At Staten Island Senior Center, State Pols Tip Caps Over Restoration of $22.5M in Funding

By Deborah E. Young

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island’s Albany delegation swept into the Todt Hill Friendship Club today, and in front of a boisterous crowd of more than 200 seniors, touted their success in restoring $22.5 million for senior centers in the first on-time state budget passed in five years.

But the two state senators and four assembly members cautioned there are no guarantees the city will keep their beloved center intact, saying they will now lean on the city to honor the facilities they called key to seniors’ quality of life.

"We are all here to hopefully present to you a gift," said Assmblyman Michael Cusick (D- Mid Island). "That is the first part of the battle. We need you to keep the pressure on."