Staten Islanders sipped hot chocolate as Borough President Vito Fossella — and Santa Claus himself — flipped a giant switch to light our Christmas tree on Borough Hall Plaza last night.
“It’s a wonderful time of year to celebrate, and to come together in spirit and family and faith, as we say Merry Christmas to all who celebrate,” said Borough President Fossella. “To all of you, have a great time, God bless you all. God bless this great country of ours.”
We hope those who joined us took home a little piece of holiday magic.
BP Fossella to Host Christmas Tree Lighting in Borough Hall Plaza
Staten Island, NY – Borough President Vito Fossella is once again inviting residents and neighbors to partake in the holiday cheer at our annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Tuesday, December 9th in Borough Hall Plaza at 6:30 PM.
The evening will feature Christmas carolers, hot chocolate and cookies, a dance performance, book giveaways, an appearance by Santa, and more, and will be emceed by Glen Mancuso of Allstate.
Additionally, in the spirit of giving, our office will be accepting new & unopened toy donations during the festivities.
The Christmas Tree Lighting takes place in partnership with Community Media of Staten Island, Allstate, and the Staten Island Ferryhawks.
Banner Image: Christmas Tree Lighting. Image Credit – BP Fossella
The Office of the Borough President has a responsibility to advocate for the entire Borough of Staten Island and all its residents, and represents the Borough's interests within City government.
The Borough President communicates directly with the Mayor and the City Council to emphasize Staten Island’s budget priorities.
In addition, the Borough President is responsible for reviewing major land use decisions and proposing sites for city facilities within the Borough.
As the chair of the Borough Board, the Borough President leads Staten Island’s City Council delegation and Community Board chairs in the process of reviewing and approving the transfer of public properties to private use. The Borough President’s Office houses the Borough's Topographical Bureau, which maintains the borough’s official maps and assigns street addresses.
The Borough President monitors the delivery of city services on Staten Island, and acts as a liaison between residents and city agencies when problems arise to devise solutions. The Borough President is also responsible for appointing one member to the Panel for Educational Policy and one member to the City Planning Commission, as well as some 150 members to Staten Island’s three community boards.
