Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Padlock needed for Douglaston property

From NY1:

Boarded up and filled with construction equipment, a vacant lot is unwelcome to locals on a residential street in Douglaston, Queens.

Neighbors claim the owners of the property are using it as a storage place.

According to the Department of Buildings, such storage of construction equipment is not permitted in the area's zoning.

The DOB's Padlocks Unit is currently investigating if it is a public nuisance.

"It's very, very frustrating, but I've looked at the city, they supposedly followed up. I've looked to Senator [Tony] Avella, he's supposedly followed up, but I don't think they're being given the correct information, which is why I'm with you," says Macaluso.

After NY1's first story on this lot aired, Avella contacted the station and said his office is working to expedite the process.

"The Department of Buildings has to be much more aggressive in addressing these type of situations," Avella says. "We should be able to tell this construction company, 'You know what? We're going to seize those containers.' Now obviously, that’s what the Padlock Unit will do, they'll padlock it so the owners can’t get their equipment out. But it should be done in a much more quicker process."

When NY1 reached out to the DOB again, officials said they were still investigating and will take appropriate action based on their findings.

The owner, H & S Landscaping, has yet to return the station's phone calls.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

No comments on a Tony Avella photo-op? Let me get the ball rolling!
Way to go Tony, your making progress, your wearing down your pundits, and doing a great job as State Senator also as City Councilman.

Anonymous said...

Anon No. 1:

Exactly right. What's photo ops to some is the footwork that gets you reelected to others.

Anonymous said...

Phony Avella should stick to state issues, like lowering property taxes. Oh, I forgot he already voted to raise them.