Following weeks of discussions with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), I have just been informed that clean-up of lead paint debris uncovered in Throgs Neck Bridge Park is now underway and should be completed within the next week. The clean-up action by the MTA comes following an independent and comprehensive environmental analysis conducted by environmental scientist Dr. James Cervino which detailed the impact the paint scraping project of the Throgs Neck Bridge has had on immediate surrounding area.
According to the MTA they have accelerated their spring paint chip pick up program. Additionally, “the inspection and any necessary pick-up began last Friday and includes the baseball field, grassy areas 100 feet on either side of the bridge and along walkways. This work will be finished as early as this Friday but certainly before the April 15 start of the baseball season, as requested. Our on-call contractor for chip pick up will of course remain available as needed as we resume the painting work. When the painting project is done later this year the Queens side of the bridge will be considered lead free.”
On February 26, 2010 I conducted a community meeting with Dr. Cervino and Councilman Dan Halloran along with local civic groups and concerned residents to outline the study and call for the MTA to solve the problem and clean-up the park. The MTA has listened to our concerns and they are taking the steps needed to provide peace of mind to the parents, children, families, residents and seniors who enjoy Throgs Neck Bridge Park throughout the spring and summer months. Moving forward, I will work to continue to monitor the clean-up efforts at Throgs Neck Bridge Park and work with the community to address any future concerns that may arise.
