There is a Covid 19 testing going up literally in my backyard on Rockaway Beach Blvd btwen Beach 39th and Beach 40th St. Local officials stated they didn’t know. I spoke to Councilman Richards at length on Monday, May 18, 2020 and he stated he didn’t know but confirmed that it it actually going to be a Covid 19 testing site. I’m outraged and anxious as my mother has leukemia and my fater has a whole host of cardiac issues. Not only am I concerned about my family but the families in my community as well. This construction takes place 7days/week from 7am to 11pm. These times are ludicrous and disrespectful. Many of us homeowners are concerned about the structure of our homes as well. The amount of shaking and vibrating that takes place is of great concern. Below is a list of questions/concerns I would like to have addressed:
- There was no notice to the community or the community board that there was going to be a Covid 19 testing site at this location.
- There wasn’t an environmental study performed. Keep in mind, this lot has been vacant for many years. Before breaking ground, you must make sure that it’s done safely not to jeopardize the health of the people within the community.
- This is the property of the DOE and this lot was slated for a K-8 school, why put a testing site in this location when there are plenty other places to put it, i.e, abandoned buildings on the peninsula, non-residential areas, etc.
- Many homeowners in the surrounding area are concerned with the structure of our homes. What happens if there is damage to our homes during or after construction?
- The times construction takes place is ludicrous. 7am -11pm, 7 days/week is or should be illegal, not to mention, disrespectful to those in the community.
- Where is the permit for this Covid 19 testing site? I haven’t seen one posted since this started.
- What type of long-term health effects will this have for people in the community?
- How long will this testing site be on this lot? What is the plan? Is there a plan? I’m requesting to see this plan.
- Traffic congestion. How will traffic be controlled?
- I live on a block that doesn’t have alternate side of the street parking. What about the cleanliness of this site? Where are the guidelines/policies when it comes to the sanitary conditions?
- What is the follow up procedure when people get their results? Where are they instructed to go?
- How will the city guarantee the safety of those in the community?
Currently, I don’t feel safe. When I’m home I take pictures/videos of the construction only to see that I’m also being filmed by one of the construction workers. There are drones flying over the site and homes. What is the rationale for this? I also woke up to garbage on my front lawn which is very unusual.
