Channeling President Barack Obama's call for economic renewal and community service, Borough President James P. Molinaro used his State of the Borough address last night to lay out a sweeping agenda of proposals for 2009 aimed at boosting jobs, relieving traffic congestion and increasing volunteerism, despite the hard economic times.

"The current fiscal crisis should be an incentive for change," Molinaro told more than 400 people at the Center for the Arts at the College of Staten Island, Willowbrook.

Using humorous videos and props during his speech, including a floating fire hydrant, Molinaro said he would push this year for an agreement on the expansion of the New York Container Port and the selection of a developer for the former home port site. He said he would also look to finally bring shops and restaurants to the St. George Ferry Terminal.

Molinaro also said he wanted to see approvals granted to the outlet shopping center by the Outerbridge Crossing; completion of the environmental impact study of the mixed-use Charleston site, and ground broken for the planned senior housing project in Seaview.

"We need to invest in our infrastructure - and quickly," said Molinaro, who is seeking a third term in office. "And we must attract and assist businesses."

"His direction is very well-focused, with his emphasis on bringing jobs to Staten Island," said Robert Cutrona of Project One Services. "We have to see some of that infrastructure money that the federal government is talking about."

Molinaro announced that the Sisters of Charity have been awarded a federal grant to construct 80 units of affordable senior housing at Markham Gardens.

"After a lot of negotiation, the outcome is a 'happy ending' for the future residents of Markham homes," Molinaro said.

He also said that he had commissioned Masayuki Sono, architect of the 9/11 memorial, "Postcards," to design a memorial dedicated to first responders and others who died due to ailments associated with the terrorist attacks. The memorial will be built next to "Postcards" on the St. George waterfront.

Molinaro added that he had allocated $3 million to expand the Staten Island Animal Receiving Center in honor of 9-year-old Tommy Monahan, who died saving his pet in a house fire.

But bureaucratic red tape remains an impediment to improving the quality of life here, Molinaro said.

As he has in his previous State of the Borough speeches, Molinaro pointed out that it has taken him years to remove a hydrant that was encroaching on Forest Hill Road and interfering with the roadway being widened.

But as a hydrant descended to the stage on a wire, Molinaro reported that the hydrant would at last be installed in its rightful place, out of the road.

"Obviously, we're having some fun with this," Molinaro said. "But seven years to move a hydrant is ridiculous."

"I think the message is fairly simple," said state Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/ Brooklyn), "and fairly consistent with Obama, too. It's not whether government is too big or too small, it's whether it works. And I think Jimmy made a good point: Sometimes it doesn't work, and that hinders our ability to grow."

Molinaro also highlighted some of his administration's accomplishments, including new schools, recreational and cultural facilities, and businesses that were expanded with his office's help.

In laying out those achievements, Molinaro, a Conservative, was quick to laud Democratic and Republican lawmakers, most of whom were in the audience and some of whom have not always been his political allies.

"Tonight is all about teamwork," Molinaro said.

"I appreciated the tone," said City Councilman James Oddo (R-Mid-Island/ Brooklyn). "Thanking everybody sort of piggy-backs on the good feeling that's stemming from the Obama inauguration. And that's the way it should be. We are at our best when we cross the aisle and work together."

Turning to traffic, Molinaro said that he would look to have more smart-light technology and left-turn lanes installed here , and said he would continue to look to widen more of the Island's busiest intersections. He said he would continue to work toward resurrecting North Shore rail line.

Again echoing Obama - who has called upon Americans to take part in public service - Molinaro at the end of the night brought close to two dozen community volunteers on stage and said he would undertake a "major campaign" to increase awareness of volunteering.

"We will make 2009 a year of accomplishment, compassion and giving back to our community," said Molinaro.

The highlights of BP's speech

* Push for an agreement on the expansion of the New York Containterport and the selection of a developer for the former home port site

* Bring shops and restaurants to the St. George Ferry Terminal

* Undertake a "major campaign" to increase awareness of volunteering

* Said the Sisters of Charity have been awarded a federal grant to construct 80 units of affordable senior housing at Markham Gardens

* Commissioned Masayuki Sono, architect of the 9/11 memorial "Postcards," to design a memorial dedicated to first responders and others who died due to ailments associated with the terrorist attacks

Copyright 2009 Advance Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved