MTA Railroad Issues

We have been reaching out to the MTA through Senator Gianaris' office to express concern about the lack of consideration that is given to our communities when they "maintain" their property and the railroad's right-of-way.

• Cutting down trees and shrubs that act as a buffer zone to reduce train noise and clean our air. They have also been known to cut down vegetation on City property.
• They hire contractors who use noxious chemicals to kill the vegetation which can cause health concerns for residents. These chemicals are also killing wildlife including feral cats who have been keeping the rodent population under control.
• The lack of vegetation is not only causing the embankments to erode, but allows water from heavy rain to flood our homes because there's no vegetation to absorb the water.
• The MTA makes no effort to clean the graffiti that covers their bridges, etc.

The Senator's office said they receive few complaints and in order to get the agency's attention we need people in Elmhurst, Woodside, Maspeth, Middle Village, Forest Hills and other communities to speak up. They can do this by reaching out to the Senator who covers their district.

We are urging folks to take a minute to either call or email their elected official. Since many of us who are affected reside in Senator Gianairis' district, his staff said they will direct anyone outside the district to the Senator in their respective district.

Mercedes Maldonado-Jennings

[email protected]

(718) 728-0960

This issue is not only affecting our quality of life, it's affecting property values.

Roe Daraio, President
COMET Civic Association
www.cometcivic.com