J line crud gets attention

Kamal Sookdeo’s fears may soon be allayed.
The Richmond Hill resident worries about the poor conditions of the elevated J Line - including a dripping chemical called creosote, crumbling concrete pillars, chipping lead paint and falling pieces of metal.
“I try to avoid parking on Jamaica Avenue because of it,” Sookdeo said.
However, according to Senator Serphin Maltese and Assemblymember Nettie Mayersohn, who recently held a closed-door meeting with Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials, something will be done to alleviate the problems temporarily.
According to the MTA, regular and frequent maintenance will be performed until permanent repairs can be made - in 2009. Currently, the line is undergoing pre-repair testing.
In addition, workers will phase out the use of creosote and replace it with a less environmentally harmful substance, as well as install a more absorbent protective wrap along the J Line.
According to the website for FELA, or the Federal Employers Liability Act, “Creosote is the name used for numerous substances that are produced using high temperature treatment of coal, certain woods, or resin from the creosote bush. Widely used and unregulated for almost two centuries, creosote can be found in thousands of miles of railroad tracks and rail yards across the country. However, recent research has linked creosote to a number of health hazards, including convulsions, liver disease, cancer, and even death.”
“We were very concerned that the MTA deal with the issues of the J Line along Jamaica Avenue because of the hazardous nature of the problems there,” said Maltese.
“It is not only an eyesore that is devaluing property along that part of Jamaica Avenue, but also dangerous for the health and safety of the residents, commuters, shop owners and their customers.”
“Pieces have fallen off that track and it ruins the cars. It’s just a matter of time before someone dies,” said Jack Feldstein, owner of an auto repair business located on 121st Street and Jamaica Avenue.
The Richmond Hill Block Association (RHBA) has been fighting for upgrades to the J Line for nearly a decade.
“We have been trying for at least 10 years to get the J line painted,” said Wendy Bowne, vice president of the RHBA. “The creosote has been getting worse for five or six years.”
However, Browne said, in the past few weeks, some work has been done. “We have had MTA workers come to the area to address the situation.”
“We are pleased that the MTA has agreed to address the issue,” said Maltese, whose deputy chief of staff, Shaaker Bhuiyan, urges residents to send letters regarding the J Line to Maltese’s Glendale office, 71-04 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385.