STATEN ISLAND HOMEPORT TO GET A FACELIFT
By Heidi Singer
The Bloomberg administration has committed to spending millions of dollars to finally overhaul the decaying Staten Island Homeport – after almost a decade of failed efforts to turn the waterfront white elephant into something useful.
Observers say the cash infusion to upgrade roads and buildings should make the crucial difference in attracting private business to turn the old naval base into housing, restaurants, shops, museums or playing fields – and maybe even a long-dreamed-of movie studio.
City officials didn't put a dollar amount on the initiative but a private consultant hired by the Economic Development Corporation estimated that the city would have to invest $65 million to spur private developers to finish the job.
"We know we have to make an investment," EDC president Andrew Alper told The Post. "The best estimate we have today is $65 million, but it could be more or less."
Despite years of bitter disappointment, some Staten Islanders believe that this time the homeport is on the city's front-burner. After all, the mayor is up for re-election next year.
The Bloomberg administration angered Staten Islanders in 2002 after killing actor Danny Aiello's deal to build a movie studio at the homeport, calling the plan amateurish and its backers shady.