A New Dawn for Staten Island's Waterfront
Staten Island's St. George waterfront, once a thriving hub for the U.S. Lighthouse Service General Depot, sat idle for decades, its potential buried under neglect. That changed with the completion of Lighthouse Point's first phase, a vibrant mixed-use development led by Governor Kathy Hochul's administration. With 115 residential units, 60,000 square feet of commercial space, and a walkable, transit-oriented design, this project breathes new life into the North Shore. It stands as a powerful example of how targeted public investment can transform communities and uplift residents.
The timing could not be more urgent. Families across New York grapple with a housing crisis that makes safe, affordable homes feel out of reach. Lighthouse Point, supported by $16.5 million from Empire State Development, directly addresses this challenge. Twenty percent of its units are permanently affordable, giving working families a chance to stay in their borough despite soaring costs. Every community deserves housing that serves its people, and this project delivers exactly that.
Located steps from the St. George Ferry Terminal, Lighthouse Point connects residents to Manhattan and beyond, making it easier for workers and families to access jobs and opportunities. The development preserves the site's historic Bay Street wall, blending maritime heritage with modern amenities like harbor-view terraces and rooftop lounges. This thoughtful integration of past and present creates a community where people find homes and opportunities to thrive. Can we afford to let such potential go untapped elsewhere?
Some voices argue against public funding for projects like this, insisting markets should lead the way. They claim deregulation alone can unlock housing supply without government interference. But history shows otherwise. Complex developments requiring historic preservation or site cleanup, like Lighthouse Point, often stall without public support. Private developers prioritize profit, frequently overlooking the broader community's needs. This project proves that state investment can bridge those gaps, delivering inclusive growth that markets rarely achieve alone.
The human impact of Lighthouse Point sets it apart. Over 1,200 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions have energized the North Shore's economy. Retail spaces, including a FRESH grocery store and the College of Staten Island Tech Incubator, nurture local entrepreneurship. Residents enjoy modern apartments with high ceilings, stainless steel appliances, and access to fitness centers. This development builds structures that foster opportunity and hope.
The Power of Public Commitment
Lighthouse Point highlights the essential role of public investment in creating equitable communities. Since the 1937 Housing Act established federal responsibility for housing, government programs have worked to ensure access for all. Initiatives like HOPE VI and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits have revitalized distressed areas by blending subsidized and market-rate units. Lighthouse Point carries this legacy forward, using $16.5 million in state funds to deliver affordable housing within a broader redevelopment vision.
The national housing crisis demands urgent action. A shortage of 7.1 million homes for low-income renters persists, and funding for affordable housing is shrinking. Cities like Portland have used $652.8 million in bonds to support 80 mixed-income projects, but delays and displacement risks underscore the need for consistent investment. Lighthouse Point's public-private partnership offers a model, combining state resources with private expertise to create lasting community benefits.
Certain perspectives advocate a market-driven approach, pushing for fewer zoning rules or repurposed federal land to boost housing supply. While streamlining regulations can help, it often fails to address affordability for the most vulnerable. Luxury developments flourish under deregulation, but low-income families are left behind. Lighthouse Point's commitment to 20 percent affordable units shows how public subsidies can ensure inclusivity while still supporting market-rate growth.
Transit-oriented development strengthens these efforts. By placing housing and businesses near transit hubs, projects like Lighthouse Point reduce car use by up to 40 percent and spark economic growth. The development's ferry terminal proximity boosts connectivity, lifts nearby property values by 15–25 percent, and supports pedestrian-friendly retail. This approach prioritizes sustainability and equity, creating neighborhoods where everyone can prosper.
A Blueprint for Tomorrow
Lighthouse Point's success reaches beyond Staten Island, aligning with a national push to reclaim urban waterfronts. Cities like San Francisco and Rochester have turned neglected shorelines into vibrant hubs, increasing tourism by 30 percent and property values by 20 percent while enhancing climate resilience. Lighthouse Point, with its green infrastructure and community-focused design, contributes to this movement, proving waterfronts can serve the public good.
Public-private partnerships drive these transformations. From Nashville's managed lanes to Alexandria's 373-unit affordable housing complex, P3s have mobilized billions by balancing risks and rewards. Lighthouse Point's $400 million scope, backed by state and city collaboration, demonstrates how such partnerships can tackle ambitious urban projects, delivering housing, jobs, and connectivity.
Challenges like affordability debates or traffic concerns persist, but they don't overshadow the project's impact. Lighthouse Point has created jobs, provided homes, and revitalized a long-ignored waterfront. Why accept decline when we can build communities that lift everyone up? This project shows what's possible when we prioritize people over profit.
Looking forward, Lighthouse Point serves as a guiding light. It proves that government can shape a fairer, more vibrant future through strategic investment. Staten Island's North Shore now thrives as a place where families and workers build their dreams. Let's take this vision nationwide, ensuring every community has the chance to shine.