Councilmember Hanks delivers statement in strong support of Curtis High School Annex

I would like now to recognize Councilmember Haynes, who has some questions.

I would like to give a statement.

Okay.

Okay.

Thank you, Chair.

Every student on Staten Island deserves to access.

access to high quality education and in a learning environment that's equipped to meet their needs.

And that's why I strongly support this proposed expansion of Curtis High School at 25 Wall Street, which will address longstanding overcrowding while creating new opportunities for generations of students.

We also need to be honest about the future of this property.

The privately owned site at 25 Wall Street will not remain a parking lot forever.

The question is whether the city will act now to ensure this development has a lasting public benefit.

With Curtis High School already in urgent need of additional space, we cannot afford to let this opportunity pass.

Curtis has a proud history of academic achievement, innovation, and its nursing program has become one of the school's greatest assets and one of the greatest programs on the Eastern Seaboard.

At the time that our city is facing a growing need for nurses and other healthcare professionals, expanding this program gives students a direct pathway to these careers is both a smart educational investment

and a workforce necessity.

This expansion will allow more students to access the nursing program while giving Curtis space and resources needed to support student success.

And I have worked closely with the New York City Public Schools to secure a commitment that the program will be expanded and properly supported and positioned to thrive in this new building.

And I understand the concerns surrounding density, neighborhood impacts, and the potential loss.

of parking.

And these concerns are real and will be and must be addressed with serious planning and meaningful mitigation.

But Staten Islanders deserve a clear answers on traffic, infrastructure, parking, and quality of life as this project moves forward.

But we cannot lose track of what's at stake here.

Curtis High School is overcrowded today.

And the young people across Staten Island who are looking for real pathways into strong, in-demand careers today.

The choice is not between addressing community concerns and investing in our students.

We must do both.

At 25 Wall Street, we have the opportunity to relieve overcrowding, expand a proven nursing program, and create a direct pipeline into healthcare careers our borough depends on.

This is not simply an investment in a building.

It is investment in Staten Island students, its workforce, and its future.

And that is why I'm proud to support this project, and I hope my colleagues will also support this project.

I'd like to thank the Planning and Land Use Division.

Thanks to Amoy Barnes, the Senior Executive Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Andrea Bender.

SCA VP External Affairs, and Dr.

Roderick Pouton, the Staten Island District 31 Superintendent.

And I want to give a shout out to my new interns who are here, and Ms.

Livvy Joy and Chase from Staten Island.

And thank you, Chair, for the indulgence.

Of course.

Does anyone else have any remarks or questions?