Trash piles up in nation’s biggest cooperative housing complex as NYC labor dispute escalates

Trash piles up in nation’s biggest co-op complex

NEW YORK — New Yorkers living in the nation’s biggest cooperative housing complex are carrying about 40 tons of garbage a day from their high-rises.

That’s because of a labor dispute escalating at Co-op City in the Bronx — along with fears of an urban rat infestation.

Garbage piles are as high as 5 feet.

Co-op general manager Vernon Cooper says he’s asking city officials to declare the situation an emergency.

About 170 management employees are replacing 500 union workers to run the community of almost 60,000 residents. It’s been home to prominent figures such as Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (SOHN’-ya soh-toh-my-YOR’) and Queen Latifah.

Health officials are keeping close watch. If the growing garbage proves to be a health hazard, the city will step in.