School Construction Authority Cleans up P.S. 332Q Construction Site—formerly the Keil Brothers Property—after Pressure from Senator Avella

Queens, NY – After a surprise visit to the PS 332Q construction site on 48th Avenue, between 211th and 212th Streets, several weeks ago, Senator Tony Avella bitterly complained to the School Construction Authority (SCA) that the ongoing construction was not only a quality of life nuisance for the neighboring single family homeowners; but also presented several safety and health concerns.

The proposed PS 332 School was hotly opposed by the community, Senator Avella, and other elected officials.  Avella stated, “Unfortunately, both the outgoing and incoming Council Members Halloran and Vallone supported the project against the wishes of the community.”

Senator Avella reported the conditions, which include debris and dirt surrounding the perimeter of the site, dangerous traffic conditions plaguing the already narrow 48th Avenue, and unbearable noise emanating from the site on the weekends.  Neighboring residents have also been subject to commercial trucks/trailers and construction forklifts blocking their driveways for hours at a time.

As a result of bringing this situation to the City’s attention, the Department of Education (DOE) has taken steps to properly maintain the construction site, including washing/sweeping the adjoining streets of dirt and debris, prohibiting any construction vehicles from blocking homeowners driveways and assigned additional construction personnel to ensure safe traffic flow during the construction.

“While I am pleased that SCA/DOE cleaned up their act, it is a disgrace that my intervention was needed for them to simply do what the law requires regarding proper construction protocols.  I hope the City remains attentive of the conditions and limits the site’s already negative presence in the surrounding community,” said Senator Avella.