Debris mars area where Martling Avenue fence was dismantled

The location where the much-maligned Martling Avenue bridge fence was just taken down is still the subject of controversy.

A local citizen reported debris on the ice beneath the bridge to Advance/SILive.com, raising concerns that it might be debris from the fence’s demolition.

A metal rod sits on ice beneath the newly dismantled Martling Avenue fence.Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel

Below where the barrier had been, photos reveal what appear to be a metal pole, bolts, washers, and other debris on the ice.

In November, the Department of Transportation put up fencing at Martling, but after complaints from the locals, Mayor Eric Adams ordered the fencing removed.

According to DOT spokesperson Vincent Barone, it’s unclear from these images if this material is related to our fencing. At the community’s request, NYC DOT removed the Martling Avenue fence and will investigate any possible debris, no matter how small, in the area.

At the location where the Martling Avenue fence was recently taken down, there is metal debris on the ice.Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel

One local homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, thinks the debris was actually from the fence removal.

According to this Islander, when I visited there today, all of the metal from the fence—bolts, screws, washers, and poles—was simply thrown over the side. This act looks to be nastily motivated for no apparent cause.

Below, where the Martling Avenue barrier was recently taken down, debris is seen on the ice.A reader-submitted image

After Staten Island elected authorities threatened to sue, Adams ordered the fence taken down.On January 21, workers were saw taking down the fence.

Beautiful Martling Pond is visible from the Martling Avenue bridge. From fishing to shooting pictures from the bridge, Islanders have enjoyed the scenery for generations.

The barrier, according to the DOT, will increase safety on the bridge, notably for pedestrians crossing beneath it.

Additionally, the DOT stated that whenever it replaces or renovates a bridge structure that spans roads, railroads, or navigable bodies of water, it installs pedestrian fencing.

Additionally, according to DOT, the barrier was put in place to prevent debris from being thrown into the navigable river below.

However, locals and elected officials thought the fencing was ugly and more like the barricades you see at jails or on highways. They claimed the barrier was superfluous and destroyed the beloved view.

The city came under fire from elected authorities for not consulting the community before constructing the fence.

Before the barrier was taken down, Westerleigh resident Erin Jansky started an online petition against it that gathered over 2,000 signatures.

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