From the Top: Eric Adams Directly Ordered Cars Back Inside Staten Island Park

Former Mayor Eric Adams directly ordered city officials to reopen Silver Lake Park Road on Staten Island to vehicular traffic last spring, according to internal communications obtained through a Freedom of Information Law request. The directive prompted a rapid effort to restore car access to the parkway, which had been closed to vehicles since the start of the pandemic in favor of recreational use.

Mayor’s Directive Sparks Controversy

Emails reveal that the Department of Transportation Deputy Borough Commissioner Victoria Carstensen informed colleagues on April 24th that “Parks will be moving forward with opening Silver Lake Park Road to motor vehicles at the mayor’s directive.” This action followed a push from Staten Island’s conservative political leaders, including District Attorney Mike McMahon, Council Member Kamillah Hanks, and Borough President Vito Fossella, who had publicly called for the road’s reopening.

The speed with which the city responded to the mayor’s directive was noted in internal communications, with Carstensen acknowledging an “incredibly tight timeline” but expressing hope for assistance given the order’s origin. The decision came after a press conference held by local politicians and following an attempted rape of a 53-year-old woman jogging in the park, though officials argued without evidence that the park’s closure to cars contributed to the incident.

Safety Concerns and Conflicting Data

Advocates for maintaining the car-free zone argued that the stretch of road between Victory Boulevard and Forest Avenue had become a valuable space for outdoor recreation. They suggested the push to reopen the road was primarily driven by drivers seeking a shortcut. Data indicates that less than 2 percent of reported rapes in Staten Island occur in parks. Meanwhile, the borough experienced 4,611 reported crashes in 2025, resulting in 2,463 injuries.

Following the reopening, Rose Uscianowski, a Staten Island organizer with Transportation Alternatives, reported that the park and surrounding areas had become more deserted, as residents avoided the area due to increased traffic. A similar situation unfolded in Queens, where cars were allowed back onto Freedom Drive inside Forest Park in the final days of the Adams administration.

Looking Ahead

The current mayor could choose to revisit the decision regarding Silver Lake Park Road, potentially restoring the car-free zone. He has stated he will make a decision “once we have enough data to do so.” A coalition of open space advocates has already formally requested that he reverse the previous administration’s policies. It is also possible that similar debates will arise regarding other park roadways throughout the city, potentially leading to further policy reversals or continued advocacy for car-free spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the reopening of Silver Lake Park Road?

Internal communications show that the reopening was directly ordered by the then-mayor following a request from Staten Island politicians.

What concerns were raised by advocates against reopening the road?

Advocates argued that the road had become a valuable recreational space and that reopening it prioritized drivers over pedestrians and park users.

What is the current mayor’s stance on the issue?

The current mayor has stated he will review the situation and make a decision based on available data.

How might decisions like these impact the balance between prioritizing vehicular traffic and creating safe, accessible public spaces in cities?