Queens, NY – Today, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D, WF-Fresh Meadows) sent a letter to New York City Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia requesting an investigation and immediate removal of unsolicited commercial ads posted across Fresh Meadows detailing sewer cleaning services.

“The sewage infrastructure in Fresh Meadows is outdated and does not reflect the increase in neighborhood demand,” said Rozic. “The uptick in sewage cleanup ads on residential streets are not only illegal, but also take advantage of a precarious situation that needs to be addressed by the City.”

The letter comes after Rozic’s office received notice from residents describing a sudden increase in ads being posted illegally on city streetlights and lampposts by a company called Liberty Developer USA, Inc. The sticker ads listing a telephone number for “24 hours sewer service” can be found along residential areas between 164th Street and 188th Street from the Long Island Expressway to Union Turnpike.

In the letter, Rozic describes the ads as a “threat to cleanliness and safety of the neighborhood.” Since taking office, she has worked closely with the City Department of Environmental Protection to mitigate the flooding crisis that causes homeowners to invest in costly repairs due to sewer overflows.

“We are very happy that Assemblywoman Rozic is taking on this issue. The signs from these businesses are plaguing our neighborhood from one end to the other across Community Board 8,” said Jim Gallagher, President of the Fresh Meadows Homeowners Civic Association.

“Residents should not be confused by these ads--sewers and catch basins are the City’s responsibility and should not burden your budget,” Rozic added.

Rozic urges residents who spot the street ads in the neighborhood to call her district office after registering a complaint with a call to 311.