Kellner to MTA: Stop Late Night Blasts
I have been a long-time proponent for the construction of the Second Avenue Subway to bring much needed transportation options to the overcrowded Lexington Avenue subway lines and buses on the Upper East Side. While I support the project, I also understand the immediate consequences the construction is having on residents and businesses in the Second Avenue subway corridor. Recently, I was contacted by members of the community concerned over repeated late-night underground blasting activities. In our highly residential neighborhood, it is unacceptable for our families to have to contend with loud and disruptive blasting until as late as 11 p.m.
At a Community Board 8 Second Avenue Subway Task Force meeting on June 22, 2011, in response to numerous complaints from the public, representatives from the MTA told those in attendance that they would make every effort to finish all blasting before 7 p.m. The MTA has stated repeatedly in recent months that it would like to be a good neighbor on Second Avenue and, as such, it is important that it live up to its commitments. Constituents have reported seeing dynamite not even loaded underground until after 9:00 p.m., strongly suggesting that the contractors are preparing for late night blasts. It has been unclear whether any sincere efforts have been made to limit the blasts from stretching into the evening hours.
I, along with my colleagues on the Upper East Side, urged the MTA to work with the community to develop a plan limiting blasting during the evening. With a plan that is both clearly articulated and followed, residents would be able to live in greater peace, and be more prepared for any disturbances that may arise. I am thrilled to announce that the MTA has heeded our call, and starting this week, underground blasting will be banned after 7 p.m. along the Second Avenue corridor. Now, residents along Second Avenue will have the peace of mind knowing that they won't be awoken by loud and frightening blasts during their evenings. You can read a copy of my letter to the MTA here .