Krissart Marketing Design
A Staten Island native and current resident, an alumni of the Fashion Institute of Technology and a former Marketing Associate Director, I’ve decided to go into business for myself! I’m known best for my designs for the Staten Island Film Festival and the Downtown Drive-In Movies, I also design the marketing collateral for many other popular Staten Island events and businesses.
I will design your brochures, ads, business cards, booklets, websites, flyers and other media material needed to market your company and generate more business!
You can email me at krissyaw@gmail.com or visit www.krissart.com for more information.
NY1 News: Summer Film Fest Aims To Revitalize St. George Waterfront
Summer Film Fest Aims To Revitalize St. George Waterfront
By: Amanda Farinacci
Click here to watch the video.
After sitting vacant for at least 20 years, waterfront property next to Staten Island’s St. George Ferry Terminal may get new life with a new movie and concert series. Borough reporter Amanda Farinacci filed the following report.
Most people who pass through the 10-acre site that was once the 19th-century home of the U.S. Lighthouse Service only use the space as a shortcut to the St. George Ferry Terminal. Yet the city’s Economic Development Corporation sees more potential for the historical pier, plaza and buildings.
The long-vacant space will host a free summer movie and concert series called “Summerfest At The Pier,” thanks to the Downtown Staten Island Council, a not-for-profit dedicated to revitalizing Downtown Staten Island.
“People can see what a wonderful place it is and then hopefully we’ll catch the eye of developers and we can spur some economic development down here,” says Kamillah Hanks of the Downtown Staten Island Council.
The city purchased the land back in 1979 to be used by the Department of Transportation. The historic former Coast Guard base was chosen in 1998 to become the home of a national lighthouse museum, as a nod to the borough’s storied maritime history and plethora of historical lighthouses.
Plans for the museum fell apart last year, when the museum board disbanded, citing an inability to raise the necessary $15 million needed to build the project.
Now, the Downtown Staten Island Council hopes its summer events at the lighthouse space can breathe some life back into the area. Last year, the summer movie series drew about 4,000 people to the Richmond County Ballpark for drive-in movies. Organizers are hoping to attract at least that many to the former lighthouse space to get people talking about what the space can be used for in the future.
“The under-utilization of the waterfronts in Staten Island is just incredible and this was a way to open up the waterfront, to show people that we have prime real estate,” says Hanks. “This is prime development and it’s being lost to disrepair.”
At least one of the buildings on the site is eligible for landmark status and city officials say a mixed-use redevelopment plan will include all of the old buildings.
“Summerfest At The Pier” will kick off on Saturday, July 10, with various movies and concerts and day-long festivals designed to support local artists and vendors. For a list of the events, visitwww.downtownsi.com.
Summerfest Movies Promo
SUMMERFEST MOVIES AT THE PIER 2010
July 2010
Click here for the official site
GLIMPSE OF MAN BY RYAN COLFORD
GLIMPSE OF MAN ARTIST STATEMENT:
Glimpse of Man series is an intimate and sensual look at the male form. There is an element of barriers removed and inhibitions cast aside. My focus on the male form is to expose the beauty of man without shame. Society and culture has de-sexualized the male form – from the clothing choices to interactions with other men. One of my main goals is to present a positive and acceptable image of male sexuality. The Glimpse of Man is an exploration both for the model and the viewer. Each image has its own context and story that can be felt and interpreted on various levels.
I invite the viewer to truly appreciate the life, sexuality and energy of man.
~Ryan Colford
St. George Ferry Terminal Ramp Facelift is Funded with Stimulus Dollars
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The city’s largest stimulus project will give Staten Island commuters a safer, more inviting, and more efficient gateway to the borough.
The rehabilitation of the St. George Ferry Terminal’s aging bus ramps, parking lot and access roads and walkways will begin next month. The ramps where riders wait for buses still bear their 30-plus-year-old dingy brick facades, but the structures will get new lighting, better seating, and an overall improved look.
The three-and-a-half-year project, which is paid for with $175 million in federal funding, includes a study of Richmond Terrace and Bay Street traffic near the terminal, to improve access to the ferry. The project was a main priority even before the stimulus program was announced, said city Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, and it is expected to be a major benefit for the ferry’s 65,000 daily riders.
While construction is under way, parking will be tougher than ever, and commuters will have to sidestep the work until the project wraps up in early 2013.
