New Yorkers Fight Asbestos Violations

January 24, 2007 - According to an article in the New York Daily News, two groups of concerned New York City-area residents are fighting asbestos violations in two very distinct ways.

Aaron Brashear, of the Greenwood Heights section of Brooklyn, has taken to filming a construction site's alleged asbestos violations and posting them on YouTube, a popular internet web site.  Brashear charges that a construction site at 338 22nd St has hazardous working conditions that may affect the health of the general public.

"We put this stuff on [YouTube] so it is open to the public and the Department of Buildings' [decisions] will not be behind closed doors," Brashear said.

City officials told Brashear that they are monitoring the site but, to date, have not written any violations. "The department understands the neighbors' concerns and we appreciate the efforts and urge them to call 311 in addition to the videotaping," Buildings Department spokeswoman Kate Lindquist said.  If violations are evident, the construction company will be fined.

In the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, angry neighbors are complaining to city officials rather than videotaping the violations at a site on 60th Street.  The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was finally called in earlier this month after several complaints about the presence of asbestos at the dormant demolition site.

"Asbestos was found in the vinyl floor tiling," agency spokesman Ian Michaels said, but the asbestos is unlikely to get into the air because the tiling "holds the asbestos really well."
Neighbors weren’t pleased with that answer.

"Many children walk by everyday. People wait for the bus in front of it and they are exposed," said Anna Cali, 42, mother of two and teacher at an area school. "We are all infuriated, appalled and disgusted," she said.

Jean Finn, who lives next to the site, was also concerned. "All summer, my kids had to play in the pool right behind this mess," she said.

Last Friday, when laborers started sweeping the site, the DEP was summoned once again, but an inspector told residents that the contractor, Monaco Construction, did not need a permit to remove the debris. Residents, however, vowed to stay vigilant.