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| THOMPSON FAULTS CITY FOR DANGEROUS AND DECREPIT CONDITIONS AT CITY-OWNED BROOKLYN ATHLETIC CLUB
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-- Auditors uncover moldy mushroom patches, exposed electrical outlets in toddler-packed rooms, dangling electrical wires -- -Thompson demands immediate action from six City agencies-
View Joel Klein letter
New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today demanded that six City agencies immediately take action to remedy hazardous and disgusting conditions – from blocked exits and mold problems – at a City-owned Brooklyn athletic center. Thompson interrupted an audit to notify the agencies after his auditors found conditions at the Paerdegat Athletic Club in Canarsie, Brooklyn. The center is located at 1500 Paerdegat Avenue North, and is run by Fitmar Management LLC. “This is outrageous that the City has allowed these incredibly disgusting and potentially hazardous conditions to exist,” Thompson said. “The City must keep its facilities safe and clean. There is no excuse for allowing conditions such as this to exist, particularly when toddlers and infants are being put at risk.” Thompson fired off letters – available at www.comptroller.nyc.gov – to Richard Marshel, President of Fitmar Management LLC, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Department of Education Chancellor Joel Klein, Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster, Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner John B. Mattingly, and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Thomas Frieden. “Specifically,” Thompson said, “auditors and engineers found evidence of wall and ceiling water damage; mold; exposed electrical outlets, wiring and equipment; damaged play equipment; blocked fire exits and damaged exit signs; damaged lighting fixtures; and poorly maintained roof and mechanical systems. Moreover, the premises – including areas used by the children – have not been kept clean and litter free, as required by the license agreement.”
Auditors were troubled after spotting exposed electrical outlets (above) in a room that housed day care and pre-kindergarten programs, putting children at risk due to the unsafe conditions. Included with Thompson’s letters were a number of pictures exposing moldy growth beneath a running track, a filthy air conditioning filter near children’s classrooms and play areas, damaged gymnastics equipment, a hole in a skylight and exposed ceiling insulation above the basketball court, and stock items blocking access to circuit breakers. Thompson’s letters identified why each agency must immediately address health, safety, and fire violations. Auditors – as evidenced in the photos – visited the center on April 2 as part of their ongoing audit. “Immediate action by your office is required to ensure that Fitmar Management LLC corrects these conditions, including an inspection by your staff of the deficient conditions,” Thompson said in his letter to Parks. In 2004, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation contracted Fitmar Management LLC to operate, maintain and manage the Paerdegat Athletic Club.
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