By Alex Robinson
College Point residents who have wrestled with a trucking operation in their neighborhood for years might finally be on the verge of closing it down.
An inquiry by state Sen. Tony Avella’s (D-Bayside) office has revealed that TNP Trucking has operated a 24/7 facility, at 14-29 130th St., on a lot that is zoned for residential space.
“This blatant disregard for the law has gone on for over two decades,” Avella told reporters in front of the facility last week, surrounded by a handful of residents. “The very fact that they have been allowed to run illegally at this site for 24 years is disgraceful.”
A 2013 inspection by the city Department of Buildings, prompted by a letter from Avella’s office, showed TNP had commercial vehicles at the site, which is zoned as R4A, a residential designation. A DOB spokeswoman said the site has been referred to the department’s Padlock Unit and that a hearing to determine whether the site will be closed down has been set for June 4.
Avella said TNP Trucking, who did not respond to requests for comment, have refused to break the commercial lease on the property.
Residents have complained about the trucks for years, contending they keep them up at all hours and spew pollution into their neighborhood.
“We’re not asking for much,” said Turan Ates, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1996. “Just a quiet place to sleep and clean air to breath.”
Avella first got involved last year after hearing many complaints from residents about the trucks that rumble through their neighborhood.
The senator sent letters to a number of state and city agencies, including the DOB, the city Departments of Environmental Protection and Health and the state Department of Environmental Conservation, which all sent inspectors to the site.
A number of the city agencies issued warnings to TNP Trucking for infractions on the property, but did not issue violations.
TNP’s main location is up the block from the lot in question, at the corner of 130th Street and 15th Avenue.
In addition to noise problems, residents claim TNP Trucking has been dumping oil and anti-freeze into the sewer and creating rust stains on the public sidewalk.
“Both this lot and the commercial business have been a problem with illegal dumping and disregard for the area,” Ates said. “I have complained for years with no result.”
Bob Amatto, who has lived in College Point for 25 years, said the conditions created by the trucks have been deplorable.
“They operate their business with no concern for their neighbors.”
Reach reporter Alex Robinson by e-mail at arobinson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
