Borough President James S. Oddo
Bluebelt Advocacy Award
James Oddo was elected Staten Island Borough President in November 2013. Prior to his election,
he served as the Council Member representing the 50th Council district (Mid-Island and a small por-
tion of Brooklyn) since 1999. He also served as the City Council’s Minority Leader from 2002 to
2013. In that role, he served as a key member of the Council’s leadership team.
Oddo authored 19 local laws and brought back more than $165 million to improve his community in
various ways. After working 15 years to make it a reality, in the final days of his tenure in the Coun-
cil, Oddo joined EDC to announce an exciting redevelopment plan to turn the abandoned Farm Col-
ony site into a senior citizen community. This project, one that took so long due to the global eco-
nomic crisis, best personifies Oddo’s persistence and advocacy on behalf of his community.
As Borough President, Oddo is committed to attaining necessary aid for Staten Islanders impacted
by Hurricane Sandy. He recognizes the frustration and havoc the situation has caused in their lives
and is an advocate for all awaiting resolution from city, state and federal programs.
In addition, Oddo is excited to see the waterfront development project for the North Shore become a
reality. The project includes the highest observation wheel in the world, outlet shopping, a boutique
hotel and residential communities that will transform the former Stapleton homeport and St. George
community.
Oddo is also keenly aware of other issues facing Staten Islanders every day. He wants to meet the
challenges of island living by maximizing waterfront real estate with a fast ferry, reducing commute
time for many residents. He also recognizes the need for infrastructure changes to meet the needs
of the Island’s 500,000 residents.
Jim Oddo has been a staunch supporter and driving force of DEP's Bluebelt Program, which is a se-
ries of storm water management and filtration in the wetlands and creeks of the Bluebelt that protect
the water quality of our NY/NJ Harbor Estuary.
