Known by Staten Islanders as simply “The Dump”, the Fresh Kills landfill, the world’s largest until closing in 2001, will be transformed from a smelly wasteland into a world class park, triple the size of Manhattan’s Central Park. It will be the largest reclamation project in the world, according to the city. Portions are scheduled to be open to the public in 2009. Phases continue to 2035! Read the ambitious Master Plan for these 2,200 acres.
Opened in 1948, the Fresh Kills landfill was meant to close after two years. But by 1986 it was handling 22,000 TONS of waste per day and in 1991 it became the sole destination for all of NYC’s garbage. It closed on March 22, 2001.
A MILLION tons of debris from the terrorist attacks of 9/11 was sifted at a Fresh Kills location. A permanent memorial is planned to mark the location.
For more interesting facts about this colorful piece of New York real estate check this link to the Staten Island Advance.
As a long time resident of Staten Island, and having lived in Travis (downwind of the future park), I am happy to see the Mayor’s Office give something back to this oft neglected borough.
Geography trivia: The highest point on the eastern seaboard (Atlantic Coastal Plain) is located on Todt Hill, Staten Island.
