Comptroller Stringer Calls on State DEC to Reject Development Permit on Staten Island’s Graniteville Swamp Wetlands

(New York, NY) — Shining a light on the essential role that Staten Island’s Graniteville wetlands play as part of the city’s defense against rising sea levels and future major storms, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer sent a letter to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) urging the State to reject permits for the proposed commercial development impacting the Graniteville Swamp wetlands and its surrounding habitats — notably a strip mall, gas station, and hundreds of parking spaces. Comptroller Stringer’s letter emphasizes the significant negative impact this scale of development would have on the North Shore’s vulnerability to coastal storms, storm water runoff, and the surrounding ecology. The Comptroller’s letter notes that homes bordering the Graniteville Swamp were largely spared from the devastation wrought by Superstorm Sandy precisely because the swamplands absorbed the force of the incoming winds and waves, which served as a natural buffer protecting the community.

“Wetlands like the Graniteville Swamp serve to protect our communities from storm water flooding and coastal erosion and they are a critical part of New York City’s ecosystem. The proposed commercial development on this precious natural resource will make the North Shore far more vulnerable to future storms — and we just can’t let that happen,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “I urge the State Department of Environmental Conservation to reject these permits and listen to the voices of local Staten Island residents who will be directly impacted by this damaging and environmentally insensitive project.”

To read Comptroller Stringer’s letter to NYS DEC, click here.

To read Comptroller Stringer’s coastal resiliency plan for the city, click here

###