MTA to install nets to catch debris
falling from elevated subway line
BY BILL PARRY
Lawmakers in Western Queens are
applauding the MTA’s plan to spend
nearly $325 million to significantly expand
safety netting on elevated subway
lines as part of its proposed $51.5 billion
capital plan.
The news was welcomed in Woodside
and Sunnyside after there were
a frightening number of near-misses
with debris falling from the No. 7
subway line, in particular, a notorious
event last February when a long
wooden plank shook free and pierced
the windshield of an SUV on Roosevelt
Avenue, narrowly missing an unidentified
driver near 65th Street.
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer
released an extraordinary photo of the
damage and began a campaign calling
for the MTA to take action before someone
got seriously injured or killed.
“I am relieved to see the MTA allocate
$325 million in its capital plan
to install protective netting under
all elevated subway lines across New
York City,” Van Bramer said. “This is
a huge win after months of advocating
with the community for improvements
along the 7 train. The MTA’s capital
plan is outlined for the next five years,
but we must keep up the pressure to ensure
that the netting is put up as soon
as possible.”
And it wasn’t just the wooden plank
incident that scared motorists and
pedestrians along Roosevelt Avenue.
Chunks of metal have fallen smashing
windshields and several times people
walking near the 52nd Street station
have nearly been struck by falling debris.
“After at least seven consecutive
incidents of dangerous falling debris,
this situation still must be treated with
urgent care until the safety of all New
Yorkers is guaranteed. We are incredibly
lucky that no one has been injured
or killed so far.”
The MTA was unable to provide
a timeline as they are awaiting of an
evaluation of a pilot program in which
knotless nylon netting of high tenacity
nylon and polypropylene mesh is installed.
The agency is also reviewing
and analyzing data from the Chicago
Transit Authority, and will then determine
if and how it can be applied to the
MTA system.
“Safety is the top priority at NYC
Transit, and we continually review our
system to find ways it can be enhanced
and improved,” an MTA spokesman
said. “Increasing netting on elevated
structures is just one of our efforts.”
Councilman Costa Constantinides
has been calling for protective netting
to be installed under the entirety of
the elevated N/W line in Astoria since
August when a heavy metal flashlight
fell from a construction project and
nearly struck a pedestrian. He said he
regularly hears complaints and reads
tweets from Astoria residents about
debris falling onto 31st Street from construction
or track maintenance above.
“I’m glad to see the MTA finally
recognizes that pedestrians and cyclists
are at risk anytime they cross
the street of ride under the elevated
track,” Constantinides said. “Flashlights
shouldn’t fall from the sky and
nearly hit someone in the head — but
that’s exactly what happened here in
Astoria this summer. I hope the MTA
will be a good community partner by
installing protective netting under
the entirety of the N/W elevated track
in Astoria.”
Elected officials in western Queens are
pleased that the MTA plans to do something
about the debris falling from elevated
subway tracks.
Courtesy of Van Bramer’s offi ce
Kosciuszko Bridge will be lit pink in October
BY BILL PARRY
The new Kosciuszko
Bridge will be bathed in pink
light to commemorate Breast
Cancer Awareness Month,
Governor Andrew Cuomo
announced Tuesday.
One World Trade Center,
the George Washington
Bridge, the Alfred E. Smith
Building and other landmarks
will also be lit pink
after Cuomo issued a proclamation
noting that breast
cancer is the most commonly
diagnosed cancer and
the second leading cause of
death among women in New
York state.
“Raising awareness about
early detection and preventive
services is our biggest
weapon against breast cancer,”
Cuomo said. “We will
continue to make it a priority
and make it easier for every
woman in New York to be
screened.”
Each year, nearly 16,000
women in New York are
newly diagnosed with breast
cancer and approximately
2,500 die from the disease.
In New York, women getting
screened for breast cancer
has increased from 80.3 percent
in 2017 to 82.1 percent in
2018, according to the Behavioral
Risk Factor Surveillance
System.
“This screening estimate
is the highest we’ve seen in
many years and we hope to see
this upward trend continue,”
New York State Health Commissioner
Dr. Howard Zucker
said. “Our incredibly comprehensive
breast cancer screening
programs and robust educational
initiatives in New
York state are key factors in
helping more women get access
to necessary screening
to promote early detection.”
New York state can attribute
increased screening
rates to multiple initiatives
designed to improve access
to breast cancer screening
and preventative health
care services. Through New
The Kosciuszbo Bridge and other landmarks across the city will be
lit pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
York’s Cancer Services Program,
women can access
screening information and
services from peer outreach
and education programs, a
patient navigation program,
and a mobile mammography
program currently serving
40 counties.
We are continuing our efforts
Courtesy of Governor’s offi ce
to promote breast cancer
screenings statewide and
building on our investments
to help New Yorkers access
the health care they need,”
Lieutenant Governor Kathy
Hochul said. “During Breast
Cancer Awareness Month, we
are speaking out about the importance
of getting screened
and the life-saving services
available across the state. We
want to make sure that mammograms
and cancer screenings
are available for all New
Yorkers to help save lives.”
All New Yorkers are encouraged
to join in related
activities during this monthlong
observance to help raise
support and awareness.
Breast cancer screening
is covered by most health
plans, including Medicaid
and health plans participating
in the New York State of
Health. The NYSDOH’s Cancer
Services Program (CSP)
offers screening to eligible
uninsured men and women
in every county and borough
in NYS. To find a CSP near
you, call 866-442-CANCER
(2262) or visit health.ny.gov/
diseases/cancer/services/
community_resources.
Reach reporter Bill Parry
by e-mail at bparry@schnepsmedia.
com or by phone at
(718) 260–4538.
20 TIMESLEDGER, OCT. 4-10, 2019 BT QNS.COM
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