By Mark Hallum
Construction which took place on Shore Road in late March to improve storm drains is causing Douglaston Manor residents along this corridor to have their septic tanks pumped as much as once a month.
Mary Gallagher is one such resident who has sought the help of State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) to correct the problem.
The city Department of Design and Construction was behind the project, which left a fresh patchwork of asphalt along the street and up side roads.
Mark Gallagher is a longtime resident of Douglaston who once lived in the home with her seven children and late husband, who died a decade ago. Now, living by herself, she finds more issues with the septic tank than she did when there was a full house.
“We had seven children living here and we never had a problem with the cesspool. Now every few weeks it has to be cleaned out,” Gallagher said.
“They did so much work by the dock. Pipes had to be put in wrong, or there’s a leak in one of the pipes and it’s backing up into my cesspool.”
What used to need draining every four years now happens every three weeks, she said, and each time the septic tank needs to be pumped it costs Gallagher approximately $400.
Not only is the septic tank a problem, but Gallagher said the basement is frequently flooded with water.
A plumber was hired to fix the septic tank without success.
Gallagher also complained to Avella she has had trouble with water in her yard and fears it will damage the foundation of her home.
According to a DDC bid document, C.A.C. Industries out of Long Island City was contracted to resurface Shore Road, a $7.4 million contract, which included sewer and water main work to be completed by April 25.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
