© 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Advance Local Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here Ad Choices Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations A driver struck and killed an 80-year-old man who was walking across a busy Staten Island street a block from his home The crash happened at Hylan Boulevard and Benton Avenue in Dongan Hills around 9:30 a.m was crossing the boulevard from the east when a 65-year-old woman driving north in a 2008 Ford Edge hit him Wu was transported to Staten Island University North Hospital The woman stayed at the scene and no arrests were made Officials said they were still investigating how fast the woman was driving and what the traffic signals at the intersection were displaying at the time Wu’s death was the first traffic fatality this year in the NYPD’s 122nd Precinct, which includes Dongan Hills and much of Hylan Boulevard along Staten Island’s South Shore, according to police data. There was one traffic death in the precinct from Jan. 1 to March 2 last year, compared to zero over the same period in 2025. This story is based on preliminary information from police and may be updated. The city alleges in a lawsuit that the Geo Group, a private contractor, has failed to secure required city approvals. The Legal Aid Society cites a Gothamist report showing thousands jailed instead of receiving summonses — including two men who died in custody. Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily. Gothamist is a website about New York City news 2023) The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) today announced the completion of a $4.17 million capital project that replaced water mains and sewers and rebuilt streets and sidewalks over nine blocks in Dongan Hills which started construction in September 2021 was completed on budget and six months ahead of its original anticipated completion date of late-June 2023 water mains and sewers that have been built in this Dongan Hills neighborhood will directly improve the quality of life for the residents living there,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T because our partners at DDC completed the construction of the new sewers and catch basins six months ahead of schedule the neighborhood’s drainage system has been fortified prior to the start of summer when heavy rainfall is most common.” “We are thrilled to partner with our sister agencies to bring these critical upgrades to Dongan Hills,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez “The brand new roadway and pedestrian ramps will enhance safety and mobility for all users and the infrastructure improvements will help protect against flooding and strengthen our resiliency in this vibrant community as we battle climate change in New York City.” “Most DDC projects are completed on time or faster and this one was six months ahead of schedule which saves the City money and reduces the effects of construction on local residents and businesses,” said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley “I’d like to congratulate the DDC team for managing this project so effectively and for saving New Yorkers significant time and money on this important project.” and DOT for their speedy completion of this crucial infrastructure upgrade for the Dongan Hills community Neighborhoods like this that have experienced constant flooding need these improvements to provide relief during severe storms,” said Borough President Vito Fossella DOT and DDC for their work on fixing longstanding issues in the Dongan Hills area,” said Councilmember David Carr “This project replaced rundown roads and sidewalks over 2,500 feet of old water mains and almost 600 feet of sanitary sewers and also added over 1,000 feet of new storm sewers and 12 catch basins Their coordination and effective planning led to both the completion of this project six months ahead of time as well as on budget We hope to see this project used as a model for how other city projects should be handled.” “As we saw with Hurricanes Sandy or Ida Staten Islanders have repeatedly found themselves in unfortunate situations when our city experiences heavy rainfall,” Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis said “It’s not often that we hear that a government project is completed on budget and ahead of schedule so I thank the Administration for its commitment to the residents of Dongan Hills and I look forward to seeing the completion of other critical sewer and infrastructure projects in the near future.” which is centered around Hurlbert Street from Evergreen Avenue to Ruth Place replaced 2,691 feet of old 8-inch water mains with new more-durable ductile iron pipes More than 1,000 feet of new storm sewers were also installed at Hulbert and Xenia streets to help relieve street flooding along with 12 new catch basins to direct stormwater to the sewers An additional 587 feet of 10-inch diameter sanitary sewers were replaced with new ones and 10 old fire hydrants were replaced to improve the area’s fire response capability NYC is a trademark and service mark of the City of New York Privacy Policy. Terms of Use.  