STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As the iconic white building that formerly housed Schaffer's Tavern is demolished this week, Victory Boulevard will be widened at the busy Meiers Corners intersection, according to Councilman Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Island).

The widening of Victory Boulevard at Bradley Avenue will begin this week as developers of the new Victory State Bank start construction of a new branch on the site of the former Schaffer's Tavern, Matteo said.

"Like many members of the community, I am sad to see the iconic Schaffer's Tavern go. However, this loss also presented us with the rare opportunity to literally take our street back, and to help to alleviate the congestion at the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Bradley Avenue that has long plagued this area," said Matteo.

"The narrow road has become one of the most gridlocked thoroughfares in the borough because it was never built to handle the heavy volume of traffic that now traverses it every day. I was also concerned about the impact that a drive-though bank would have on traffic," he added, noting the developers agreed to widen the road "without hesitation."

In addition, the law firm of Menicucci, Villa & Cilmi has already begun construction on a new office building next door and will be undertaking a widening as well, he said.

The additional seven feet of road -- along with the space provided by street widening currently being done adjacent to the site by the developer for Menicucci, Villa, and Cilmi -- will allow for a dedicated right-turn lane on Victory Blvd, Matteo said.

"Menicucci Villa Cilmi PLLC is proud to support the widening of Victory Boulevard here in Westerleigh," said Michael Menicucci, managing partner of Menicucci Villa Cilmi.

"The minority leader's vision for the Victory Boulevard commercial corridor will be a boon to Staten Island consumers and business owners alike, as well as local residents. Thank you to Minority Leader Matteo, NYC DOT, and all of the other stakeholders who have made this widening a reality," he added.

Matteo has had preliminary discussions with the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) about adding a dedicated left-turn signal, or possibly a "smart" left-turn signal that utilizes a wireless sensor embedded in the roadway, at this intersection as well, he said.

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