NYC Council speaker addresses property taxes, other budget concerns at Staten Island museum gathering

By Nicolette Cavallaro | [email protected]

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. [Feb. 26, 2026] — City Council Speaker Julie Menin met with local leaders at a community gathering Thursday on Staten Island, where she discussed the borough’s priorities and concerns moving forward, including the possibility of property tax hikes.

Menin, a Democrat representing Manhattan’s Upper East Side, cited past experiences in working with Staten Island and promised to keep the borough’s needs in mind during her tenure.

“I know sometimes Staten Island has been left out,” said Menin, who was recently elected City Council speaker. “I’m delighted to be here and look forward to this conversation.”

The event was hosted by Councilmember Kamillah M. Hanks, a Democrat representing the North Shore and the council’s majority whip, at the Staten Island Museum in Randall Manor. The museum is located on the grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden.

In speaking about the newly elected City Council Speaker, Hanks said Menin has “hit the ground running” in her new role, which is good news for Staten Island.

“The most important thing is that, for the first time, she, as the speaker, has put Staten Island first,” said Hanks. “As the Staten Island delegation, we’re small but mighty … people don’t really get us. I’m hoping that through this, they will start.”

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