Bay Ridge

Thick white smoke concerns Bay Ridge residents

‘Smoke on the Water’ and Now on Colonial Road from underground oil feeder

February 24, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Smoke billows down 91st Street toward Colonial Road. Photo by Jerry Kane
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Bay Ridge residents are concerned about a thick white smoke that permeates the block of 91st street between Ridge Boulevard and Colonial Road.

The smoke is the result of emergency electric work by Con Edison as they dig below the street to fix an underground oil feeder. Con Edison has posted signs alerting residents to the drilling and excavation work, parking restrictions and moderate noise levels during the duration of the work.

However, social media is buzzing with community members who are concerned about the health risks the emanating smoke might have on the neighborhood.

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City Council candidate Justin Brannan has been monitoring the development and responded to concerns on Bay Ridge Talk’s Facebook page, “Con Ed working to repair ‘underground equipment’ at 91st between Ridge & Colonial. Con Ed says ‘work will continue around the clock until completed.’”

The smoke is the result of liquid nitrogen, as the truck parked on the block attests. But at night the street takes on an ominous tone as the smoke wafts down the block.

Community leader Jerry Kane commented “Misty Nitrogen Fog,” to which Brannan replied, “It was a dark and stormy night…”

Humor aside, many residents are worried about the effects of breathing in the smoke, the duration of the work involved and the time of completion.  They are also concerned about the loss of parking spaces in an area where parking is already difficult.

A further concern is the close proximity to Visitation Academy, a private Catholic all-girls school whose playground borders the area where the underground work is taking place.

One is reminded of the movie “The Fog,” where a mysterious smoke envelops a community.  And there’s no doubt that neighbors on this block will not be happy until the Air Products truck leaves, work is completed and the fog has lifted.

 


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