silive News –
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – It’s one of my favorite parts of Staten Island.
But it’s a troubled area as well.
I’m talking about the “secret staircase” on the North Shore that goes from Tompkins Circle down to Victory Boulevard.
It’s a link between one of the tonier parts of the North Shore and a grittier, more working class neighborhood below.
It’s also been a spot where in years past I’ve found hypodermic needles, heroin packaging and other evidence of drug use.

Used as a cough suppressant, this drug can be misused by those looking to get high. (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)

This bottle is labeled “Not For Household Use.” (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)

Ordinarily benign medications are often misused by those looking for a drug buzz. (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)

Another empty pill bottle found at bottom of North Shore’s “secret staircase.” (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)

Sometimes the medications are mixed with alcohol or other drugs for illicit purposes. (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)

This empty pill bottle was also found at the bottom of the North Shore’s “secret staircase.” (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)
I found more drug-related items after visiting the staircase in 2019, including the remains of a Naloxone anti-overdose kit.

Remains of Naloxone anti-overdose kit found on North Shore’s “secret staircase” in 2019. (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)

Needle and condom wrapper found in wooded area not far from North Shore’s “secret staircase.” (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)