On September 11, 2001, 275 people with ties to Staten Island died. Some were simply at their desks starting their work-day, others had rushed to the burning buildings to save lives. Since then, memorials, community gatherings, and ceremonies, have helped unite people with a shared sense of loss and common purpose of growing stronger. On…
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — On this episode of the OnSI podcast… The 19th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, was certainly different than previous years, with the fight against COVID-19 persisting, yet, for many on Staten Island, a borough hard hit by the pandemic and 9/11, the pledge to “Never Forget” remains as steadfast as ever. “We…
With COVID-19 restrictions slowly being relaxed in New York, business owners across the Island are finally able to get back to work, generate revenue and re-connect with customers and clients. For some, it’s the first chance they’ve had to get back on their feet in six months. Paul Inchierchiera, who has owned and operated P.I….
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — On this episode of the OnSI podcast… Like many performing-arts programs, COVID-19 has left the landmark St. George Theatre eerily, and uncharacteristically, silent; but, despite the ongoing crisis and uncertain months ahead, the venue’s resilient leadership team says the show must go on. At the peak of the pandemic in New York…
As the nation continues to have a conversation about race, equality and tolerance, we lost one of its key voices in Congressman John Lewis of Georgia. A fierce advocate for inclusive policies and nonviolent protest, he died on July 17th, at the age of 80, after a battle with cancer. Here on Staten Island, a…
At 35 Hyatt Street, the magnificent St. George Theatre has stood since 1929. And, while it has certainly experienced ups and downs during its decades of existence, COVID-19 has challenged its current not-for-profit operators like never before. Since 2004, a nonprofit called the St. George Theatre Restoration Inc., has re-energized what had become a relic…
Local reaction to the death of George Floyd, a black man who reportedly gasped for air and pleaded for his life while his neck was constrained by a white police officer during an arrest in Minnesota, has sparked outrage. The case has many activists drawing comparisons to Eric Garner’s 2014 death in Tompkinsville, where a…
Like those in countless other industries, real estate transactions were ground to a halt when New York was forced to hit pause to slow the spread of Coronavirus. For Tom Crimmins, the owner of Tom Crimmins Realty, Ltd., selling homes presented challenges without face to face interaction to help drive deals. “We were unemployed, in…
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — On this episode of the OnSI podcast… Widespread anger over the death of a black man in police custody in Minnesota has many Staten Islanders speaking out once again on the need for change; why some feel hopeful there may be a new path forward; and, while COVID-19 continues to lay waste…
Up and down New Dorp Lane things are quieter than they should be. You can still grab takeout, but the normal hum of activity is missing on the sidewalks, cafes and storefronts. But, Niles French, the Executive Director of the New Dorp Lane District, said that doesn’t mean local owners aren’t working even harder to…