It’s one of the rites of spring for Little Leaguers across the country Players and coaches get to ring in the new season with a parade and season-opening ceremonies That was the case Saturday morning at Staten Island Little League in Dongan Hills where hundreds of baseball and softball players took centerstage as they ushered in a new season It was one of three Little League opening days around the Island on Saturday South Shore and Great Kills also conducted opening ceremonies As for Saturday, it was the 72nd opening day for Staten Island LL and the first under new president Chris Bruno who played at Staten Island LL as a young boy And why does the league mean so much to Bruno I played here a long time ago and I have three children playing in three divisions in softball and baseball so I’m really invested in the league,” he said “This is a place I grew up and learned and loved the game of baseball and I hoping for the same for my children.” Bruno thanked politicians NYC Councilman David Carr and State Sen Jessica Scarcella-Spanton as well as Mark Russo for their support of the loop Read the full article here. 1/67Staten Island Little League Opening Day.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Kara Buzga | For the Advance/SILive.comIt’s one of the rites of spring for Little Leaguers across the country On Friday, Snug Harbor LL threw out the first pitch on its season in rousing fashion West Shore and East Shore officially open their campaigns while Mid-Island’s opening ceremony is set for Friday As for Saturday, it was the 72nd opening day for Staten Island LL and the first under new president Chris Bruno “We are just looking for the kids coming out and to enjoy (the complex),” said Bruno who said the league took on a number of projects to improve the complex in the offseason (fences field work) to see that opening day and the 2024 season will be a success great group of coaches and board of directors to ensure that the league has thrived like it has over the past 72 years.” for all his work behind the scenes to make the league function smoothly and all the past presidents (Vinny Pimpinella Michael Colini and Kevin Moylan) who are still involved in the league in some capacity “It’s important they are still involved,” said Bruno “That’s why we are one big family here at Staten Island Little League.” Check out the gallery above for the best photos of the day And don’t forget to check out our subscriber benefit exclaimer below SUBSCRIBER BENEFIT: SILive.com is offering a new perk exclusively for subscribers: Log in, click on the photo gallery and choose GET PHOTO to download print-quality images free of charge. Plus, get 50% off the purchase of keepsakes. If you’re not already a subscriber, sign up here. Note to SILive.com mobile app users: To download high-resolution photos please access this report and gallery from a standard mobile or desktop/laptop web browser Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025) 1 / 28Derek AlvezStaten Island Little League 70th season opener in Dongan Hills Scenes from the 70th Staten Island Little League season opener League President Vinny Pimpinella at the 70th Staten Island Little League season opener Award recipient Vincent Pimpinella is flanked by Diane and Michael Colini and father Vinny Pimpinella at the 70th Staten Island Little League season opener Future star six-year old Connor and father Rob Jacobellis of Dongan Hills survey the field at the 70th Staten Island Little League season opener Brian Laughlin and league President Vinny Pimpinella at the 70th Staten Island Little League season opener New York District 24 Administrator Frank Cambria at the 70th Staten Island Little League season opener Firtst pitch lineup: Councilman David Carr Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella and Silvie Trapani at the 70th Staten Island Little League season opener .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Maura Grunlund | mauragrunlund@siadvance.comStaten Island Advance/Bill LyonsA group of men enter the new mosque on Burgher Avenue in Dongan Hills for evening prayers The mosque will have an invitation-only open house on Friday.STATEN ISLAND -- The Muslim American Society of Staten Island and Brooklyn which was rebuffed in its efforts to establish a mosque and community center in Midland Beach has quietly purchased a former Hindu temple in Dongan Hills for its purposes The confirmation of the society’s new location ends speculation among neighbors about what was going on in the building for sale down the block where men were seen filing in and out on a daily basis for the past few weeks Some neighbors profess concern about the project although it remains to be seen whether the vitriol will match the levels reached last year when the society eyed the former convent at St Church in Midland Beach; the society contracted to buy the building before the parish trustees vetoed the property transfer changed hands in June and the building is undergoing