I am new to posting at the DU but an avid reader. I am involved with saving 15 acres in Staten Isl.
I belong to the committee to Save Mount Manresa which formed in May by Community Board 1, on Staten Island to do everything possible to protect and preserve Mount Manresa . It was sold by the Jesuits to the builder Salvo for $15.5 million and the sale is scheduled to close at the beginning of August.
The land is mostly natural landscape containing very rare tall old Oak and Tulip trees and hills which ate part of the terminal moraine formed during the last Ice Age 20,000 years ago . The land is mostly pristine having never been farmed or mined.
This natural landscape is very beautiful and is home to many animals including deer. In 2010 it should have been zoned as a Natural Designated Area but was not by the City Planners under The Mayors plan to down zone most neighborhoods to prevent rapid unchecked building and to preserve green spaces like Mount Manresa.
Ironically the reverse happened pertaining to Mount Manresa. . instead of being preserved , this beautiful large tract of mostly natural land had its zoning changed to permit even a higher density of housing to be built in the event the Jesuits would ever sell. Three years later they did exactly that and now this ecological gem that must become a public park is in great danger of being destroyed and gone forever.
We are a grassroots group of local citizens from the six community's around Mount Manresa with no prior experience but are fighting hard to try to save this natural landscape before it is too late.
The vast majority of Staten Islanders and city or state residents have never visited Mount Manresa and do not know what is at stake. It is difficult to become passionate about something you never experienced or seen. If you saw the natural beauty of Mount Manresa you would fight to protect and preserve it as a public park so everyone can enjoy.
Politicians in support of the goals of this committee are State Senator Dianne Sorvino, State Assemblywoman Nicole Malitikos and City Council woman Debbie Rose. We have an online petition which can be accessed through our website : http://savemountmanresa.com Any assistance in the matter is most welcomed
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