Howe’s Brooklyn: ‘Asbestos Abatement’ Now In Heights’ Clark Street Station and Area —Does This Really Qualify As ‘Public Notice?’

With blue electricians tape, two pieces of paper are taped to the lampposts announcing “Public Notice: Asbestos Abatement” (Although with this afternoon’s rain, they may not still be readable).

In a neighborhood teeming with strollers, moms-to-be, elderly folks, and lawyers (!), we are pressed to wonder, if anything, what this means. The “work areas” list more than 30 “manholes” and the amount is “264 linear feet or 165 square-feet.” To be removed: cable insulation, duct seal, duct sleeve, transite (sic), and the all-purpose “debris.”

The notice does list companies and telephone numbers for “Air Monitor, Laboratory and Removal.” It does not say citizens should cover their mouths, nor does it say that there is nothing to worry about. And it certainly doesn’t mention that by law, they are required to post this notice. We have passed these numbers along to our colleagues in the Heights Press, and look forward to their update. In the meantime, we are trying to come up with words that rhyme with meso-the-lio-ma. More to come …