The initial preparation stage, scheduled to begin in May and expected to take about three months, will include the relocation of the ferry’s taxi stand to a new area at the base of the terminal steps on the ballpark side. The move coincides with the start of a new program to match commuters with dispatched car service cabs.
Modifications also will be made to the terminal’s passenger pickup and drop-off area below the ramps. Traffic islands on Richmond Terrace outside the terminal entrances will be removed, and temporary signals will go up to direct traffic.
In the next phases, the ramps will be reconstructed, and a new, straight, North Ramp will be built alongside the ballpark, to replace the existing curved ramp that leads to Wall Street.
A new elevator vestibule will be installed on the ballpark side of the terminal to improve accessibility, and an employee breezeway will also get a facelift.
PARKING LOT FIX
The municipal parking lot between the ferry and the ballpark lot will be repaved, and a new drainage system will be installed. The DOT promises to maintain at least 300 parking spaces at all times while the lot is under construction.
Ms. Sadik-Khan noted that the new St. George Parking Garage up the hill on Central Avenue has only been at about 30 percent capacity since it opened earlier this year, so there will be plenty of room for displaced commuters who can manage the hike.
Work will be done between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with occasional night work, and measures will be taken to minimize construction noise, with sound mufflers added to equipment, she said.
As “the front door to Richmond Terrace,” the new ramps will incorporate “more light, more natural air, and furniture of a quality we can be proud of in a world-class city,” Ms. Sadik-Khan said.
Pigeon deterrents, like netting, will eventually be installed underneath the ramps to protect wary pedestrians passing below.
SAFETY MEASURES
Brighter lighting, and wider walkways with room set aside for both cyclists and pedestrians, will be a big improvement for public safety, said Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore).
“It really will be a boon to Staten Island,” she said, adding she hopes the improved access to the ballpark esplanade and Bay Street Landing corridor will tie into future development plans for the North Shore waterfront.
“It’s not an easy project, but it’s one that has to be done,” said Leticia Remauro, chairwoman of Community Board 1. “I think DOT is trying their best to do this quickly and to have a well-thought-out traffic plan,” she said.
Ms. Remauro said the project is an opportunity to improve safety for pedestrians, many of whom now cross in front of turning buses to get to the ramps and enter the terminal. Building a new North Ramp for vehicles, but maintaining the existing curved ramp for pedestrians only, would be safer for people walking, she said, and could open up space for vendors to set up carts with souvenirs or artwork for sale, and possibly a bike rental kiosk, to draw visitors out of the terminal and into the cultural offerings and restaurants of downtown St. George.
DOT has said the existing ramp, which has taken a beating from heavy truck and vehicle traffic over the years, cannot remain.
“With a little thought to the traffic pattern inside the terminal and with the proper signage, this project could be the catalyst to finally do what CB 1 has been trying to do for ages, get tourists off the ferry to spend money in our community,” Ms. Remauro said.
“One of the results of my fight to bring resources to our district was that we received the single, largest Recovery Act project in New York City — $175 million in funding to rehabilitate the Ferry’s ramps, said Rep. Michael McMahon. “Now that the project is getting under way, Staten Islanders will continue to see the full benefits of the Recovery Act — with new jobs being created and our aging transportation infrastructure being modernized. No longer is Staten Island the forgotten borough.”
—
twitter.com/siadvance
© 2010 SILive.com. All rights reserved.
New York Main Street Grant Program
New York Main Street (NYMS) Grant Program
Design Criteria
The Guidelines are intended to assist in applying standards to projects generally; consequently, they are not meant to give case-specific advice or address exceptions or rare instances. For example, they cannot tell you which feature of the building are important and must be preserved. This kind of careful case-by-case decision-making is best accomplished by seeking assistance from qualified professionals in the planning stage of the project. Such professionals include architects, architectural historians, historians, archeologists, and others who are skilled in the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of the historic properties.
1) Historic Photos should guide the rehabilitation project. During the 1930’s, local governments began to use photography as a tool for appraising real property for taxation purposes. New York City was the largest municipality to adopt this technology. The result was 720,000 35mm black and white images of every property in the five Boroughs. These photos can show historic elements that have been hidden, such as transoms and cast iron posts.
