Last night I attended the Special Meeting of the Tottenville Civic Association at St Marks Church. I could guess about 75 people were there along with two uniformed police officers, the project manager Joseph Margolis, and the Engineering Consultants, the Realtor selling the project. To their credit they brought the waterfront project and made an excellent presentation of the Outlet Mall.
The project will be built on 30 acres of property including underwater; 4.8 Acres wetlands and Ponds. A 14 screen multiplex, 16 restaurants and 15-16 outlet stores. A total of 400,000 sq ft of retail space, 1189 parking spaces underground and 1700 above ground. The mall will be shaped like a horse shoe with the center area as large as 2 football fields. The football field area will host local community outdoor activities. The area will be pedestrian friendly with seating areas, walking paths over looking the water and a boat dock to pull up to the mall. They presenter ofered a plan to Widen Arthur Kill Road. Sounds Very Very nice! Construction jobs, Jobs boosting the local economy, I love the idea!!!
But wait, hold everything! As a Staten Island Loving Resident we need to take a closer look at this. Some key words: Global Warming, Traffic, Infrastructure, Roadways, The Outerbridge Crossing.
I mention Global Warming because every little bit counts. 25 Acres of trees will be bull dozed and cleared off the property. I am sure this will effect the Natural Eco System, the natural drainage, small creatures that live in the woods and more. I suggested at the meeting; Build the center Taller and Buffer the shore lines with native vegetation.
Traffic was the Main concern by everyone that attended the meeting. The presenters told us Arthur Kill Rd would be widened. But no certain size was given. The President of the Tottenville Civic Association gave a passionate speech on why the mall is a bad idea, not wanted by the community at this location because of the traffic and roads. Another person mentioned; the Outerbridge was built for the horse and buggy days and already cannot handle the traffic as it is now. How in the world would another 3000 cars fit in?
Infrastructure (the system of public works of a country, state, or region; required for an activity) Tottenville just does not have it. The Outerbridge is only four lanes, The roadways are only two lanes. The access on and off are just not substantial enough. We're putting the cart before the horse here on the island. The Outerbridge Crossing needs to be expanded or rebuilt. And a highway access to the property. But, I am sure the center will be built and life will go on.
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