If you live on or near Staten Island, you’ve probably heard something about work being done to raise the Bayonne Bridge. In fact, the aim of the construction is to increase the clearance under the bridge from 151 feet to 215, a difference of 64 feet. While it may seem like a daunting project to undertake, it will provide many benefits to area residents and the local economy once it’s completed. 

Why it’s Happening

The reason this bridge work is being done is to make it possible for larger ships to pass through on their way to ports in Newark and Elizabeth, NJ and Howland Hook, NY. The increase in the size of ships using these channels is a result of a widening of the Panama Canal that will be completed in 2014. The city is also undertaking a massive…

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New York’s fifth bureau has often been left out of the rampant development plans that have surged throughout the city in recent years. With recent discussions and announcements about the new Ferris Wheel that will be built near the St. George Ferry Terminal, this is changing quickly. Combined with other development efforts, Staten Island is seeing an influx of city projects that could change it in a number of ways. 

One such change, recently announced by the City’s Economic Development Corporation seeks to build a new business incubator in easy travel distance from the Ferry terminal by bus or train. The goal of this will be to find a development project or developer that can create an incubator - like many of the business-friendly spaces located…

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Although construction won’t begin for another couple of years, it’s not too early for Staten Island residents, and the rest of the city, to look forward to taking a ride on the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. This attraction, which will be installed on the waterfront near the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, will provide many benefits to the borough, its residents and any visitors who make the trip on the ferry.

A Few Stats

The new Ferris wheel will be 625 feet tall when complete. That’s 84 feet taller than the current record holder, the 541 foot tall Singapore Flyer, and 182 feet taller than the London Eye. The Staten Island wheel will also have a record-setting capacity for passengers. The plan is that 1,440 people will be able to ride it at once, an…

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Winters on Staten Island can be harsh at times, but there are some things you can do now to get yourself ready for what’s ahead. Preparing for the cold before the worst months are here can make your life easier when the snow starts to fly. Here are a few tips to consider.

For Your Car

Getting a tune up for the winter is a good idea, especially since it can get so cold here. It’s important to know you have the right weight of oil, you have plenty of antifreeze and your battery isn’t getting old. If you’re not sure what shape your battery is in, any mechanic or most auto part stores can do a load test on it. This will let you know what you can expect during normal driving conditions and also what you can expect of your battery in the worst conditions.…

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There are dozens of bus routes on Staten Island, enabling riders to get just about anywhere from anywhere – provided you have enough time. But with the introduction of Staten Island Select Bus Service, starting with the S79, travel times may be getting a lot shorter for many people.

This new service has drastically cut stops along the S79 route running from the Staten Island Mall to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn down to 22 to allow for faster travel.  The goal is to get riders to their destination between 15 and 20 minutes faster than was previously possible. Select Service began operating on Sunday, September 2nd, which gave the MTA a slower day with lighter traffic to test things out.

To accommodate the Select Busses, there are bus lanes clearly marked with…

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For anyone who lives in Staten Island or is considering a move, it’s great to know about all the wonderful things to do while living here. This community has so much to offer its residents - everything from concerts to theater to activities for the kids. If you’re interested in getting involved in the coming months, here are a few things you might want to check out.

Scarecrow Festival 

On October 6th, head over to Blue Heron Park in Annadale to celebrate the arrival of fall. There is no charge to get in and you can make your own life size scarecrow. Bring an old shirt and pair of pants to stuff, and there is a minimal charge for materials. This is a fun activity for young and old alike, and refreshments will be provided.

Titanic at the Maritime 

…

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While busses on most routes on Staten Island do run quite frequently, especially during peak times, it’s always nice to know how long you’re going to be waiting. That’s especially true if you’re not sure if you just missed a bus or if it hasn’t arrived at your stop yet. It used to be that all you could do was wait and see if the bus showed up, but with the institution of the MTA Bus Time program in January of this year, all that waiting and wondering can come to an end.

How it Works

There are three ways to see when your bus will be arriving with Bus Time, so even if you don’t have access to a computer or the latest smart phone, you can almost certainly still use the system. Probably the easiest way to access Bus Time information is to text the code…

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Autumn is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the winter season, as it gives you plenty of time to make necessary home repairs before the snow and cold weather is upon you. 

Here are some tips to prepare your home for freezing temperatures, ensuring your family's warmth and safety regardless of the weather outside. 

  • Call an HVAC professional to clean your ducts, check your furnace and change necessary filters. HVAC professionals are typically quite busy once winter hits, so booking an appointment in the fall is a good proactive move to make as a homeowner. 
  • Check all doors and windows for cracks and exposed areas. Use weather stripping around doors and caulk windows if needed to keep warm air in and cold air out. 
  • …

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As the weather turns cooler and people find themselves wanting to venture outside more, activities become the norm for many. The late summer and early fall months provide a great deal of joy for those who like the outdoors. One of the most popular things to do in the summer and spring is to hold get-togethers and parties. This is a fantastic way to meet up with acquaintances and family members as well as new friends. Even for those who are not social, simply getting outside and viewing the beauty of nature has its own benefits.

Parks are an excellent location to take in nature, hold gatherings and meet new people. One of the most popular parks in Staten Island is the Great Kills State Park. Many people love to travel here from in and out of the city for…

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Would you like to live in one of the friendliest neighborhoods in NYC?

"It's the kind of community where  neighbors  come by to introduce themselves to newcomers," stated a new resident.

The name Manor Heights comes from Manor Road, which surrounds and runs through the center of the neighborhood. Heights comes from the elevation of the neighborhood. The highest point of Manor Heights is 408.1 feet, which is just shy of 1.7 feet from Todt Hill of South Maine, which is 409.8 feet high. In the winter time, when the trees are bare, you  can  see a view far into New Jersey.

Manor Heights is hilly and has a  low  population  density.  It is greener than other parts of Staten Island. The neighborhood is primarily made up of one- and two-family houses.…

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