While leaning utility poles continue to loom over a pedestrian pathway in Hamilton Beach, local residents and city officials alike said there’s no need for concern.
Three poles are currently resting on a fence overlooking the walkway by the “A” train’s rail tracks near 104th Street and Russell Street. While heavy storms once toppled multiple poles around the area back in March 2010 — knocking out power in the surrounding neighborhoods — residents said they were not bothered by the sloping poles’ presence.
“I’m not too worried,” said resident Mike Riley, who said he walks under them every day. “If they were going to fall, they would have already.”
MTA officials said they are aware of the problem and are currently working with the LIRR to gather materials and replace the poles.
“The utility poles do not represent any imminent danger,” said Deirdre Parker, a spokesperson for the MTA. “Work will resume later this week.”
Some residents said city workers were in the neighborhood recently, putting up wooden supports that now prop up the leaning poles. However, the MTA did not verify if the initiative was led by their agency.
“I think they are braced down pretty good,” said passerby John Ray.
Local resident Melissa Serrano said she passes the poles every day, but did not ever notice their slanting nature.
“They should fix them, but I’m not too worried about it,” she said.
With additional reporting by David Beltran
