The consultant team will provide professional land use andtransportation planning, as well as market analysis and feasibilitystudies, according to a release from NYEDC. The study areaencompasses about six miles of shoreline along the Kill van Kulland includes the neighborhoods of Mariner's Harbor, Arlington, PortRichmond, Elm Park, West Brighton, Livingston, New Brighton and St.George, all within walking distance of the former North Shore Railright-of-way. St. George is also home to the Staten IslandFerry.

"From the restoration of the North Shore Railroad to theexpansion of the Containerport, the North Shore of Staten Island isripe for opportunity, job creation, mass transit and a betterquality of life for every neighborhood," says James P. Molinaro,Staten Island borough president, in a release. He adds that it's"vitally important" to work together "to ensure that the NorthShore Study does not die on the vine, but instead helps us toachieve these worthwhile goals on Staten Island."

The release says the study is intended to create a framework andlong-term vision and planning implementation strategy forsustainable development within this 3.5-square-mile area ofprivately and publicly-owned property, identifying short-termactions to jump-start early initiatives. It will also research thepotential for reusing the North Shore Rail right-of-way.