Community raises concern as trash piles up and fills tunnel
Garbage bags, needles, clothes, rotten food and more can be found at the E. 170th Street tunnel.
More Stories
The E. 170th Street tunnel is neglected, riddled with trash along with safety concerns.
Garbage bags, needles, clothes, rotten food and more can be found there. The space is open to the public.
"Nobody is walking by. People are scared to walk here. It needs to be cleaned up," said community activist Sidney Flores.
The Department of Sanitation says it will investigate and clean what is necessary but that tunnels are under the Department of Transportation. The DOT says it has routine cleanings scheduled and intentions to address the area.
The Department of Sanitation also asked members of the public to do their part and dispose of trash properly.
"We remind residents that they have a legal obligation to place their trash in its proper place," the department said in a statement. "We pick up trash at the curbside of every residence for free, multiple times per week, and we also regularly service 23,000 corner litter baskets. Tossing trash in a public space like this is illegal, and residents should call 311 when they see excessive litter. "
