The transfer station hearings moved to the Morgan School On Wednesday for a public comment session. This promised to be a bit more exciting than prior sessions, but the weather kept some people away.
Still, the turnout wasn't half bad, and public comments lasted an hour.
It started out with the usual denunciations of the project by residents who:
"do not appreciate what you guy are trying to do"
"this is our city"
"This is not a place to put any more trash"
"Bringing your project here to Holyoke is going to make us look like the city is a dump"
"This project is going to bring a lot of health issues"
Another resident was concerned about air pollution stating he wasn't getting enough positive feedback about what can be done to help people, in reference to potential health impacts.
City Councilor Elaine A Pluta, who lives in Springdale spoke about truck idling. Saying "there should never have to be a line up vehicles waiting to be next", citing a Mass DEP idling regulation she acquired from our State Senators office.
This resident made an issue of the name changes, and corporate reorganization United Waste has gone through the last 2 years, stating "I'm just wondering who really is the applicant and petitioner of the transfer station? I never got an answer, I don't know who legally is?".
It was good to see residents take an interest in what's happening on their street. However I was dismayed that so much was pure NIMBYism.
"I live of Main St, so I will be hearing, feeling, the vibrations of what were taking about doing here"
"I want you to know, I'm opposed to this"
"Increased air pollution, it's got to happen, diesel particulates - I'm scared of, Very serious!"
"Speed - the increase in traffic, there's gone to be noise, pollution, too many traffic accidents"
Robert Egan, representing the current owner of the Main Street property where the proposed transfer station is to be built said there was little interest in the property until Waste Management came along. "We need to put this property to some productive use for both us, and the city" he said as he touted the economic benefits of the project, and recapped much of the testimony already heard in prior sessions.
The '
Grow Holyoke' group was well represented too. They support the project, and cited reasons such as the rising cost of waste removal as reasons for it's support. Saying "We shipped about 95,000 tons of trash in the last year, which cost us about $830,000." Adding "The transfer station will add more competition, and lower prices".
The sound system wasn't too good, and it was hard to hear some people who didn't speak loudly. Even with my recording turned up all the way I can't make it out.
Life long Holyoke resident Nancy Paterno spoke out against traffic dangers. Telling a story of family tragedy due to traffic accidents involving trucks. Also saying: "I don't need to be going on 391, and running into all these huge commercial vehicles - No matter where they come through the city, their all going to be ending up at 391, and Main, and converging on this site".
Former City Councilor Helen Norris was appalled that people thought the current EPA standards are there to protect health. Norris said, "These standards submitted in 2006 were found not to protect public health", citing a report by the American Lung Association. "It's well known, and well documented from science that the health risks from diesel fuel exposure is greatest for children, and the elderly".
Current City Councilor Rebecca Lisi also spoke. She urged the Board of Health to make sure that if they move to approve the project, they set the proper controls and reasonable restrictions on the project so to protect the health of our citizens. Saying "we have a hard time enforcing those codes" in reference to our blighted buildings. "We'll have to put a lot responsibility of enforcement regulation on the proponent".
In total, 13 people spoke out against the project, and 4 people in favor.
.