2) Improvements should create storefronts that 1.) Preserve the original character of the storefront, 2.) Facilitate commercial activity on Victory Boulevard and 3.) are in accordance with the City of New York’s guide for storefront improvement
3) Improvements should make certain that no damage is done to the facades. These projects should ensure long-term benefits to the improved buildings; hence, it is important to work with professionals well versed in the rehabilitations that you are contemplating (i.e. cast iron, masonry, wood, etc).
4) Projects should not bring about changes to the building that are of a different style than the original. This is not to say that all improvements must be bona fide replicas of the original design, but that the goal of the improvement should work to respect the original design and character of the building as much as possible.
Tompkinsville Facade Improvement Program Fact Sheet
The Downtown Staten Island Council’s
Tompkinsville Façade Improvement Program
Funded by New York Main Street Grant & Office of Community Renewal
New York City Department of Small Business Services
The Staten Island Foundation
TOMPKINSVILLE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM FACT SHEET
The New York Main Street Program for the Tompkinsville community provides partial grants for the restoration, repair and renovation of commercial and residential units.
The following activities can be funded in part through the NYMS Program:
Building Renovation: Local Program Administrators (LPAs)* may provide participating owners with matching renovation grants of up to $50,000/building for first and/or second floor civic/commercial use, plus an additional $25,000 for each residential unit, not to exceed 75% of Total Project Cost or $150,000/building, whichever is less. Building renovation grants may be for façade renovations or interior work. All work must comply with the standards of the State of Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, for properties eligible for the historic register, and with local design guidelines. If the façade does not meet design standards as noted above, a façade renovation will be required.
*The Downtown Staten Island Council (LPA) received $175,000 in funding for Building/Façade Renovation.
Streetscape Enhancement: Grants of up to $60,000* for programs to plant trees and other landscaping, install street furniture and trash receptacles, provide appropriate signs in accordance with a local signage plan, and other appurtenant activities. Distinctive street lighting may be eligible for funding where applicants can satisfy all feasibility issues.
*The Downtown Staten Island Council (LPA) received $25,000 in funding for Streetscape Enhancements.
Project Requirements:
All projects must be approved prior to any work being done by Downtown Staten Island Council staff and advisory board members.
This program will reimburse completed projects when it is deemed complete by fulfilling the approved scope of work by the DSIC staff and Advisory board members.
Projects must meet the following programs requirements and be located within the approved Tompkinsville Improvement District target area.
Requirements for eligible properties
- First-floor Façade of commercial buildings within the target area.
- Building renovations which include first floor facades and the interior space of the residential units.
- Meet residential unit requirements for post-construction tenancy.
Priority grants will be given to:
- Projects which demonstrate a stabilizing effect on the Tompkinsville community.
- Properties where immediate action will help alleviate or prevent dangers to the health and safety of the community.
- Historic properties in danger of being lost in part, or in total, to disrepair or damage,
- Properties where façade improvement would reduce blight or contribute to the economic recovery of the target area, or
- Commercial properties with a residential component
Notification/Outreach Process:
- The Downtown Staten Island Council (DSIC) will provide informational workshops on the New York Main Street program.
- To find out dates and to attend our workshops, please visit our website at: www.downtownsi.com
- Downtown Staten Island Council (DSIC) will also be conducting outreach in the community with information provided by door to door canvassing, press releases and news stories in the Staten Island Advance. Information is also posted on the DSIC website.
Target Areas:
To find out if your property or business is in our target area, please visit our website at www.downtownsi.com or call our office to receive a fax listing of eligible storefronts and properties at 718-273-6369. Please leave your name, property address, phone and fax number to receive a listing. Fax: 718-720-1976
Application Process
- Applicants will be considered in the order they are received by Downtown Staten Island Council and until funds are available.
- Applicants will be notified within 30 days of the submission of a completed application of the disposition of the application.
- A formal letter will be sent to all applicants and approved projects will also be published on the DSIC website.
- A member of the Downtown Staten Island Council will discuss the ‘scope of work’ and initial estimate of cost with the applicant.
- A site visit will be conducted by DSIC staff and the Advisory Board to determine that the applicant has met the eligibility requirements.
The applicant will be responsible for paying all agreed upon repairs, but Downtown Staten Island Council will not reimburse more than the costs identified in the 2009 Request for Proposals document.
Interim Financing
Downtown Staten Island Council will assist applicants with exploring opportunities for outside financing.
