Addabbo appreciates efforts of NYS DOT and DSNY to clean up dirty Howard Beach underpass, but continues to push for long-term solution

The underpass at 84^th Street between 157^th Avenue and Shore Parkway in Howard Beach has been an issue with residents for a while due to the presence of pigeons and other waste, and State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is working with City and State agencies to address the problem.

Addabbo has reached out to the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) as well as the New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) regarding this community issue. While the two agencies have created short-term solutions, Addabbo is working towards a more long-term resolution to the matter.

“I am grateful for the assistance both the DSNY and NYS DOT have given on this problem,” Addabbo said. “However, after the solutions were implement, the problem has persisted, which is why I will work together with governmental agencies to create a long-term solution to this problem.”

Addabbo has experience with a similar situation within his district in Middle Village. Back in 2016, Addabbo collaborated with the State DOT to resolve an issue of excessive pigeon waste at the underpass along 80^th Street under the Long Island Expressway. There the NYS DOT, after reviewing the situation, placed wooden boards underneath the roadway to prevent pigeons from congregating.

“No community should have to live with an underpass that is not only an eyesore, but a health hazard as well,” Addabbo noted. “We were able to mitigate the situation in Middle Village, and I have no doubt that the underpass in Howard Beach will see similar results. I appreciate all my constituents who have contacted me regarding this issue and I understand their frustration, but I want them to know this will be resolved.”