July 15, 2013 By Christian Murray
While factions within Hunters Point continue to duke it out over whether to introduce alternate-side parking, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer has secured city funds that will bring part-time workers to clean up the neighborhood.
Van Bramer has allocated $65,000 toward the Doe Fund, which will bring workers to Woodside and Long Island City to help clean up the streets. He said about half of those funds will be used to clean the Hunters Point area.
Two workers will be cleaning the sidewalks and removing the garbage receptacles three days per week in the Vernon Blvd and Jackson Avenue vicinity. The cleaners will work six hour days.
“I think the debate over alternate side parking has been intense and polarizing,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer said. “Regardless, of what happens, I can do something proactively that everyone can feel better about—since everyone wants clean streets.”
Last year, a petition formed calling on the Department of Sanitation to bring street sweepers to the area, which would require alternate side parking. In January, the city put forward a detailed proposal to introduce the street sweepers—between 45th and Borden Avenues (west of Jackson Street)–to enable street cleaning.
However, those opposed to the measure came out with a counter petition and voiced their opposition at several Community Board 2 meetings. They claimed that the street sweepers—and alternate side parking–was not needed. They argued that if property owners cleaned in front of their premises there wouldn’t be a need for them.
The debate is far from settled. Community Board 2 does not have a vote on the matter scheduled.
