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"Noxious Odors, Dust Plumes" Plague 2nd Ave, Thanks to Subway Construction


By

Jen Chung

Published Jun 26, 2011

Modified Jun 26, 2011


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Photograph by marklyon on Flickr

 


By

Jen Chung

Published Jun 26, 2011

Modified Jun 26, 2011


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News flash: Residents and business owners who have been bravely withstanding the Second Avenue Subway construction are still miserable. Based on constituents' complaints of "noxious odors and dust plumes" from East 69th Street and Second Avenue, Rep. Carolyn Maloney has asked the MTA to "redouble [its] efforts to mitigate quality-of-life concerns related to the subway project." And she also wants to the MTA to confirm that the site is safe.

Other politicians chimed in: Assemblyman Micah Kellner said, "The dust storms created by the subway construction make Second Avenue seem like the badlands of Texas. This isn’t a matter to be taken lightly; asthma and allergies are at their peak during the summer months. This dust is only adding to those health concerns. We need to hold the MTA accountable so that East Siders have breathable air," while City Councilman Dan Gardonick said, "East Siders have put up with many inconveniences and disruptions from this project -- but when it raises questions of air quality and health, we need answers -- and action."

Beyond health issues, one resident told WCBS 2, "They blast all day long. The noise is outrageous. You cannot even hear the person you are with," adding that frustrated residents can't even think about moving, "It’s bad, it’s terrible. It is a co-op and people are complaining about the real estate values. They are trying to sell and they can’t sell."

In more positive 2nd Avenue Subway news, the project received $197 million in federal funds.

Tagged

2nd avenue subway

carolyn maloney

dust

dust plume

MTA

second avenue subway

smells


Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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