New industries in the 20th Century created millions of jobs and transformed the American way of life. It was not until a couple of generations passed that the nation realized the cost to the environment and the health of workers.
Land contaminated by industrial pollutants is often called "brownfields." Monday's City Council agenda has six resolutions regarding investigations or remediation of brownfields. Locations include a lot at Cleveland Avenue and East Fourth Street, the Disco Aluminum site on South Avenue, 1092-1098 Arlington Avenue, 165-169 North Avenue and 202-222 Lee Place, the former site of a dry cleaning plant. Some of these sites have been targeted for remediation for several years.
Councilwoman Gloria Taylor asked the administration to give the council a presentation on the six sites, but for a general overview, the United States Environmental Protection Agency offers comprehensive, up-to-date information on brownfields.
The six resolutions are on the agenda for the regular City Council meeting Monday, 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.
Much of the investigative and remedial work can be funded by grants, but doing the legwork to acquire and monitor grants requires a staff commitment by the municipality. April Stefel of the Planning Division was on hand to answer questions Monday and has been the city's key person for brownfields over several years.
Once a site is cleaned up, development can take place or a site can be preserved as open space. It often takes many years to complete the remediation process, which may have taken a hit after Stefel was laid off in 2010 over protests from some city officials.She has returned on a part-time basis and her work includes another long-term project, a recreational trail along the Green Brook.
--Bernice
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Once again, thank you, Sharon. Let's hope people like Taylor don't derail this and we can get these sites cleaned up for city use.
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