downtown staten island

three distinct neighborhoods

Welcome to Downtown Staten Island – three unique neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and offerings. St. George, Tompkinsville, and Stapleton are the “towns” that make up our premier waterfront community.  While each neighborhood maintains its own distinct character, they complement one another and collaborate toward a shared goal:  preserving the pride and legacy of Downtown Staten Island, while embracing opportunities to thrive and grow.

downtown staten island

how to get here

• FROM MANHATTAN Take the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Manhattan to St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island.  Ferries run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are free of charge.  Click here for more information.
   
• FROM BROOKLYN/LONG ISLAND By car, use the lower  level of the Verrazano Bridge (there will be a toll).  Stay far right and take the first exit toward Bay Street.  Continue about a quarter-mile to the traffic light.  Make a left onto Bay Street and continue for about a mile.  Downtown Staten Island runs along Bay Street from Vanderbilt Avenue at its southernmost part, to the ferry terminal in St. George at its northernmost part.  There is also bus service from Brooklyn to Staten Island.  Click here for information.
   
• FROM NEW JERSEY Three bridges connect New Jersey to Staten Island: the Bayonne Bridge, the Goethals Bridge, and the Outerbridge Crossing.  Click on the respective bridges for directions.

business resources

Open for Business

Already have a business in Downtown Staten Island?  Thinking of starting one?  There’s never been a better time, and we’re here to help.  From information about area demographics and opportunities, to marketing your services, to navigating regulations, we’ve got the resources you need.  Call us at 718.727.1900 or email JDugo@sichamber.com.

Commercial District Needs Assessment

Did you know?  Total business sales in Downtown Staten Island over the last ten years have increased by 109%!  And there’s room for more growth, as there’s an additional $298.2M in unmet consumer demand.  Check out our Commercial District Needs Assessment to read all about this and more.

NYC Small business Services

In 2017, the NYC Department of Small Business Services – through its Neighborhood 360 program – granted over $1 million to the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation to implement plans to revitalize the Downtown Staten Island Commercial District, including:

• Street cleaning

• Holiday lighting

• Branding & marketing campaigns

• Street pole banners

• Tree bed beautification

• And more …

Staten Island Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is the largest and most influential business organization on Staten Island, with more than 125 years experience helping businesses reduce their costs, increase their sales and protect their interests.   Click here to learn about all the resources available for new and existing businesses.

SBDC

The Small Business Development Center at CSI provides customized solutions through advisement, education, research, and advocacy for entrepreneurs, innovators, and the small and medium enterprise community — at no charge. Learn more here. The SBDC has collaborated with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation to support the Downtown Staten Island “Experience” found on this site.

Commercial Corridor Challenge

Local Initiatives Support Corporation, working in collaboration with the Neighborhood 360 program, recently introduced the Commercial Corridor Challenge, providing funding and technical assistance that allowed for immediate storefront and streetscape improvements and retail attraction and retention in Downtown Staten Island.  Find out more here.

Staten Island Arts

The local arts council, working with partners at the Design Trust for Public Space and the NYC Department of Small Business Services, has been working to connect the arts to economic development in Downtown Staten Island.  Recent projects include:

• CourtYard Fridays

• Sonic Gates

• Cinema Connex

100 Gates Project

Already known for its vibrant street art scene, Downtown Staten Island just got a boost from the renowned art project that began in NYC’s Lower East Side.  Roll-down gates on businesses across the neighborhood have been transformed into striking murals.  See some here.

The SMall business resource network (SBRN)

Launched in response to the crisis facing many of the city’s 230,000+ small businesses in the wake of COVID-19, the Small Business Resource Network provides free resources for small business, including grants & loans, digital marketing, getting online, lease negotiations, and much more. Click here to learn more.

community resources

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LIBRARY FINDER

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