Staten Island’s unofficial flag could soon become official under New York City law, as the City Council’s Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation is scheduled to vote on a bill to codify the design on Thursday. Created about a decade ago by the office of then-Borough President James Oddo, the current flag replaced an older design that critics felt looked like a garbage dump.
Legislative Path of Bill Int. 320-A
The push for official city recognition is led by Republican Councilmember Frank Morano, who represents Staten Island’s South Shore. Morano has advocated for the measure since last fall when the flag flew at City Hall for the month of October. The legislation was initially introduced in the current Council session as Int. 320 and has since been amended as proposed Int. 320-A, carrying support from more than two dozen Council sponsors, according to a City Council committee report.
Did You Know? The current flag features a beige background with a circular blue, green, white, and cream-colored seal in the center, depicting a woman holding a downturned sword and a shield bearing two turtle doves while looking out over a body of water with a large ship and a smaller boat.
Design Elements and Historical Context
The seal at the center of the flag is encircled by the words “Staten Island” and “City of New York,” alongside the years 1609 and 1898. According to the legislation, the year 1898 marks when Staten Island joined Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx to form the modern New York City. Beyond its design, the bill explicitly states that the flag may be displayed at parades, receptions, and other civic functions if enacted.
Potential Borough Impact and Next Steps
If the legislation successfully clears the committee vote on Thursday, it requires approval from the full City Council before heading to Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Should the bill become law, Staten Island would join Brooklyn and the Bronx as the only boroughs whose flags are enshrined in the city’s Administrative Code. A prior attempt to codify a Staten Island flag into law occurred in 2003, when then-Assemblymember Robert Straniere introduced state legislation regarding the borough’s previous flag, though that measure ultimately failed to become law. The Council’s Finance Division estimates the current legislation will have no effect on city spending or revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the City Council committee scheduled to vote on the flag bill?
The City Council’s Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation is scheduled to vote on the bill on Thursday.
Who sponsored the legislation to make the flag official?
The bill is sponsored by Republican Councilmember Frank Morano, who represents Staten Island’s South Shore.
Which boroughs currently have their flags codified in New York City law?
According to a City Council committee report, Brooklyn and the Bronx are currently the only boroughs whose flags are enshrined in city law.
How do you think codifying municipal symbols impacts local civic pride in the outer boroughs?