The Bronx Times Reporter carried a story about the need for increased drainage along Brush Avenue. Brush Avenue is prone to flooding during inclement weather, because of inadequate drainage. In response to these conditions, Community Board 10 has reached out to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and requested a comprehensive drainage study for the entire stretch of Brush Avenue, running from Schley Avenue to Bruckner Boulevard. It is hoped that the drainage study will result in the development of a capital project that will bring improved drainage to residents of the Ferry Point community. Additionally, the board also contacted the New York City Department of Transportation and advocated for the renovation of the area’s streets.
Given that I-95 runs through four communities within the Board’s service area (Pelham Bay, Throggs Neck, Co-op City and Country Club), the quality of the air that we breathe has become a matter of concern. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, under the visionary plaNYC, will be monitoring air quality in the five boroughs. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is in the process of selecting a task force to study the air quality at toll plazas by bridges and tunnels. These are important developments that could have a positive impact upon the air quality in the board’s service area. Inasmuch as CB 10 is the host community board to I-95, and both the Bronx-Whitestone and the Throgs Neck bridges, our board has requested both agencies to include locations within the Board’s service area, for their respective studies. The Board will monitor the studies of both agencies, and eagerly awaits their recommendations.
The Citizens Committee for New York City, a very fine and venerable civic organization, announces its Mollie Parnis Dress Up Your Neighborhood School Awards grant application. Under this initiative, student organizations in public schools can receive grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 to improve the environs of both their schools and the surrounding communities. Examples of past projects include the maintenance of community gardens and using the experience to gain a better understanding of the ecosystem, or improving the physical appearance of their school. The deadlines for the applications for the program are September 30, and March 14, 2009. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Citizens Committee for New York City at (212) 989-0909 or at grants@citizens.nyc.org.
Property owners with young children in the home or landlords of multiple dwellings with households with youngsters residing within, are required to repair all instances of peeling paint. The peeling paint turns into a toxic dust, which if inhaled or ingested by children, will lead to serious health consequences. Property owners are required by law to repair all instances of peeling paint, and parents can protect their children by washing their hands, toys, floors and window sills.
Children under the ages of 1 and 2 should be routinely tested for lead poisoning. If you suspect an older child has been exposed, have the child tested. Additional information can be obtained by contacting 311.
Noise pollution is a persistent problem within the board’s service area. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection has reviewed its noise regulations and adopted new regulatory guidelines, affecting many activities ranging from construction to dogs barking. The agency has published an informative pamphlet entitled Have you Heard? New York City Has Overhauled its Noise Code!. The pamphlet describes the regulations and includes tips on how to lower noise in our communities. Additional copies can be obtained by contacting the Department of Environmental Protection at nyc.gov/dep/html/airnoise.html, or calling 311.
The board office is ready to assist you with any problem or concern that you may be having with a city agency. Our office is opened from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Our phone number is (718) 892-1161, fax number is (718) 863-6860 and our e-mail is BX10@CB.nyc.gov.
