A Cautionary Tail*

After repeated denials to the contrary (“The hallway smells because the basement floods and people pee in the doorway and the elevator” — but you know what they say about the denial-supply chain), the courts are forcing a Queens couple to relinquish a roomful of cats that is stenching up the place:

Assemblymember Nettie Mayersohn, state Senator Toby Stavisky, City Councilmember James Gennaro and Congressmember Anthony Weiner are engaged in an all-out effort to combat serious problems existing at 70-20 Parsons Blvd. in Pomonok Houses. At one time, it was reported that Rose and Thomasina Maggio, the residents of Apartment 1A, housed as many as 20 cats.

The elected officials were made aware of the noxious odors that emanated from this apartment when the post office refused to deliver mail to the building.

. . .

The New York City Housing Authority has since sent workers to the apartment to have it professionally cleaned. Reportedly, the Maggios denied them access to one of the rooms where it is believed that the cats are housed. Deodorizers have also been installed in various areas of the building. In addition, the post office and the Housing Authority have come to an agreement on installing a temporary cluster box outside the building for mail delivery until the odor issues are completely resolved.

On September 12, a hearing, which again was attended by the elected officials, was held in Queens Supreme Court. At that time the court ordered that a temporary guardian be appointed to monitor and remove any cats in the apartment.

Just for fun, visualize Springfield Mayor Joe Quimby as you read the following:

“My fellow elected officials and I will not rest until this intolerable situation is resolved to the complete satisfaction of the good families of 70-20 Parsons Boulevard.” Gennaro said. “We will prevail.”

“Today’s decision will improve the quality of life for residents of Pomonok Houses and eliminate a serious health risk,” said Weiner. “The cats are finally gone.”

*Sorry for the pun, but this is a serious issue — and some of our best friends are cat owners . . .