renovation an invitation-only open house for immediate neighbors clergy and elected representatives is planned for Friday a physical therapist and president of the society’s Staten Island/Brooklyn chapter The chapter has maintained a similar center in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn for more than 10 years Sadeia said rumors of a $1 million price tag “The plan is that the center will serve the Staten Island community with education “The activities and center will be available for everybody after the official opening The building has been used as a community center for several years Activities are to include Boy and Girl Scouts dialogues and discussions about current events and religious education and prayer The Dongan Hills center has two multipurpose halls “A good part of the Muslim community doesn’t know about it because it’s not officially open yet,” Dr the building already is buzzing with activity “I can’t stand it; there’s too much noise.” complained about music and chanting which she says emanate from the building “It starts around 5 o’clock in the morning.” about 12 cars were in evidence and there seemed to be no spillover to neighborhood streets There was no discernible noise from the building A neighborhood couple who requested anonymity said the “hundreds” of people coming and going on a daily basis had piqued their curiosity about the building but anti-American rhetoric would be something else again requesting anonymity because she works in media fretted that some area residents might have a negative reaction to the center but it’s going to bring trouble,” she said but what I know is going to happen is that other people are not going to say live and let live And people are going to start doing things to try to turn them out — because there are closed-minded people.” But another neighbor didn’t foresee problems I have nothing to be concerned over at the moment.” -- Advance staffer Michael Sedon contributed to this report Staten Island is know for having some of the best pizza in the world Now there is a new spot in Dongan Hills that's raising the bar "We knew that people would enjoy our pizza but we have been getting rave reviews constant call backs," said Stephen Licastri Dough by Licastri opened just last month in a tiny building off Richmond Road in Dongan Hills Co-owner Stephen Licastri is a native Staten Islander whose has a long history in the borough Philip first developed the family dough recipe in the early 1900's delivering bread by horse and buggy until he opened a place of his own in South Beach "My grandfather opened up Licastri Bakery in 1919 which we were probably the premier bakery at that time," he said Stephen started working there at just 7 years old  The family then opened the original Ciro's Restaurant in Dongan Hills Now he's doing what he loves in a place of his own with a menu that includes some not so traditional items where the dough starts in a deep fryer and gets finished in the oven that's started in the oven and finished on this grill All topped he says with only the freshest ingredients like this burrata cheese Licastri says it all comes back to the dough  It has a slow proof time which creates a lot of flavor and a lot of crunch and texture," said Licastri who now has his own spot to carry on this family tradition Dough by Licastri doesn't have a dining room it's mainly carryout and delivery for now but they plan to open a deck with outdoor seating come the summer This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Pamela Silvestri | Food editorSTATEN ISLAND a freshly renovated Wendy's in Dongan Hills was primed to open The work crew bustled around the restaurant ready to greet patrons a cake-cutting and celebratory photos -- it was time to serve the burgers no -- despite dozens of customers trying to access the closed-off lot in the mizzly weather business was a no-go for several hours: There was an issue with the kitchen exhaust hood "We are open!" announced Laura Butrico a principal in The Rawson Group of New Jersey The Rawson Group owns the Wendy's franchises on Staten Island Meanwhile in other fast food business, Tim Horton's on Hylan Boulevard near Burgher Avenue anticipates mid-December as the inaugural day of service. And, the borough's Burger Kings will be renovated one-by-one Wendy's can be found at 1661 Hylan Blvd. \n m_gallery = \"wendys_in_dongan_hills_gets_re\";\n m_gallery_id = \"21612668\";\n m_gallery_title = \"Wendy\\'s in Dongan Hills gets ready to open after renovations\";\n m_gallery_blog_id = \"4499\";\n m_gallery_creation_date = \"Tuesday 12:00 PM\";\n m_gallery_permalink = \"http://photos.silive.com/4499/gallery/wendys_in_dongan_hills_gets_re/index.html\";\n m_gallery_json = \"https://blog.silive.com/photogallery/4499/21612668.json\";\n m_gallery_pagetype = \"embed\";\n m_gallery_type = \"photo\";\n <\/script>\n Gallery: Wendy's in Dongan Hills gets ready to open after renovations .