Musicians in Brooklyn are facing health concerns regarding harmful substances in their rehearsal space near the Gowanus Canal. After state inspectors were turned away, tenants are now hiring private companies to test for toxic steam linked to cancer.
This rehearsal space, hosting groups such as Radio, Coffee, Cumbria, and the Blue Man Group for years, is close to a site where Trichloroethylene (TCE) levels were alarmingly high, a recognized cancer risk.
The management firm, Band Spaces NYC, claims that landlord Anthony Borruso is not “appropriate” in denying free state testing. Borruso, who manages the property at 255-261 Douglass St., declined to comment on whether he would allow testing at the location.
Approximately 75 tenants have initiated a GoFundMe, aiming to gather over $1,000 for independent testing. Currently, they’ve raised just $820 towards a goal of $1,333, but testing by a specialized lab is already underway.
“I’m thinking about moving…but it’s tough for musicians to find new places,” one anonymous tenant shared, citing fears of retaliation. They also described how flyers announcing the fundraiser were quickly torn down.
Nearby, the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club reportedly has TCE levels 22 times higher than the safety threshold, while another unidentified building had alarming levels exceeding safety limits by 450 times. The urgency of the situation is not lost on the tenants; health risks from long-term exposure are a genuine concern.
Though private lab results won’t qualify for state-funded cleanup, the musicians expressed intentions to pursue legal action against the landlord if the results are unfavorable.
The state has been urging landlords along the canal to facilitate testing, but as of last fall, only 20% agreed to allow inspections. The Environmental Protection Agency requires landlord consent for thorough testing, which means many properties remain unexamined.
One tenant highlighted the ethical issues surrounding landlord responsibilities when it comes to ensuring safety in residential spaces. “It’s unethical and, frankly, immoral… landlords lack strong motivation to perform these tests,” he stated.
This current ordeal brings to mind the Meeker Avenue Plume issue in North Brooklyn, where similar challenges were faced, with the EPA struggling to gain access to only a limited number of properties for testing.
Councilor Shahana Hanif, who represents the Gowanus area, urged tenants facing such challenges to reach out for support, emphasizing that they shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of vital testing.
An official from the testing lab noted they’ve conducted testing for 15-20 locations near the canal, acting on requests from both property owners and tenants. Some landlords dismiss the need for tests, often due to a lack of awareness about environmental dangers.
A representative from Band Spaces NYC expressed determination to continue pursuing testing permission from the landlord, confirming efforts have been made to communicate tenants’ concerns regarding these environmental health issues.
