Senator Avella Demands Answers Over MacNeil Park Raw Sewage Geyser

Queens, NY – Today, Senator Avella sent the attached letter to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) commissioners regarding a video he was sent showing raw sewage flowing from a hole in the ground at MacNeil Park in College Point this weekend.

In the letter, Senator Avella informs the commissioners that his office contacted DEP on Saturday and Sunday, alerting the agency to the condition. The Senator also requested that the three City agencies jointly inspect the location as soon as possible and let him know how they plan to address this serious health issue.

“At no time is it ever acceptable for raw sewage to be flowing out of the ground like a geyser, especially at a public park. The City needs to finally do its job and begin to take care of the unsanitary conditions that exist throughout the city. Allowing these conditions to continue puts the people of New York in serious danger and is disgraceful,” said Senator Avella.