Latest news with #WestHarlem
CBS News
5 days ago
- General
- CBS News
New trash bins across West Harlem keep away rats, but take up precious parking spots, some say
Large ratproof trash bins installed across NYC as part of pilot program Large ratproof trash bins installed across NYC as part of pilot program Large ratproof trash bins installed across NYC as part of pilot program Bins meant to hold dozens of large trash bags are part of New York City's latest defense against rats. Some residents are already seeing an improvement, but others say it's not worth the amount of parking spots the trash receptacles have been taking up. About 1,100 "Empire" bins have already been installed across West Harlem as part of a pilot program announced on Monday. "First time in North America we're using automated side-loading trucks to service our Empire bins," Mayor Eric Adams said. This comes as the city reports six straight months of a decline in 311 calls about rat sightings. Bins help keep buildings, streets clean, residents say Building supervisor Cesar Jimenez says one Empire bin is enough to hold trash for his 36-unit apartment building in Morningside Heights, and he can't sing its praises enough. "In the past, we have to bring the garbage at night. With this thing, we can bring it out anytime and keep the building inside clean," Jimenez said. Only those responsible for a building's waste management can have a keycard to access the bins. Deval Camming, who has noticed less of a trash smell on hot days, says the timing's just right. "I usually don't wear sandals in New York 'cause of the rats," she said. But she says now, she feels comfortable wearing them. Parking spots already hard to find, drivers say Not everyone is as pleased with the bins, however. "They're gonna be really broken up and filthy soon," Morningside Heights resident Jean Anthony said. The bins sit on streets along curbs, and some feel the space would be better left as parking spots, which are already hard to find for many. "They take up parking places. We don't own a car, but we do rent them, and it's really, really tight now," Anthony said. Some drivers opt to park in the street next to the bins, making the streets even narrower. Some New Yorkers say the city's new Empire trash bins are taking up precious parking spots. CBS News New York "Now I have to go too far to find parking," Morningside Heights resident Issa Gadiaga said. "And that takes me 30 minutes sometimes." Others are waiting and seeing. "I think it's not really the solution, but I'm not sure what the solution is," Anthony said. "I guess time will tell." Whether or not the pilot program expands will be based on its results over the coming weeks and months.
CBS News
24-05-2025
- CBS News
NYC DEP worker killed in boat explosion on Hudson River
A New York City worker was fatally injured Saturday in an explosion on a boat docked on the Hudson River. Three NYC Department of Environmental Protection employees were working on a vessel docked at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in West Harlem when the explosion occurred, a city official told CBS News New York. One DEP employee was pronounced dead at the scene of the explosion at around 10 a.m. at the plant near 135th Street. A second worker taken to the hospital. A third refused treatment at the scene. "The entire DEP family is grieving today. Our employee who lost his life had served the Department and the City with dedication for 33 years. He was a valued and experienced member of the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment, and his decades of service reflect his commitment to DEP's mission," NYC DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said in a statement. Mayor Eric Adams released a statement, saying, "I am devastated to hear about the tragic death of a dedicated Department of Environmental Protection employee who lost his life today while working on a boat at one of our city's wastewater resource recovery facilities. This devoted public servant gave 33 years of service to New York City, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time. At this time, there is no suspicion of criminality and no impact on the facility. The safety and well-being of our city's workforce, and all New Yorkers, is always our top priority, and we are committed to fully supporting an investigation and ensuring that every possible measure is taken to prevent such tragedies in the future." While the cause of the accident is under investigation, there does not appear to be any environmental impacts at this time, the official said. The plant's operations were not affected by the explosion.
