Legislative Updates Including Fire Extinguishers In Subways, Stapleton Waterfront, Port Richmond Library Reopens, Battery Site: CM Hanks

Legislative Updates Including Fire Extinguishers In Subways, Stapleton Waterfront, Port Richmond Library Reopens, Battery Site: CM Hanks

 

Editor’s note: Had the legislation below, Resolution 837, been in effect, the tragedy that befell Debrina Kawam, the Toms River woman set on fire by a migrant on the subway, might have been avoided.  A bystander could reasonably have obtained and used a fire extinguisher on her from a safe distance.  Instead, no one was able to help her if they wanted to, and the police were apparently unable to help her, either.  We’ve also covered this proposed BESS site, which even experts agree should not be sited in residential areas due to the possibility for uncontrollable fires. The bill introduced by Senator Lanza and Assemblyman Pirozzolo has not yet passed

I’ve always prioritized legislation that advances equity, safety, transparency, and cultural inclusion. Here’s a look at some of the recent bills I’m proud to co-sponsor:

Int. 1307 – Creates a grant fund to improve disability hiring in film, TV, and theater productions.

Int. 1288 & 1287 – Require discounted bike share rates for seniors and public high school students.

Int. 1289 – Protects religious freedom by prohibiting bans on small religious items displayed on residential doors.

Int. 1339-A – Allows ambulettes to use bus lanes and double park when assisting passengers.

Int. 1140, 1229, 1300 – Strengthen FDNY reporting on equipment inventory, EMS unit operations, and emergency response review processes.

Res. 837 – Urges the MTA to install fire extinguishers in subway stations and cars for enhanced passenger safety.(see note above)

Int. 1341 – Promotes cultural access through digital museum maps and a citywide Museum Week.

Int. 1340 – Requires city agencies to conduct gender equity assessments on algorithmic tools.

Int. 1330 – Improves beach safety by requiring clearer and more consistent signage.

Int. 1329 & 1328 – Expand consumer protections by raising awareness of cryptocurrency risks and strengthening utility regulations.

Int. 1286 – Prohibits adult-use cannabis dispensaries within 500 feet of schools, daycares, and other youth facilities.

FY2026 Budget Wins: Delivering for Staten Island

As the FY2026 budget takes shape, I’m proud to announce new investments that reflect our community’s priorities. These wins are the result of strong advocacy and collaboration, and they represent meaningful progress for Staten Island.

Education & Youth Recreation

• PS 13 (Rosebank) – Funding secured for a new K–3 annex, a renovated track and athletic field, and expanded recreational space to support student growth and learning.

Parks, Flood Resilience & Public Space

• Allison Pond Park (Randall Manor, New Brighton, Livingston) – $1.375 million allocated for dredging and flood mitigation, addressing decades of deferred maintenance and helping protect surrounding neighborhoods from flooding.
• St. George Park – Funding approved for a new fenced dog run between Hamilton Avenue and Wall Street. Construction is expected to be completed by April 2026.

Special Fast Ferry Announcement:

After years of advocacy, we finally have the opportunity to secure a direct ferry connection from Staten Island to Brooklyn. As part of the 2025 NYC Ferry Network Optimization Plan, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is proposing a new fast ferry route from St. George to Bay Ridge. This is the first major systemwide update in the fast ferry’s history. NYCEDC wants to hear directly from the community, so please take a moment to complete the Feedback Survey to share your input and show how much this connection means to Staten Islanders:

Please take a moment to complete the Feedback Survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nycferrychanges.

Learn more: https://edc.nyc/2025-nyc-ferry-network-optimization.

Excited to share the next big step for the New Stapleton Waterfront 500+ new homes, including 100+ affordable units, and NYC’s largest mass timber residential project. Grateful to our partners for turning vision into progress.

Cutting the ribbon at Lighthouse Point marked a major milestone for the North Shore. When I took office, I made it a priority to get this long-stalled project moving. We’re not just delivering 115 new homes, nearly 30% affordable, but real progress for Staten Island’s waterfront.

 

 

 

I was proud to support and attend the unveiling of the “I AM BECAUSE WE ARE” mural with the talented students of Curtis High School. Funded through the City Council’s CASA program, this student-created work is more than art; it’s a powerful reflection of youth voice, culture, and creativity.

 

 

 

Proud to celebrate the reopening of the Port Richmond Library, one of NYC’s oldest. The renovation includes a teen center, children’s room, accessible features, and artwork from PS 20 students. This was funded through the New York City Council’s $58M investment in libraries across Staten Island and beyond.

 

 

I stood with Senator Chuck Schumer and State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton at the Silver Lake Nursing Home to advocate and protect Medicaid from federal cuts. This is personal to me. My own family relied on the care and dignity Medicaid provides. We must protect our seniors, our nursing homes, and the caregivers who support them every day.

 

I joined the Borough President Vito Fossella and local leaders at yet another battery site placed in a residential neighborhood, without notice or input. I support clean energy, but how we do it matters. Communities deserve transparency and a voice in decisions that affect their neighborhoods.

 

Banner image: CM Hanks attended the “I AM BECAUSE WE ARE” mural with the talented students of Curtis High School. All Images Credit – CM Hanks