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Carol Ann Benanti | benanti@siadvance.comSTATEN ISLAND --  It's always a pleasure to highlight individuals or organizations taking on new challenges and exploring new possibilities -- especially Staten Islanders who care deeply about the well being of our great borough has been appointed by Mayor Bill deBlasio as an ex-officio director on the board of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden In an official correspondence letter informing Greinsky of the appointment I thank you for agreeing to share your time with Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden." Greinsky has expressed her heartfelt thanks to the mayor for the position and looks with enthusiasm to bringing ideas innovative programs and even more visitors to the Harbor I'm looking forward to being part of the board Snug Harbor is a jewel with so much potential and what they have to offer is really fabulous to the whole city," she said Greinsky added: "The hopefulness of this is people will start to take full advantage of Snug Harbor and those coming over on the Ferry from New York City will realize it's quite a place to relax which are all a great part of the Harbor." Greinsky is a long time visitor to Snug Harbor the Carl Grillo (a famiy friend) Greenhouse the Chinese Scholar's Garden and the new vineyard Greinsky has always been an admirer of his artwork.As a director of adult programs at Elder Care Resources she has regularly brought visitors on trips to the Harbor friends and caregivers and navigates the often confusing world of health care services and melds them all together with the least inconvenience and prompt resolution of her client's needs She holds a master of science degree in education/recreation from CUNY Lehman College a certificate of Municipal Administration from California State University at Northridge and a bachelor of science degree in recreation from Lehman College she was recruited and served part-time on the congressional staff of the then Rep Michael McMahon as his primary adviser on health care a sports expert and former Advance columnist and member of the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee \n m_gallery = \"mayor_appoints_dongan_hills_re\";\n m_gallery_id = \"23339337\";\n m_gallery_title = \"Mayor appoints Dongan Hills resident to Snug Harbor board\";\n m_gallery_blog_id = \"4499\";\n m_gallery_creation_date = \"Thursday 11:54 PM\";\n m_gallery_permalink = \"http://photos.silive.com/4499/gallery/mayor_appoints_dongan_hills_re/index.html\";\n m_gallery_json = \"https://blog.silive.com/photogallery/4499/23339337.json\";\n m_gallery_pagetype = \"embed\";\n m_gallery_type = \"photo\";\n <\/script>\n Gallery: Mayor appoints Dongan Hills resident to Snug Harbor board 2015wabcDONGAN HILLS (WABC) -- One person was killed and three others were injured in a two-car crash on Staten Island Monday morning One of the drivers has been charged in the incident at the intersection of Hylan Boulevard and Old Town Road in Dongan Hills A blue 2014 Volkswagen Jetta and a red 2001 Hyundai Elantra collided The Jetta had been southbound on Hylan when the Hyundai attempted to make a left turn onto westbound Old Town Road and the Jetta hit a utility pole on the west side of Hylan A 32-year-old man was unconscious and unresponsive with head trauma and a 25-year-old-man who had been driving had head and body trauma An 18-year-old woman who was sitting in the back had neck and back pain All three were taken to Staten Island University Hospital's North Site where the 32-year-old passenger was pronounced dead The 25-year-old man is listed in critical and the woman is listed stable is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of motor vehicle and criminal possession of controlled substance The other car involved was driven by an 88-year-old who is also at Staten Island University Hospital with minor neck and back pain and there is no immediate word on criminality .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a} Enjoying dinner at Cafe Luna are from left Lydia and Michael Comito and Lydia and Matthew Sclafani (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti) — After nearly 30 years at the same location in the East Shore community of Dongan Hills  Café Luna continues to be a welcomed mainstay along Hylan Boulevard’s restaurant row and distinguishes itself as one of first dining spots on Staten Island to offer alfresco dining The cozy eatery where regulars return time and again for authentic Sicilian cuisine amid a casual also boasts an extensive selection of pizza — there are 13 — prepared with high quality ingredients and toppings cooked and served on genuine terracotta stone Michael Mortensen and Phil Isoldi enjoy dinner at Cafe Luna Cafe Luna's extensive menu reflects a variety of Mediterranean flavors each scripted in the Italian language with English translation Foodies will want to note the hefty selection of hot and cold appetizers including arancini (rice balls) calamari Dorati baked calamari with a flavorful breadcrumb topping and tasty fried zucchini the latter of which is often difficult to perfect Then there’s the hot