In 1948, the Arthur Kill Power Plant’s Unit 1 first hummed to life, generating a modest 25 megawatts of electricity. This was a time when Staten Island, mostly rural, had a population under 190,000. The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge was still a gleam in a planner’s eye. The Arthur Kill Power Plant stands as a testament to Staten Island’s transformation. By 1952, Staten Island Edison merged with Con Edison, and the bridge’s construction was underway, connecting Staten Island to the rest of New York City. The island’s population surged after World War II. The Arthur Kill Power Plant grew with it. Units 2 and 3 came online in 1959 and 1969, respectively, feeding the growing energy demands of this burgeoning community. The Arthur Kill Power Plant became an integral part of the city’s energy infrastructure, providing power for decades. In 1999, Con Edison sold the Arthur Kill Power Plant to NRG Energy for $505 million. This sale was part of a larger restructuring plan by Con Edison to foster competition in the New York City electricity market. Interestingly, all Con Edison employees at the plant were offered positions with NRG, ensuring a smooth transition. Today, the Arthur Kill Power Plant no longer generates power through traditional means. It has been transformed into a massive battery storage facility. This repurposing marks a shift towards cleaner energy solutions, storing power during off-peak hours and releasing it during periods of high demand. This transformation makes it a vital component of New York’s renewable energy future.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to