BY LUIS GRONDA
A section of Cross Bay Boulevard is about to get a much needed clean-up.
Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and The Doe Fund, a Manhattan-based nonprofit organization that provides work to people who are homeless or have been in jail, have teamed up to clean the Broad Channel section of Cross Bay Boulevard that still has garbage and debris leftover from Hurricane Sandy.
At a press conference to announce the initiative on Feb. 15, Ulrich said that the Doe Fund’s workers would do the clean-up of a 1.5-mile stretch between the foot of the Joe Addabbo Bridge and the American Legion Hall.
Ulrich added that he called George McDonald, the president of The Doe Fund, and told him about the garbage that has accumulated on that Boulevard and asked for his assistance.
“It is situated between a beautiful national park and an amazing estuary and yet it looks like a dumping ground,” he said. “We need your help.”
McDonald, who is also one of a growing field of candidates for Mayor of New York City, said that the men who will work on the land are part of the Doe Fund’s “Ready, Able and Willing” program, one of the organization’s best-known programs. They will have nine men, cleaning up that section of Broad Channel until the job is complete.
Two community leaders representing that area of Queens have also voiced their support for the project created by the councilman and the nonprofit.
Dolores Orr, Chairwoman of Community Board 14, who attended the Friday afternoon press conference, said that this work will be especially important for the residents of Broad Channel and the Rockaways, who are still picking up the pieces that were destroyed by Sandy.
“It’s equally important for our residents that are recovering themselves that we will recover and become the beautiful and lovely place that we were,” she said.
Dan Mundy, president of the Broad Channel Civic Association, said in a statement provided by Ulrich’s office, that he is elated about the project.
“It is a scenic woodland area that is enjoyed by bird enthusiasts, bikers, and hikers. Unfortunately, since the storm the amount of garbage, litter and debris has piled up and created a real eyesore. It is very encouraging to know that due to the councilman’s efforts and the DOE Fund, that this area will be beautiful again,” he said.
Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or at lgronda@queenstribune.com.
