New York City officials have announced a new plan to redevelop Staten Island’s North Shore, shifting from previous tourism-focused efforts to a neighborhood-centered approach. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and Council member Kamillah Hanks presented the proposal, which would transform Empire Outlets and the former New York Wheel site into a mixed-use district with up to 2,500 new homes.
The initiative follows months of community engagement involving more than 1,000 residents. The focus is now on providing housing for various income levels, expanding parkland, offering cultural programs, and adding retail options aimed at local residents rather than tourists.
NYCEDC stated that both Empire Outlets—a waterfront retail project that has struggled with tenant turnover and low visitor numbers—and the adjacent Wheel property would be rezoned to support new housing and improved public spaces. Renderings by FXCollaborative depict a pedestrian-friendly waterfront featuring green spaces, playgrounds, and an updated esplanade.
The first step in the redevelopment process will be undergoing the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), with an environmental review scheduled for early next year. The formal land-use process is expected to begin later in the year. This timeline allows for additional rounds of public input as well as political review before construction begins.
City officials emphasized that the plan addresses resident requests for reliable public access to the waterfront, youth-oriented activities, community gathering areas, and improved transit connections. A redesigned NYC Ferry route connecting St. George with Brooklyn and Wall Street is expected by year-end. Other ongoing projects in the area include upgrades at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, progress on Lighthouse Point’s next phase, and the opening of the Mary Cali Dalton Recreation Center next year.
This proposal builds upon Mayor Eric Adams’ North Shore Action Plan launched in 2023—a $400 million effort aimed at delivering 2,400 homes, 20 acres of open space, and thousands of jobs to Staten Island’s waterfront.
For Staten Island’s North Shore—an area long marked by stalled development—the latest announcement represents another attempt by city leaders to revitalize two prominent sites after years of setbacks.
