Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo, a Republican, has launched a campaign advocating for Staten Island to explore independence from New York City, citing long-standing grievances over representation, infrastructure, and city policies. On Friday, Pirozzolo read his self-drafted “Staten Island Independence Declaration” at the historic site of the former Rose and Crown Tavern, drawing parallels between the borough’s situation and the revolutionary era.
“We have petitioned time and time again for fairness, for reliable transportation, for safe streets and for our local voices to be heard,” Pirozzolo asserted, criticizing city leadership for neglecting Staten Island’s roads, businesses, and ferry services while imposing taxes comparable to Manhattan.
The push builds on decades of discussion about secession. A 1993 referendum showed 65 percent of voters supported independence, but the effort was blocked by the State Assembly. Local officials previously pursued studies and legislation to assess feasibility, envisioning a borough government with a county executive, mayor, and local council.
More recently, Borough President Vito Fossella funded a 2023 study to examine the potential impact of an independent Staten Island, with support from officials across party lines. Councilmember Joe Borelli has also introduced legislation to form commissions studying the logistics and financial implications of secession, noting the borough’s limited control over city services and resources.
The campaign coincides with the election of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who received only 22.7 percent of the vote on Staten Island. Local Republicans, including Councilmembers David Carr and Frank Morano, emphasized that collaboration will depend on recognition of the borough’s unique needs. Carr noted that if the Mayor-elect works with local officials on improving quality of life and protecting neighborhoods, “then we could have a productive relationship.”
Pirozzolo acknowledged that achieving independence would be a long-term process but said he intends to update previous studies and evaluate Staten Island’s ability to self-govern, citing examples such as the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the City of Yes zoning plan as evidence of the borough’s limited influence over citywide policy.
