STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— In the afterglow of last week’s Forest Avenue St. Patrick’s Parade, business owners and residents along the strip spent the following days taking stock of how the day unfolded. The 62nd annual celebration—shaped by nearly a year of planning and stepped-up security—left the avenue spotless by sunrise thanks to meticulous overnight cleanup.
Gary LiGreci of The Staaten said the teen drinking that had alarmed residents in recent years felt far more controlled, creating a comfortable atmosphere for spectators who “really seemed to enjoy the day.” He noted what appeared to be a lighter turnout, likely tied to snow-clogged parking and the forecasted chilly temps, but said that even with the delayed start, the parade “turned out to be a wonderful day.”
Planning over the year
The Richmond County District Attorney’s Office said planning began as early as April 2025, with NYPD, NYC Parks, parade organizers and local businesses meeting throughout the year to address past safety concerns.
Police increased staffing and deployed earlier, added new barrier configurations to ease congestion, and enforced open-container laws. NYC Parks boosted staffing at nearby parks like Allison Pond to deter underage drinking, while the DA’s office ran a teen-focused social-media campaign and worked with local high schools to warn families about legal and school consequences. Local establishments were instructed to strictly check IDs. And that they did.
Several Forest Avenue establishments charged parade-day cover fees, generally between $10 and $30. Attendees said the cost varied by venue but typically included stepped-up security, live entertainment, a warm indoor space and access to restrooms—amenities many considered essential given the cold and heavy foot traffic…