I mentioned in a recent post, Tidal Street Flooding Update 9/24/2010, that in light of DOT's apparent unwillingness to re-examine the decision to deny an "emergency declaration" regarding the documented serious tidal street flooding conditions on West 12th Road, we had decided to petition directly to the Mayor in an attempt to resolve this problem.
I am pleased to report that it would appear that our local Assemblywoman, Audrey Pheffer, has beat us to the punch. Below is a copy of a letter Audrey sent Mayor Bloomberg earlier this week.
September 21, 2010
Mayor, City of New York
City Hall
New York, N.Y. 10007
Dear Mayor Bloomberg:
I am writing to you regarding West 12th Road in Broad Channel, Queens. This block has long suffered the ravages of tidal and storm flooding.
Many low lying areas in New York City suffer from occasional flooding during times of extreme weather, tidal surges or moon tides. It is to be expected living so close to a body of water. However, West 12th Road floods on a regular basis. The residents are oftentimes forced to wear "hip boots" in order to access their homes. They have all suffered severe damage to their homes, automobiles and property. Children have been unable to get to school and many residents have been forced to miss work due to the inability to leave their homes. This flooding occurs regularly, a few times a month.
The flooding is so severe at times, fire, police and emergency vehicles have been unable to access the homes on West 12th Road. New York City DEP, DOT, NYS, DEC and countless other agencies have all met to address this dangerous situation. Borough President Helen Marshall has secured over $24 million in fundng to address the flooding conitions in the entire Broad Channel area. However, West 12th Road is an emergency sitation and must be declared so.
I was informed by DOT Commissioner, Maura McCarthy, that a request for an emergency declaration for West 12th Road has been denied. The declaration would allow DOT to expedite the process and begin to bring immediate relief to the West 12th Road residients.
I would appreciate it if you would review this matter and render any assistance possible in helping to have the West 12th Road flooding situation declared an emergency. The residents have suffered too long and this project must be expedited. The safety and well being of the residents must not be jeopardized.
Thank you in advance for your pompt attention in this most urgent matter.
Sincerely,
AUDREY I. PHEFFER
Member of Assembly
AIP:jas/kal
cc: Borough Presidient Helen Marshall
Senator Shirley Huntley
Councilman Eric Ulrich
Jonathan Gaska, District Manager CB#14
Broad Channel Civic Association
West 12th Road Residents
No comments:
Post a Comment