Joe Lhota returned to Fresh Kills Landfill for the first time since its closure, witnessing its transformation into a thriving park. As deputy mayor in 1996, he led the closure effort due to its significant health risks to locals. Recognizing his contributions, Borough President Vito Fossella declared April 25 'Joe Lhota Day' during the tour. Fresh Kills, once the world's largest landfill, now boasts natural beauty, showcasing a positive shift from a health hazard to a vibrant green space, symbolizing community restoration.
To see the transformation, it's just amazing. What's really amazing is to see the natural life come back, Joe Lhota said.
What drove me was clearly the people of Staten Island. They were burdened by having this dump and the health of the people of Staten Island was negatively impacted so significantly that it was just unfair.
Good people in public life can do so much and to go full circle... good people like Joe Lhota in public life made this day possible.
The Fresh Kills Landfill was once a monumental blight on Staten Island - not just an eyesore and a stench, but a pressing public health concern.
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