Property Values Versus Clean Air in Greenpoint
If you thought Newtown Creek was the greatest environmental danger to Greenpoint residents, think again. That site may be on its way to cleanup after a 30 million gallon oil spill almost 20 more than 50 years ago, but now toxic gases may be snaking into Greenpoint homes from the ground below, thanks to its…
If you thought Newtown Creek was the greatest environmental danger to Greenpoint residents, think again. That site may be on its way to cleanup after a 30 million gallon oil spill almost 20 more than 50 years ago, but now toxic gases may be snaking into Greenpoint homes from the ground below, thanks to its industrial past: “dry-cleaning plants, foundries and other manufacturers that once operated” here, reports the NY Times. “Contaminants that spread from industrial activity, or that were mistakenly believed to have been contained or eliminated in environmental cleanups, have been discovered wafting into basements.” Weirdly, the greatest obstacle to cleaning up the toxic vapors comes from homeowners, refusing to cooperate with the conservation department and the State Department of Health. “In Greenpoint, as elsewhere, many homeowners — worried about a blow to their property values or even being forced from their homes — have ignored letters asking for access to their buildings, or have refused to answer the door for investigators.” Of the 58 homes selected for inspection last February and March, only 12 were opened up for inspectors. Here’s what they found: “Air in two of the homes was contaminated with chemicals used to dry-clean fabrics and degrease metal parts.” The cleanup costs $5,000 to $10,000, and is covered by the State. Addendum: Check out the video produced by Vice on the same topic here.
A Problem Rises to the Surface in Greenpoint [NY Times]
Photo by brianwferry.
Goodness I hope they don’t inspect the Gowanus area and find something hazzardous, then the landlords will not be able to ask for such high rents. When I ask homeowners how they can ask for such high rents while the homes are old and filled with roaches mice and rats? Their answer is that they consider them part of the natural wildlife. So if anyone thought of moving to Kenya or the Seringhetti don’t come to Brooklyn Heights
I find it tragic that property owners won’t let in inspectors due to property value fears, esp when the cost to fix is a relatively low 5-10K which presumably could alleviate problem of tarnished value.
Does Gowanus have this same problem? If so, up to what avenue? How easy is it to test for this stuff during an inspection?
I should have written 250 years–my math skills are limited prior to my AM caffeine fix.
The 30m gallon spill happened in 1950, not 20 years ago. There is so much unknown contamination beneath Greenpoint. I’m surprised Whole Foods didn’t buy land there as well.
and before that it was flintstones
It’s reassuring to live in a neighborhood that was just farmland for 350 years before it was built up with brownstones and limestones 🙂
I’d only buy in the historic district if I was to buy there. It was built pretty much contemperaneously with the “black” industries that were developing in the area at that time and was built on the sites of lumber yards and even orchards. The rest of the area is a crapshoot.