NYC NOW Staten Island’s North Shore and the Future of New York’s 11th District
Feb 18, 2026
Brigid Bergin, a WNYC reporter who covered Staten Island’s North Shore and the 11th District redistricting lawsuit, guides listeners through a high-stakes court fight. She explores proposals to link the North Shore with Lower Manhattan. Short scenes capture the North Shore’s density, diversity, local politics, community concerns, and the stakes for representation and future maps.
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11th District Carries Outsized Political Weight
- The 11th is the only Republican-held congressional seat in NYC, highlighting partisan stakes.
- Redrawing it could affect national House control given ongoing mid-decade map battles.
Proposal To Link North Shore With Manhattan
- Plaintiffs proposed combining Staten Island's North Shore with Lower Manhattan to empower Black and Latino voters.
- They argue current lines that pair Staten Island with South Brooklyn dilute those voters' influence.
Resident Calls St. George ‘Gotham City’
- Resident Bao Chin Keen described St. George as “Gotham City” reflecting its dense, mixed character.
- She contrasted the North Shore's urban feel with the rest of Staten Island's suburban image.