“This has the potential for danger,” said state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone). “Is it an emergency? Absolutely.”
But Ilyse Fink, a spokeswoman for…
By Alexander Dworkowitz
Just how badly does PS 214 in Flushing need its windows replaced? The answer depends on who you ask.
“This has the potential for danger,” said state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone). “Is it an emergency? Absolutely.”
But Ilyse Fink, a spokeswoman for the city Buildings Department, was hesitant to use the word “emergency” to describe the windows, some of which do not open from the bottom.
“Everyone would like to see the repairs made, but it does not pose a risk in terms of light and air,” she said.
The Board of Education and School Construction Authority have recently decided to go ahead with a project to replace the windows at PS 214, at 31-15 140th St.
The SCA is in the middle of the bidding process for the windows, said Deborah Wetzel, a spokeswoman for the department. Once the eight-week process is complete, workers will begin replacing 250 windows, which is expected to take a year to complete, Wetzel said.
Many of the windows are nailed shut, both Stavisky and Fink said.
“I do understand that most of the windows are not functioning,” Stavisky said.
The windows create a ventilation problem, she said.
But Fink disagreed.
“What was reported back to me was about 40 percent of the windows are inoperable,” Fink said. “But they are casement windows, and they open from the top. There is no issue with ventilation.”
PS 214 Principal Howard Merims, who reported the problem with the windows to Stavisky in January, would not say whether or not all the windows in his school are capable of opening.
Harvey Sherer, deputy superintendent of School District 25, which includes PS 214, said he believed that some windows could not be opened.
“I would imagine that some windows cannot be opened from the top or bottom,” he said.
“They are dangerous in that they rattle with the wind and they can very easily come off the track,” Sherer added.
All parties agreed that the windows did not pose a fire hazard since the first floor windows were blocked by grates and were not intended as a means of egress.
But Stavisky worried that the paint on the 50-year-old windows contained high concentrations of lead.
“There is a danger from lead paint,” she said. “Considering the age, lead was obviously used in the windows.”
Wetzel said it was possible that some of the windows contain lead.
She said, however, the SCA will work on the installation of the windows during after-school hours. She added that the SCA has a strict safety program and will seal the windows if any lead is discovered during work.
“There could be lead in some of the windows, but if we find lead when we remove the windows, we immediately seal it,” she said.
The windows have been slated for repairs for nearly two years, said Kevin Ortiz, a spokesman for the Board of Education. In June 2000, the board approved $2 million to replace the windows, Ortiz said.
“Windows are pricey,” he said.
The decision to actually go ahead on the project was not made until March, Ortiz said.
Stavisky expressed frustration with the length of time and money needed for the project.
“It takes far too many people to replace a window.”
Reach reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300 Ext. 141.
