The Staten Island ExpresswayFrom The Peopling of New York City
The CreationThe decision to a create a direct route from Brooklyn and Long Island to central and southern New Jersey was approved in 1957. The expressway was constructed in the hope of increasing Staten Island business trade and expanding sales throughout the tri-state area. However, local officials quickly realized that this was not practical, since interstate relations also meant paying tolls and extra fees. In addition, Staten Island businesses were not designed to serve a universal consumer. On the contrary, most business owners pride themselves in having a “neighborly” quality. Some believe that the expressway was not particularly successful in achieving its original goal, but has served as a convenient form of travel and connecting mechanism.
 Image of Traffic on The Staten Island Expressway, courtesy of photobucket.com More Than Just the "Pass Through" BoroughThe Verrazano Birdge provides the vital connection to Brooklyn, as well as the rest of New York City. Without this structure, Staten Island would have remained almost completely isolated and the identity of the borough would have been quite different. Similarly, the expressway aided to the island's "connector" identity. Both of the mentioned forms of transportation have undoubtedly lead Staten Island to be perceived as a “pass through borough". I have spoken with several people who seem to agree that it is simply tragic that tourists are not drawn to the island, due to dated stereotypes and perceptions of “just the dump borough.”  The Staten Island Boardwalk is a favorite spot for many residents and tourists alike, courtesy of flickr.com
In a New LightThere are many fantastic elements of Staten island that offer a different form of splendor than the typical New York sites. More accurate perceptions and positive attention seems to be developing, as Staten Island begins to develop several attractions, including beautifully renovated boardwalks and piers. Also, the Staten Island Ferry provides for a trip-worthy view of the New York Harbor. Hopefully this and other attractions will transform the island into a must-see site among New York City tourists and create a new name for our borough.
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