NYSLOF Partners w/Build Up NYC @Astoria Cove

Representatives from the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), Build Up NYC, members of Laborers’ Local 78 and Laborers' Local 79, and community members took part in a press conference held at the controversial residential development site Astoria Cove.

The 1,700-unit site will span from 4-15 to 8-01 26th Ave. on the Queens waterfront. Alma Realty, the owner of the site, and its developer, has become the source of anger and frustration for its neighbors and the Astoria community at large, according to New York Daily News.

NYC Council Member Costa Constantinides (D-22nd District); Queens Borough President Melinda Katz were on hand to support community members like Jeannie Ortiz, who explained the dire conditions of the site and its affects on her family.

Also present was Sylvia White, vice-president for Justice for All Coalition and a resident of Astoria Homes; and Deaconess AnLavonne Respass, a member of Justice for All and a resident of Astoria. NYCOSH Executive Director Charlene Obernauer led the attendees on a site survey, discovering countless examples of health and safety violations.

Allegedly, 2030 Astoria Developers made agreements on behalf of Alma Realty to create good jobs by hiring responsible contractors to build and operate the project. However, when work began on the project over a year ago, it became clear they would not honor their commitments. They also agreed to provide affordable housing and a school in the project to the Astoria community. Currently, it seems they may be looking to sell the site after all.