October 10, 2001
Union monitors health concerns as college reopens

See also: Professional Staff Congress of the City University of New York

Professional Staff Congress officers worked with City University of New York officials to ensure Borough of Manhattan Community College was safe to reopen 20 days after the tragic attacks on the neighboring World Trade Center.

With the possible exception of those with pre-existing respiratory problems, "from what we understand it's safe to come back," said Bill Friedheim, chapter vice chairman for PSC, the City University affiliate of New York State United Teachers. Air quality tests met federal guidelines, he said, but the union will be vigilant. "We're trying to set up a reporting system for people who may have problems so we can take them to the administration."

Classes resumed Oct. 1. The main campus building at 199 Chambers St. sits several blocks north of the World Trade Center site. It was not damaged directly, but it had been taken over by rescue and security workers immediately after the attacks.

BMCC's other classroom building, Fiterman Hall at 30 West Broadway, is much closer to the site and suffered major structural damage. It will not reopen in the foreseeable future, said Jane Young, PSC chapter chairwoman. To replace the 40 classrooms in the hall, the college in just five days built, painted, insulated and furnished new classrooms in the cafeterias and other spaces of the main building.

In addition, 12 classrooms were established in trailers on West Street alongside the main building.

- Ned R. Hoskin