back for more.  We like the Thirsty Dog Bourbon Barrel-Aged Siberian Night which is described in Craft House's Beer Menu as: "Dark chocolate malt yields a milk chocolate flavor that blends perfectly with the vanilla flavor from the barrel. The bourbon aroma adds the finishing touch.  

The food menu is just as magnificient, featuring the "chicken & waffles" dish that swayed the neighborhood guests who appeared on the television show to make "Against Da Grill" a thing of the past.

Prices for food items hover around $12 per item, with the most costly dish being $25 for a full pound of pulled pork.  Beer prices start at $4 and climb to $27 for a 64oz mug of Left Hand Bittersweet Imperial Coffee Milk Stout Nitro.

You can choose to eat inside the well appointed brick and wood trimmed dining room/bar or in warmer months you can be served in the outside yard on one of several wooden picnic tables.  No matter where you choose to sit, you will be served by friendly, well informed staff who can answer your questions about everything on the menu including the several dipping sauces contained in the clear plastic squeeze bottles set out on every table.  

So if you thought you could only find good barbeque on the back roads of South Carolina, think again.  Craft House is the place to go if your craving down home country cooking. Best of all, it's just a short walk away from the Tompkinsville stop on the Staten Island Railroad which is only one stop away from the St. George Ferry station.

Craft House opens Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. onward. The restaurant can be reached at 718-442-3433. 

Whether or not Staten Island is the new Hoboken it is certainly the hip new place to be

There has been lots of talk these days about all the buzz around what is taking place on Staten Island's north shore.  That buzz began with the opening of BFC's The Rail at the former Stapleton Municipal Parking  lot and quickly shifted to Urby Staten Island - a $150 million project by Ironstate Development Company that has taken urban living to a whole new level.

Urby is billed as a "people shaped" community designed to make living in the city easier.

With a communal kitchen where a chef in residence gives cooking lessons and prepares meals using vegetables grown on the rooftop and in a plot of land called the urban farm, tended by a farmer in residence, Urby is like no other project Staten Island or any other borough has seen in recent years and perhaps ever.

If Downtown Staten Island was on it's way to being the hip, cool place to be - Urby solidified that moniker and is now the anchor attracting other world class eateries, coffee shops and taverns into the district.

Urby Staten Island is reporting 75% occupancy just months following its opening.  As residents move in to this well appointed, compact living space with spectacular view of the harbor, the only requests that they have are to the MTA which has been dragging its feet rehabilitating the Stapleton train station a block away - the key mass transit component that has been attracting millennials to Urby.

With so many private dollars invested into this 900 unit mixed use project that is elevating Stapleton to the mecca it once was, it would be nice to know that the MTA is willing to be a serious partner in the growth of a previously down trodden area into a neighborhood in which everyone wants to live.

B2B Expo at Staten Island Chamber of Commerce

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce is hosting a B2B Expo on Thursday, June 23, 2016 focusing on economic growth and vitality of Staten Island.

The B2B Expo is a collaboration between the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and KDDI/Telehouse.  It will bring together local, national and international businesses to explore the economic vitality of the Island.

Prizes include:

• NY Mets Tickets courtesy of National Grid
• An iPad mini donated by McDermott and Thomas Associates
• Legends of Rock Concert tickets courtesy of the St. George Theatre.

Breakout sessions will focus on the importance of technology in business and how to make media workk in marketing your business.

Speakers include:

• Huawei
• Fujitsu
• Schneider
• Trane
• Digital Edge
• Telehouse

College of Staten Island President, Dr. William J. Fritz - Will present The College of Staten Island super computer and how it works to benefit the students and the community

NYC Department of Small Business Services, Walter E. Maxwell will discuss MWBE certification and how it helps when applying for government contracts.

Staten Island Advance Media Group will discuss utilizing technology to market your business.

Click here for more information.

Let your voice be heard on Bay Street Corridor Re-zoning

Bay Street Corridor @ Downtown Staten Island is an important study to assess the rezoning of the Bay Street Corridor in the towns of Stapleton and Tompkinsville.

The goal of the rezoning would be to create density in the Downtown Staten Island area.

While the study is still at the beginning stages, many in the community believe the study area should be expanded to include the towns of Clifton, St. George, Snug Harbor, Mariners Harbor and Port Richmond in order to achieve a walk-able corridor emanating from the St. George Ferry terminal and continuing north to Snug Harbor and south to Urby and Fort Wadsworth beyond.

Other comments include the need for more public open space and a continuous esplanade along the waterfront connecting large projects such as the New York Wheel, Empire Outlets, Lighthouse Point and Urby.

For those who were unable to testify at the Public Scoping Session held on July 16, 206, written comments can be emailed to baystreetcorridor@planning.nyc.gov by June 29, 2016.  Visit our projects page to view supporting documents www.statenislanddowntownalliance.com/projects.

Come Celebrate with Crain's 5boros on Staten Island, June 21

Crains 5boros was designed for the urban explorer seeking entertainment and adventure in all of New York City's boroughs.  On June 21 2016 they will celebrate with an event in Staten Island at Above at the Hilton Garden Inn - Staten Island's prestigious hotel impeccably run by Lois and Richard Nicotra.

5boros will cover nightlife, shopping destinations and large scale developments across New York City.  

With so many developers and investors finally turning their attention to Staten Island this event is sure to highlight the best of Staten Island. 

Urby Staten Island, Empire Outlets, Downtown Plaza, Lighthouse Point, The New York Wheel, Richmond County Bank Ballpark, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Chinese Scholars Garden, Riverside Galleria, Alice Austen House, Flagship Brewery, South Finn, Midland Beach, Conference House Park and so much more are being sought out by visitors.  

Click here to learn more about the event