Failing pipes linked NYCHA problems: Union
Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatic Center forced to
close at least six weeks for emergency repairs: Parks
The indoor swimming pool at Flushing Meadows Corona Park will close for six weeks beginning Jan. 13. Photo via Flickr.com
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | DEC. 27-JAN. 2, 2020 3
BY MARK HALLUM
The pipes are calling for help for New
York City’s aging public housing buildings,
according to one local union.
Representatives of Steamfitters Local
638 revealed a report which indicates
that rotting pipes are the root cause of
systemic problems experienced by the
majority of NYCHA residents — including
leaks, mold and heat outages.
On top of that, the steamfitters union
says the sprinkler systems may also be
compromised by aging pipes, placing
the lives of NYCHA tenants in danger
in the case of fire.
No other improvement made to NYCHA
buildings constructed between
1945 and 1965 will matter, according to
the union, if the pipes aren’t replaced.
While NYCHA is set to spend $600
million on new boilers, the Steamfitters
say this will be ultimately fail if the
pipes are not addressed.
“While they were built exceptionally
well, the pipes hidden inside the plaster
and sheetrock walls and ceilings have
already surpassed their half-a-century
long lifespan,” said Patrick Dolan, the
union’s president. “Unless these pipes
are replaced, expect these conditions
to only worsen … a building operating
system is comparable to the heart, lungs
and arteries of a human body. Upon
reaching the age of 55 to 75 — much like
veins and arteries leading to a human
heart or lungs — the insides of pipes
have long ago calcified and clogged,
leading to blockages and ruptures.”
One way in which the union said old
pipes become compromised over time is
due to build-up that blocks the flow of
water, much like a clotted artery; and
the problems described by the Steamfitters
are not inconsistent with other
reports.
But a spokeswoman for NYCHA said
the understanding about infrastructure
was nothing new to the agency, and
that they have made strides in recent
months to improve conditions through
preventative maintenance.
“Local 638 doesn’t represent NYCHA
staff. However, our union, frontline and
management staff throughout the Authority
know first-hand that unplanned
heating outages and other infrastructure
deficiencies are symptomatic of
decades of financial disinvestment in
our aging buildings, and for the past
year, in collaboration with the federal
monitor, we have already implemented
the Mold Busters program and the heat
action plan, which are demonstrating
real progress in terms of reducing mold,
and speeding up repairs and restoring
heat for residents,” the spokesperson
said. “This year NYCHA invested millions
in City funds to upgrade heating
equipment and for preventative
maintenance, and we are on schedule
to invest $450 million in State funds to
replace aging heating systems across
the portfolio, and other infrastructure,
beginning 2020.”
Referring to a March 2018 study completed
by the now defunct Independent
Democratic Conference, the union illustrated
the prevalence of pipe problems
with statistics claiming that 59 percent
of NYCHA residents have had problems
with mold while 52 percent have or had
leaking roofs, windows or pipes.
In March 2019, the federal government
was gearing up to appoint a federal
monitor to oversee NYCHA and bring
living conditions to a higher standard.
Federal housing official Lynne Patton
led a town hall that same month
with residents of Queensbridge Houses,
the largest public housing complex in
the nation, complaining of leaks causing
damage to walls and ceilings.
In one instance, pipes were so old
and corroded maintenance workers
said they fell apart in their hands.
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez,
in September, introduced the Public
Housing Response Act which attempts
to provide major federal funds for public
housing nationwide.
Up to $70 billion would be slated for
public housing in total while $36 billion
would be reserved just for NYCHA.
The bill was referred to the House
Committee on Financial Services where
it has not advanced in the process of getting
a vote on the floor.
Under the bill, NYCHA would not be
awarded the funds directly, but would
go to the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development.
NYCHA buildings. Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Jim Henderson
BY BILL PARRY
NYC Parks has announced
that due to upcoming emergency
ceiling work at the Flushing
Meadows Corona Park Aquatic
Center, the Olympic-size swimming
pool will be closed to the
public for at least six weeks beginning
Monday, Jan. 13.
This work at the largest recreation
center ever built inside
a New York City park will install
extensive ceiling netting
in the pool and ice rink areas,
and will impact pool programming
at the facility.
There are no current plans
to close the ice rink to the public
at this time.
“While we never wish to
close our facilities, essential
repairs must be made to ensure
the safety of all who use the
Aquatic Center,” NYC Parks
Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver
said. “We are committed to
the needs of the Queens community
and will work hard to
expedite these repairs and get
everyone back into the pool before
winter’s end. Thank you
for your patience and understanding
during this time.”
While the pool is closed,
all aquatics programming
will be cancelled. Recreation
members are encouraged to
utilize nearby recreation centers
during this closure including:
Al Oerter Recreation
Center at 131-40 Fowler Ave.,
Lost Battalion Hall Recreation
Center at 93-29 Queens
Blvd., and Roy Wilkins Recreation
Center at 177th St. and
Baisley Blvd., or visit one of
NYC Parks recreation centers
citywide.
For more information about
the indoor pool, please contact
the Flushing Meadows Corona
Park Aquatic Center at 718-271-
7572 and for more information
and updates about the ice rink
call 212-736-4492.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by
e-mail at bparry@schnepsmedia.
com or by phone at (718)
260–4538.
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