Soundview residents have sent out an SOS calling commissioners, congressmen and even the mayor for help in snuffing out the truck fume problem that continues to grow in their community.

Last week they sent out a letter detailing the problem and the exact locations where illegally parked tractor-trailers and waste hauling trucks are parked in the community. Copies of the letter were sent to the mayor, Police Commissioner Kelly, Congressman Joseph Crowley and other elected officials. This was just the latest round in asking for help in combating the truck problem in Soundview. For over two years the residents have been fighting to get the tractor trailers, dumpsters and the occasional tanker truck off the lot next door to the new high school. Despite numerous press conferences and a few agency crackdowns, the problem persists. In fact activists say the problem has gotten worse with more commercial vehicles parked on residential streets.

“This is something that has been going on for years but recently became more prevalent,” said Steve Bailey, vice chairman of the Concerned Residents Committee.

Members of Bailey’s organization went around tracking the commercial vehicles parked throughout the community. The list was sent along with the letter to police officials as well as the heads of city agencies.

Members of the Concerned Residents Committee (CRC) have videotaped tanker trucks refueling commercial vehicles on the property next door to the Soundview Academy. They are concerned not only about the fumes but about the danger of the trucks themselves from potential spills and accidents.

“They feel they can park on the street because no one is doing anything about it,” said CRC President and founder Mary McKiney. “We’re not about to give up.”