By Michael V. Cusenza
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and State Sen. James Sanders, Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) on Thursday joined officials from several City and State agencies at the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge, which connects Howard Beach and Broad Channel, to discuss illegal dumping issues that have plagued the span for years.
According to Ariola, following the conversation, State agencies agreed to place more trash receptacles and increase signage on the bridge, while the City agencies said they would increase cleanings in the area.
To that end, Center for Employment Opportunity personnel were dispatched on Friday to the bridge, removing dozens of large trash bags in and around the State-owned overpass.
“[W]hile this area will no doubt get dirty again, we will continue working to eliminate the problem and will keep on sending crews to keep the area clean,” Ariola pledged on Friday.
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
CEO personnel were dispatched to the bridge on Friday to remove illegally dumped trash.
The councilwoman called Thursday’s meeting “productive.”
“I think we made real progress towards cleaning up this ongoing problem area,” Ariola said. “We clearly defined the responsibilities of each agency at both the state and city levels, so we won’t have the same confusion we’ve seen in the past when it comes to work being done at this location.”
Sanders added, “Together, we are committed to keeping the Joseph P. Addabbo Bridge and surrounding areas clean and safe for our community. Addressing this environmental issue requires a united effort from all agencies involved, and we will continue to work collaboratively until we find a lasting solution.”
