NYC denies generators to stricken Staten Island to provide power instead for ... marathon

The three diesel-powered generators crank out 800 kilowatts — enough to power 400 homes in ravaged areas like Staten Island, the Rockaways and downtown Manhattan.

Since emergency executive orders have been issued, the governor, mayor — or even President Obama — could take the generators for a more important use, explained Pace University law professor Bennett Gershman.

Such an emergency action would need the approval of the City Council, state Legislature or Congress. And they would have to compensate the owners of the devices.

But plenty in the city wish they had taken such decisive action.