Staten Island residents woke up to disappointing news on Tuesday when the New York City Parks Department announced the suspension of fishing and boating at Clove Lakes Park. The decision follows the discovery of a raw sewage leak that has turned the lake green and driven away turtles, fish and other wildlife.
Local impact and community reaction
Park visitors described the scene as “unforgiving” and expressed concern for the health of the lake’s ecosystem. “The lake, all of it, is green. I don’t even see the turtles. I don’t see the fish. I don’t see the little guppies,” said Esther MacAnus, a regular visitor. Another resident, Craig Giambrone, said he was “really bummed” because he had planned a boat ride with his niece and nephew.
Officials seek answers
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella demanded a coordinated response, warning that too often agencies point fingers instead of solving problems. “We want to bring everybody around the table because too often there’s a lot of finger pointing,” he said. Fossella also noted that if a similar sewage‑filled lake occurred in Central Park, the response might be different, underscoring the need for equitable treatment of all New York City neighborhoods.
The leak was initially identified by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has opened an investigation. State Senator Andrew Lanza called the situation “disgusting,” noting that everyday actions like flushing toilets can ultimately end up in local ponds.
Historical context and accountability
Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, who represents the 63rd District, suggested the problem may stretch back through multiple mayoral administrations, estimating a history of at least 20 years. While the exact scope of the leak remains unknown, officials emphasized that they are gathering data to determine the extent and develop a remediation plan.
Impact on park amenities
The park’s popular Stone House restaurant has been forced to install a temporary white drainage pipe connected to a sewage drain. Patrons must now use a portable toilet placed on the patio after exiting the building. Despite the inconvenience, Delilah Atanasio expressed optimism that the park will be restored: “Staten Island deserves a really nice park. This is a gorgeous park, so hopefully they figure it out and they get it done.”
Next steps
City and state agencies have not yet provided a timeline for fixing the leak, and the Parks Department has not announced when fishing and boating will resume. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official city communications and to avoid the lake until it is declared safe.
Eyewitness News reached out to the involved agencies for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