out of the oven fluffy onion — and sometimes olives — that arrives in a traditional bread basket A Margherita (tomato and basil) pizza pie with half anchovies Homemade soups and pasta and an innovative selection of salads that would please even the most discerning palate are also incorporated into the bill of fare a type of round Sicilian sesame bread and a popular sandwich of chicken with toppings or steaks and burgers it appears as though Sal Leone and Vincent Nuccio have set their sights on dispelling the misconceptions associated with Sicilian cooking that some say employ the use of heavy sauces and gravies don’t leave without sampling the fettucine Pichi Pachi Chicken Paillard served over mixed greens and chopped tomatoes the lamb chops  with shallots and thyme in a Barolo wine sauce a 16-ounce chop with green peppercorn sauce Fresh fish such as filet of sole oreganato together with clams and mussels and a light tomato sauce and salmone served Dijon-style are other favorites They say the most famous creations of the Italian deep south are sweets and pastries a phenomenon which Café Luna obviously holds in high regard with a wonderful selection of scrumptious desserts of cheesecakes Sal and Vincent have a second Café Luna at 31 Page Ave in Tottenville situated in an outdoor shopping plaza take a quick gander at those who experienced all of the above on a typical Friday evening at the “oldie but goodie” eatery An illuminated sign hangs over Cafe Luna restaurant on Hylan Boulevard in Dongan Hills Dongan Hills (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri) Cafe Luna: Buffalo mozzarella in avocado with poached asparagus shrimp and clams over fresh spinach pappardelle at Cafe Luna Diners smile for the camera Friday night at Cafe Luna Friends toast during a birthday dinner in Cafe Luna Of the evening's specials was a kale salad Staffers smile for the camera at Cafe Luna Wine bottles attractively displayed on the bar of Cafe Luna  Café Luna continues to be a welcomed mainstay along Hylan Boulevard’s restaurant row cooked and served on genuine terracotta stone.  Borough President George Cromwell formed Hose Co the company was renamed Engine 159 and moved to 1592 Richmond Rd Fearful the horses would not be able to climb Four Corners Road Cromwell was helpful in securing one of the first motorized rigs to operate on the Island for the company Today Engine 159 continues to serve the community from their Richmond Road firehouse You won't see a sign for Lee's Tavern until you get inside where two etched mirrors have been hanging for as long as anyone can remember This family-run neighborhood pub serves up traditional pizza The Billiou-Stillwell-Perine House was built in1662: The house located at 1476 Richmond Road in Dongan Hills is Staten Island's oldest residential structure.The original section of the Dutch Colonial farmhouse was constructed of fieldstone and served as home to Pierre Billiou leader of the first permanent settlement in the borough The vintage home is one of the two or three oldest residential buildings in New York City and one of the oldest in America Trattoria Romana Ristorante serves up classic Southern Italian dishes plus thin-crust pizza Trattoria Romana owner Vittorio Asoli turns porcini and shitaki mushrooms into a wintry pasta dish in honor of the Daughter's of St Trains and commuters at the Dongan Hills train station with the opening of the Staten Island Railway The station's original name was Garretson's after the original name of the neighborhood of the same name The station's name changed after the neighborhood was renamed Dongan Hills (Staten Island Advance/Irving Silverstein) Royal Crown and Royal Cucina in Dongan Hills A traditional Chinese restaurant on Hylan Boulevard in Dongan Hills Jac Mao himself serves up Peking duck in rice-flour pillows at the Chinese New Year celebrations Pasticceria Bruno boasts outdoor dining and an extensive array of sweets lunch and breakfast items.(Staten Island Advance/ Bill Lyons) The grounds of the Richmond County Golf Course New York City's only private golf course more than 120 years old was originally a fox hunting club This longtime second floor eatery offers a full bar and traditional Italian cuisine.(Staten Island Advance photos) Survivor spirit: Staten Island Little League was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy (see video league but still had its opening day the following year in 2013 Cielo Restaurant offers traditional Italian fare The New York Public Library in Dongan Hills The renovated Dongan Hills branch of the New York Public Library: The young adult room is brimming with books Perkins Family Restaurant in Dongan Hills Perkins Family Restaurant staffers: Geri Anne Borkowski The kid-friendly restaurant chain has come to be known for its baked goods dinner items and cartoon character evenings (Staten Island Advance photo / Irving Silversten ) the former Italianate villa in Dongan Hills is a private club open to its members and their guests.(Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)