Staten Island Group Seeks Image Makeover For Borough
May 13, 2008
Staten Island needs an image makeover, according to one non-profit that is aggressively campaigning to bust the borough’s negative stereotypes. NY1’s Tara Lynn Wagner filed the following report.
Some call Staten Island “the forgotten borough.” Others say it's a well-kept secret.
But the non-profit group SINY is embarking on a mission to change those perceptions, with a campaign to improve the borough's overall image.
"For too long we've allowed ourselves to be beaten up and it's time we raise ourselves up and let people see what we have to offer on Staten Island," said SINY executive director Larry Ambrosino, who spoke at the annual Job Service Employee Committee Breakfast in Graniteville Tuesday morning.
His message of talking up the borough was echoed by the Chamber of Commerce, which received the group’s Community Service Award.
"We really want to highlight Staten Island and show all the good things that are happening here," said Chamber of Commerce CEO Linda Baran. "We have a lot of positives here that people don't know about."
Residents like Anthony Lenza of Sunnyside say that once visitors find the borough’s positive qualities, they often don't want to leave.
"They come out here, they experience it and the next thing you know they’re looking for houses," said Lenza.
The battle is simply convincing visitors to come to Staten Island in the first place, and to leave their preconceived notions at home.
"I have a lot of family in Jersey and they don't seem to want to come here," said Shannon Wohltjan of Westerleigh.
Of course, change begins at home. So SINY is considering distributing a questionnaire to find out what Islanders think needs to be improved in the borough.
"I think it needs more nightlife. Clubs, restaurants that's open late," said Eddie Galal of Willowbrook.
"Traffic, traffic. There's too much traffic. Traffic is bad," said Alphonso Williams of New Brighton.
According to John Farag of Westerleigh, the one thing that needs improvement on the island is "probably the accent."
Ambrosino said SINY hopes to counter stereotypes through their campaign. If they succeed, he said it will be a boost to both the local economy and residents’ self-esteem.
"A rising tide lifts all boats," said Ambrosino. "So if we can get the whole image improved, it's certainly going to help everybody along the line."
- Tara Lynn Wagner
May 13, 2008
Staten Island Group Seeks Image Makeover For Borough
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