Addabbo Introduces Legislation to Give Residents Notice of Upcoming Construction Projects in Their Neighborhoods

Queens, NY, January 31, 2012 -- In order to save New York City residents from unnecessary confusion and disruption in their daily lives when they are confronted with lengthy and unexpected neighborhood public works projects, NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) is pushing his legislation (S.5023A) that would require the City to notify people when their area is going to be seriously affected by construction work, breaks in utility service, or other significant infrastructure repairs and interruptions.   

“A timely ‘heads up’ could save us all some big headaches and aggravation when it comes to navigating closed streets, preparing for utility service disruptions, getting back and forth to work or school, and otherwise confronting problems associated with big construction projects in our community,” Addabbo said.  “If we have time to prepare for projects like this, we’ll have a better chance of making the adjustments we need to get through them safely and with as little frustration as possible.”   

Under the senator’s bill, the City would need to provide three days’ notice to residents living within a half-mile radius of construction, repair or other public works project.  Adequate signage would need to be offered, as well as information about the expected duration of the project, general details about the work, and whether any utility service will be affected.  Small projects that are expected to last less than 48 hours would not be subject to the notification requirements unless utilities would be disrupted.   

“Forewarned is forearmed,” said the senator, “and my legislation will not only make life more convenient for our residents, but safer for people whose health or welfare might be threatened by unexpected utility losses.”  The legislation is now under consideration by the NYS Senate’s Standing Committee on Cities.   

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Judy Close, Press Secretary
NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.
15th Senate District - Satellite Office
66-85  73rd Place
Middle Village, NY   11379
Ph:  718-497-1630