Political Officials Help To Rid Building Of Cat Odor

From top to bottom: Assemblymember Nettie Mayersohn, state SenatorToby Stavisky, City Councilmember James Gennaro and Congressmember Anthony Weiner

Assemblymember Nettie Mayersohn, state Senator Toby Stavisky, City Councilmember James Gennaro and Congressmember Anthony Weiner are engaged in an all-out effort to combat serious problems existing at 70-20 Parsons Blvd. in Pomonok Houses. At one time, it was reported that Rose and Thomasina Maggio, the residents of Apartment 1A, housed as many as 20 cats.

The elected officials were made aware of the noxious odors that emanated from this apartment when the post office refused to deliver mail to the building. The mailboxes are located next to the offending apartment and were considered to be hazardous to the health of the postal employees. As a result, the residents are forced to pick up their mail at the Pomonok Post office between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. For many disabled and elderly this presented a problem; for working people, it was impossible for them to get to the post office in time.

Mayersohn, Stavisky, Gennaro, and Weiner then contacted the city Health Department, which sent inspectors to the building on August 10. The occupants of the apartment were issued violations both for the odors and for denying access to the inspectors. They were scheduled to appear for a hearing before the Department of Health Tribunal on August 25. The elected officials waited at the tribunal office, but the tenants did not appear.

Since then, Mayersohn, Stavisky, Gennaro and Weiner have held extensive meetings with the Mayor's Office, the New York City Housing Authority, the Health Department, and the Human Resources Administration to coordinate activities and keep residents

informed. The New York City Housing Authority has since sent workers to the apartment to have it professionally cleaned. Reportedly, the Maggios denied them access to one of the rooms where it is believed that the cats are housed. Deodorizers have also been installed in various areas of the building. In addition, the post office and the Housing Authority have come to an agreement on installing a temporary cluster box outside the building for mail delivery until the odor issues are completely resolved.

On September 12, a hearing, which again was attended by the elected officials, was held in Queens Supreme Court. At that time the court ordered that a temporary guardian be appointed to monitor and remove any cats in the apartment.

"The multiple cats in the apartment are causing serious health concerns for the residents of the building," Mayersohn said. "I am most grateful for the help of our local elected officials, the mayor's office, the New York City Housing Authority and the numerous city agencies who have been working overtime to get this matter resolved."

"The residents of Pomonok Houses are entitled to live and enjoy their apartments," said Stavisky. "The noxious odors prevent this, as well as pose a health hazard."

"My fellow elected officials and I will not rest until this intolerable situation is resolved to the complete satisfaction of the good families of 70-20 Parsons Boulevard." Gennaro said. "We will prevail."

"Today's decision will improve the quality of life for residents of Pomonok Houses and eliminate a serious health risk," said Weiner. "The cats are finally gone."