By Naeisha Rose
During Tuesday’s press conference in front of Gino’s Pizzeria in Howard Beach, City Councilman Eric Ulrich announced that he’s allocated over $150,000 toward Department of Sanitation initiatives so that more than 60 routes in his district have better cleanup services.
Some of the neighborhoods within his district to benefit from the cleanup include Woodhaven, Ozone Park and Howard Beach, and cover 63 routes across Cross Bay, Rockaway, Woodhaven and Lefferts Boulevards that will receive improved services.
“I am thrilled to again be partnering with the Sanitation Department to add these much-needed services throughout my district. Ensuring the quality of life for my constituents is a priority, and this partnership with DSNY makes our community a better place to live and work,” Ulrich said.
The funds are going towards mechanical broom sweeping services and additional basket pick-ups along various commercial corridors, according to his spokeswoman. Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia was excited about the new equipment and what it would do for the community.
“The Department of Sanitation is thrilled to be able to work again with the Councilman, and to be out here in Southeastern Queens to make sure that Cross Bay [Boulevard], Lefferts Boulevard, and all the other [major commercial] streets are clean,” said Garcia. “This is one of those things that people see right away and it makes a difference with how [residents] feel about their community.”
On Tuesdays and Fridays, nine routes have received an additional two hours of basket truck pick-ups and drop-offs for $40,560. On Wednesdays five of those routes have more mechanical broom sweepers for eight hours for $16,216.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, additional mechanical broom sweepers are keeping an 24 more routes tidy for $65,000. On Thursdays, those same 24 routes have an additional two-hour basket pick-up and drop-off for $30,000, according to Ulrich’s office.
Civic and community leaders such as Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton, President Joann Ariola of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association and Ozone Tudor Civic Association President Frank Dardani were thankful for the additional sanitary services.
“On the Ozone Park side, we are very pleased that Cross Bay Boulevard is going to get a nice clean-up thanks to the Councilman and the hard work of Sanitation,” said Dardani.
Ulrich was thankful of the support he received from the community and DSNY in his efforts to enhance his district.
“I am proud to have funded these projects, which clean and beautify some of the busiest commercial strips, spanning from Woodhaven to Howard Beach to the Rockaways,” said Ulrich.
Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose
