Driving on Martlings Ave has to be one of the most beautiful drives on Staten Island. Coming from Slosson Ave, you approach the tree-lined paths of the park and a small hill where children are playing, running or can be found sledding in the winter. From Clove Road, you reach the park, and as you approach the bridge over the pond, the view is breathtaking. In winter, looking over the bridge at the freshly fallen snow on the trees is a calming sight that soothes the soul.

On any given day, families can be seen standing at the bridge—searching for the blue heron, fishing, watching the waterfall cascade over the rocks, or simply taking in the serene view. To date, there have been zero reported incidents or accidents at the bridge.

Yet, in the name of "safety," an unsightly security fence has been installed, obscuring the view that Staten Islanders have enjoyed for over a century. We, the residents of Staten Island, are urging the Department of Transportation to remove this fence and restore the view to its original beauty.