MTA's East 15th Street Lot Gets Filled In

The once garbage- and dead animal-filled lot abutting the MTA tracks and substation on East 15th Street is now being filled in.

We stopped by yesterday and saw contractors filling in the northern portion of the lot, which stretches almost all the way from Avenue Z to Avenue Y. Though pleased over the removal of all the illegally dumped garbage, which plagued the area for decades, neighbors have been outraged over the agency’s decision to do away with all the trees. The MTA said they were sick, but some residents say they removed far more healthy trees than unhealthy trees.

Regardless, the choice of fill suggests the MTA might not have any plans to replant the area, since it looked to be mostly gravel being laid down. Neighbors worry that it might be used as a storage and parking area for the construction crews working on the tracks, but a Community Affairs liaison previously told Sheepshead Bites there are no plans yet.

One thing’s for sure: if neighbors have an idea of what to do with the land, they better step forward before the agency makes its own decision.