State Senator Alessandra Biaggi visited Evergreen Gardens in the Soundview section of her district Friday Night to hear what residents had to say. Local political gadfly Michael Beltzer who went around with Senator Biaggi door to door was thanked as Senator Biaggi heard tenants problems. We however saw several problems such as the broken ceiling tile and what appears to be mold around the openings a few feet away from where Senator Biaggi was (pictured above).
When Senator Biaggi arrived she gave a quick review of what was done this year in the state legislature, introduced her staff and then asked residents for any problems.
Problems raised by the tenants of Evergreen Gardens were that of the removal of a BX 5 bus stop, new housing in the area, lack of parking, security in the building floors and and stairwells, upkeep of the grounds. activity in the nearby area and park that needs police action, and getting repairs done since the management office was moved out of the complex to Melrose Avenue (but no specific items were mentioned).
Senator Biaggi asked if any other elected official had visited the complex, and she was told her predecessor Senator Klein had installed new peep holes in their doors. She was also told that Assemblyman Crespo and Councilman Salamanca were aware of the problems. She also asked the two police officers (P.O Luna, and P.O. Torres) of the 43rd precinct about the deployment of the officers of the 43rd precinct, and P.O. Luna replied that they were not the area NCO officers, and the senator would have to speak to the commanding officer of the precinct.
When asked about an adult fitness program started under Senator Klein she said anything that was funded under Senator Klein will continue to be funded by her. The issue of Thanksgiving turkeys then came up, with Senator Biaggi said she gave out one-hundred turkeys last year in November 2018 before she was sworn in. her staff was very helpful in taking down notes and giving advice, but when leaving there were some tenants who were skeptical of getting any results.
Above - Senator Biaggi speaks to the people in the community room of Evergreen Gardens.
Below - Police officers Luna and Torres from the 43rd precinct were present to hear any problems that the precinct might have to handle. A loose ceiling tile can be seen behind the officers, along with what appears to be mold growing in the top corner.
Above - On the right side of the room loose ceiling tiles can be seen, along with what appears to be mold.
Below - Another area of the community room has paint peeling from the area next to this pole.
It appeared that Senator Biaggi and her staff were missing the larger problems in Evergreen Gardens that should have been very obvious to them in the room they were in. That being loose or falling ceiling tiles, peeling paint, and probable mold growing around the room.