Priorities for Scope of Work
1- Immediate health and safety concerns
2- The correction of code violations
3- Addressing any lead-based paint hazards that may exist in buildings that contain residential units.
4- Installation of energy conservation measures
5- Consistency with any other local program design guidelines
6- Preservation of historic elements of the building
Scope of Work:
DSIC and property owner will sign-off on a scope of work before the owner is authorized to seek bids for work.
Scope of work must meet requirements of the New York Main Street program, the Office of the State Historic Preservation Office and the Housing Trust Fund Corporation.
Contractors:
- DSIC will provide a list of recommended contractors which meet the standards of the program. This includes women and minority owned vendors.
- A minimum of two bids are required prior to project approval.
- All contractors must be based on Staten Island and be licensed and insured. Proof is required.
Contracting Procedures:
DSIC will enter into a contract with the property owner to provide details on the agreed upon the New York Main Street grant, subject to the property owner entering into a contract based on the agreed upon scope of the project and work beginning within 30 days of DSIC approval.
Contract between DSIC and the property owner will specify that the payment will be made after all work is completed and approved.
DSIC has the right to inspect all work at anytime and cancel the contract should the work being done be inconsistent with the standards mentioned in the preceding sections or if problems arise with the workmanship or if insurance is not maintained by the contractor.
Obligations of Property Owners:
- Required to maintain the property assisted with New York Main Street funds for a period of seven years after final payment is made.
- Residential units assisted with the New York Main Street funds must be marketed and priced for low income households for the seven year period.
- A declaration must be signed by the property owner and approved by the Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) and registered at the office of the Richmond County Clerk.
- In the event of non-compliance or resale, the amount of grant funds will be subject to repayment in accordance with a simple annual declining balance, based on the seven- year enforcement period.
It’s Tax Time!
Check out Downtown Staten Island tax services available at
your local Liberty Tax office!
Staten Island, NY Liberty Tax Service, the fastest growing tax service ever is opening a new office in at 400 Victory Boulevard in Downtown Staten Island. Offices are open from 9am to 9pm during tax season. Tax professionals will provide free tax advice!
Go visit Grace Donnery and Michael Liderman at Liberty Tax now!
Phone: 718-698-8299
Email: affordtaxesllc@aim.com
The office is owned and operated by V
incent Ferrara. When you visit a Liberty Tax office, you can rely on real help
from real people – and for products and tax services with real benefits!
MTA Public Hearing
In December the MTA unveiled a package of service cuts that is a slap in the face to millions of New Yorkers across the five boroughs. Your borough now faces critical cuts in service that will negatively affect the commutes of thousands of Staten Island residents each day. Please click here to sign our petition and oppose these cuts! Also, please attend the MTA’s public hearing in Staten Island and the NYC Council’s oversight hearing on these cuts. Details are below:
MTA Public Hearing
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
6:00 p.m.
College of Staten Island, Springer Concert Hall
1P Building, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island
NYC Council Transportation Oversight Hearing
Thursday, February 25, 2010
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
(For a complete list of public hearings by the MTA, click here.)
Among the proposed cuts to your borough are:
- Elimination of Student MetroCards
- $40 million in cuts to Access-a-Ride
- Buses to be Completely Eliminated: X6, S42#, S60, S67, X6, X9, X13#, X16, X18 and X20
- Buses to be eliminated on Weekends: S54, S76, S86 and X28
- Buses to have Shortened Services: B64, S54, S57 and S66
- Discontinuation of the Staten Island Railway Special Service
# Service partially or entirely replaced by another bus route
Take Action!
Help us collect signatures for our petition, which we will deliver to each of the MTA’s public hearings. You can find our petition online by clicking here.
Sign up to volunteer! If you would like to volunteer, please contact Nick Rolf at NROLF@council.nyc.gov.
Message from Council Speaker Christine Quinn:
Urge the MTA to find alternative ways to prevent these terrible cuts. To contact the MTA by phone, dial (212) 878-7483; to contact them by e-mail, click here. The NYC Council and the Straphangers Campaign have proposed an alternate budget solution that will allow us to avoid these painful service cuts. To read more about our plan click here. Or click here to read our Op-Ed in the Daily News. With your help we can stop these drastic cuts and ensure greater input from Staten Island residents in the MTA’s budget process.
