Reflections – Commissioner Paulo

The Greenbelt Conservancy mourns the loss of former Staten Island Borough Commissioner, Thomas Paulo, who passed away last week at his home. Commissioner Paulo was a dedicated public servant, having served nearly 20 years as Borough Commissioner of Staten Island parks. Commissioner Paulo began his career at NYC Parks in December 1984 as the Park Administrator for the Greenbelt. A short five years later in 1989, Tom played an integral role in brokering the landmark deal between the Richmond County Country Club and NY State, which preserved a large swath of the Greenbelt from development, and secured a $1M endowment for the establishment of the Greenbelt Conservancy.

Throughout his tenure as Staten Island Borough Commissioner, Tom remained a passionate and visionary advocate for the Greenbelt.  Under his leadership three beloved community resources were added to the Greenbelt, including the Greenbelt Nature Center, the Greenbelt Recreation Center and the Carousel for All Children in Willowbrook Park.

Commissioner Paulo spent the entirety of his career at NYC Parks working to improve, beautify, and expand green spaces in his native Staten Island.

The entire Board of Directors and staff of the Greenbelt Conservancy wish to express our deep sympathy to Tom’s family, friends, and the Staten Island community for their loss. Commissioner Paulo will always be remembered as a major force in the history and legacy of not only the Greenbelt, but all of Staten Island’s parks and open spaces.