Staten Island Officials Criticize DSNY Snow Removal Efforts

Borough President Vito Fossella says Staten Island has become "second-class citizens" as snow cleanup crews were reassigned to Brooklyn.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Staten Island officials, including Borough President Vito Fossella, are frustrated that New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) snow removal crews were moved from Staten Island to help with cleanup efforts in Brooklyn, even as many roads, crosswalks, and bus stops on Staten Island remain covered in snow nearly a week after a major winter storm.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the boroughs of New York City and the challenges the city faces in equitably distributing limited snow removal resources during major winter weather events. Staten Island residents feel they have been neglected, while DSNY defends its decision to redeploy crews as a common practice.

The details

Roads on Staten Island are mostly clear, but snow is still covering many crosswalks, bus stops and corners, nearly a week after the major winter storm. Residents, including Ellen Kaufman, say the uncleared snow is dangerous, especially for senior citizens. Borough President Fossella criticized the decision to move DSNY crews from Staten Island to Brooklyn, calling it "a slap in the face" to Staten Island residents. DSNY disputed Fossella's criticism, saying moving workers between districts and boroughs is common during snow operations.

  • The major winter storm hit the New York City area about a week ago.
  • DSNY crews were reassigned from Staten Island to Brooklyn on Friday.

The players

Vito Fossella

The Borough President of Staten Island who criticized the DSNY's decision to move snow removal crews from Staten Island to Brooklyn.

Ellen Kaufman

A Staten Island resident who said the uncleared snow is dangerous, especially for senior citizens.

New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY)

The city agency responsible for snow removal operations that defended its decision to redeploy crews from Staten Island to Brooklyn.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City who acknowledged the snow frustrations of New Yorkers citywide.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“First, I want to thank the thousands of city workers who have gone above and beyond to lift snow off of our streets and to look after those most at risk in a moment like this, and yet we know that there is clearly so much more to be done as we maintain our efforts to clear crosswalks and bus stops to melt snow, and above all, to protect New Yorkers who are most at risk from this historic and dangerous cold.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.