PHOTO: Assemblyman Goldfeder (r) speaks with Dr. Joseph Birgeles, Principal at Robert H. Goddard High School, whose students and faculty have complained about a nearby dirty vacant lot owned by Verizon. Photo Courtesy of Assemblyman Goldfeder’s office
By Forum Staff
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park) this week announced an agreement by telecommunications giant Verizon to regularly clean a local vacant lot and shovel surrounding walkways, in light of complaints and last month’s record-setting snowfall.
“Verizon has heard us loud and clear,” said Goldfeder. “I’m pleased that they’ve stepped up and taken responsibility for this eyesore. With some regular maintenance and the occasional snow shoveling, we can ensure that this block reflects the pride our families take in this community.”
Last week, Goldfeder received complaints on social media of unsafe conditions at a snow-covered stretch of sidewalk at the corner of Lafayette Street and 149th Avenue in Ozone Park, across from the Robert H. Goddard Schools campus. When city records showed the lot belonging to Verizon, Goldfeder contacted the telecommunications company to report the conditions and request the sidewalk be shoveled. Verizon was also provided with records of past complaints regarding debris at the site.
Representatives from Verizon dispatched crews within 24 hours to shovel and salt the walkway. The Verizon workers also alerted Goldfeder’s office that the company’s Corporate Real Estate arm would flag the lot for continued maintenance going forward. This is welcome news to local residents and faculty at the Goddard campus, where students regularly pass the lot at dismissal.
“I have worked in this building for five years. That spot has never been cleaned or shoveled,” said Beth Hanning, a teacher at the high school. “After tweeting Assemblyman Goldfeder’s office we had the corner shoveled within 24 hours. Thank you to all involved.”
In 2014, Goldfeder advocated for the installation of fencing along Conduit Boulevard to prevent students from crossing the busy thoroughfare.
“Our families deserve to have clean, safe streets, especially around our schools,” he said. “This helps maintain the quality of life that makes Ozone Park such a special community to live and raise children.”
