Sen. Addabbo views neglected pedestrian underpass

Senator Joseph Addabbo meets with constituents to discuss the conditions of a dirty Middle Village underpass.
Senator Joseph Addabbo meets with constituents to discuss the conditions of a dirty Middle Village underpass.

Senator Joseph Addabbo, after receiving numerous complaints from constituents, met with Middle Village residents to discuss a pedestrian underpass infamous for its unsanitary conditions.

The underpass – pedestrian underpass at 80th Street and 57th Avenue, beneath the Long Island Expressway – has become even worse in recent months, due to the infestation of pigeons. This has led to a collection of deceased eggs, broken spikes and feathers strewn about the sidewalk. The hazardous environment created by the birds joins the litter left by foot traffic.

After meeting with constituents to get a first-hand look at the conditions, Addabbo called the New York City Department of Transportation, who has previously made efforts to clean the area.

“The Department of Transportation listened to our concerns the first time around, and my constituents and I need them to hear us again now,” said Addabbo. “While we appreciate their efforts to tidy up this area, more needs to be done to prevent this situation from continuing to occur, worsening each time around. These pigeons and the mess they leave behind are making this walkway unbearable, and the people of Middle Village and the surrounding communities deserve better. Nobody wants to walk down a sidewalk covered in bird droppings and dirty feathers, and nobody should have to.”