Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Fumes from taxi shop force classroom evacuations at Beacon High School, students say
By
Jessica Gould
Published Nov 8, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Jessica Gould
By
Jessica Gould
Published Nov 8, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A long-standing dispute between the prestigious Beacon High School and a neighboring taxi repair shop has escalated, with New York City's education department saying it has “serious concerns” about fumes that students claim are causing headaches and dizziness.
Students have complained about the stench of the taxi stand on West 44th Street – described to the Daily News as a blend of gasoline and paint – for years. The education department told Gothamist in January that it was working to address the odor, but that the air remained safe to breathe. But students say evacuations of classrooms because of the overwhelming smell have accelerated this fall.
“We had to go to a different classroom because it smelled really bad and the fumes were really bad,” said Gigi Conley-Leonardi, 14. “My chemistry teacher had a migraine.”
Education department spokesperson Jenna Lyle said other city agencies are working to make sure the shop, Mike’s Yellow Management, is following regulations. Inspectors with the Department of Buildings and Department of Environmental Protection visited the business on Wednesday.
“The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We are aware of this issue, caused by the taxi stand neighboring the school, and have serious concerns about the unacceptable improper ventilation and fume management of that establishment,” Lyle said in a statement. “This concern has been escalated to partner agencies with oversight responsibilities to ensure inspectors are sent to assess their operations and ameliorate the issue, and we’re continuing to take steps within the school to ensure clean air is circulating throughout the whole building.”
Michael Sinder, owner of Mike’s Yellow Management, blamed the fumes on idling school buses and trash.
“You smell the fumes [from the buses], you see the food and the mice that die. The smell is terrible,” he said, pointing to a long line of school buses on the street and bags of trash on the sidewalk.
The owner of Mike’s Yellow Management, Michael Sinder, attributed any odors in the school to idling school buses and garbage.
Jessica Gould
Behind him, a worker toiled under the hood of a car while another carried a large oil drum.
Sinder said he constantly receives visits from city inspectors. “They’re sending the fire department, the police department, the buildings department,” he said. “It’s not my problem, what can I do?”
Buildings department records showed no open violations related to vapors or any other issue at the auto shop. A spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Protection said inspectors visited the business on Wednesday and issued a violation for improper installation of air filters in a paint spray booth. The inspectors, however, did not find any odors, the spokesperson said.
Sinder said he’s trying to sell the business. A for-sale sign hung over the garage. But he said he hasn’t found a buyer yet.
Students said a vent from the auto shop shares a wall with the school basement.
“I first noticed it as a freshman in the basement where there’s the music class and other classrooms,” said Ava Baranowski, 16, a junior, who is part of the “Green Healthy Schools” campaign through the advocacy group TreeAge. She said her music teacher ultimately retired because of the fumes.
Baranowski said recently she’s noticed the smell on the fourth floor, and added that her history classroom had to be evacuated twice last week. “Currently they’re just using air filters which doesn’t stop the problem,” she said.
Chelsea Singh, 15, said the fumes smell like gasoline. She wanted the school and city agencies to do more to address the smell.
“It’s kind of getting pushed aside, like it’s not that big a deal,” she said.
Tagged
education
manhattan
Jessica Gould
Jessica is the education reporter for WNYC and Gothamist. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jessica reported on the shutdown and reopening of the nation’s largest school system, highlighting the unprecedented impacts on learning, health and mental health for students, staff and families. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Brad Lander says Israeli forces detained him during a West Bank olive harvest
IDF attacks during harvest season have drawn international condemnation.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 21, 2026 at 8:24 a.m. ET
George Washington Bridge reopens after fatal shooting; no arrests made
A 46-year-old man was shot to death on the bridge Tuesday evening.
By
Ryan Kost
News
George Washington Bridge reopens after fatal shooting; no arrests made
A 46-year-old man was shot to death on the bridge Tuesday evening.
By
Ryan Kost
NYC’s horse carriage drivers feel betrayed as lawmakers set to abolish industry
By
Liam Quigley
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
By
Jessica Gould
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .