Ariola Secures Progress on Neponsit Eyesore
Councilwoman Joann Ariola has been working closely with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to deal with the blighted property at 148-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, and recently received an important update.
According to a representative from HPD, plans to demolish the dilapidated property are currently in the design phase following a report about the structure’s integrity from DOB. It is anticipated to enter the procurement phase in the next two to three weeks, during which time HPD officials will work to find a suitable contractor to bring the demolition to fruition.
“Bidding and awarding the contract can take some time but [we] wanted to be clear that the job is actively moving through our process,” an HPD official said.
“This is a huge step forward for the people of Neponsit,” Councilwoman Ariola said. “This derelict home has been an issue for years, but my office has been relentless in having it rectified and I am proud to say we are making real progress on that front. Visitors coming into Rockaway along Rockaway Beach Boulevard will no longer have to be welcomed into the neighborhood by this eyesore.”
“The Neponsit Property Owners Association would like to thank all those who continue to work diligently to rid our community of dangerous eyesores,” said Amanda Agoglia, President of the Neponsit Property Owners Association. “We are pleased with the news that this hazardous property is being addressed by HPD and will be demolished in the near future. A special thanks to Joann Ariola, Phyllis Inserillo, and staff for continuing to work hard for our community.”
