Hazardous Waste Cleanup in Enfield
Donation protected
When I moved to Enfield, a small neighborhood outside of Ithaca, New York, I understood that it was not the wealthiest of neighborhoods. Homes are clearly in need of new roofs and fresh paint. Sprawling yards grow high so pet goats and cows have pasture to eat. What I soon came to understand as my family and I unpacked, was what the area lacked in financial wealth, they made up for with their long history of coming together to support each other and the strength and wealth that comes from close ties with one’s neighbors.
Lois and Andrew, who I’ve met because their horses live next door to me and sometimes come to eat breakfast (with permission) on my lawn, are neighbors who are need of help. A long-standing couple in the neighborhood, they have been living in and remodeling a turn of the century church building. The house adjacent to their sanctuary turned home was abandoned for multiple years when the previous owner, a middle aged man, died of cancer. The property changed hands multiple times, including being purchased by young couple that experienced two pregnancies and was thus not able to do the needed renovations.
At this point Lois and Andrew, with the support of the community, decided to take on the property with the intention of demolishing the sorely compromised building and reclaiming the salvageable building material. When they were acquiring the building it came to light that there was bare asbestos plasterboard around the tub, and asbestos tiles on the kitchen floor. This would be easy enough to contain. Neighbors with experienced helping hands committed to working with Lois and Andrew to safely dismantle the community eyesore. Lois and Andrew began preparing for the project with initial estimates of around $14,000: high but manageable.
In order to get the needed demolition permit, Lois hired an Environmental Specialist to advise on the risks and process of demolition. Taking a sample from the plaster walls, he sent the sample in to the lab. The results were staggering: Asbestos in the plaster of the walls. Any attempt at a neighborhood project was rendered unsafe and toxic. This places the demolition costs at $30,000 and renders all the building’s materials un-salvageable. If the building collapses, asbestos will cover our neighborhood.
Many of the town’s residences have said that Lois and Andrew are taking on the responsibility that the Town of Enfield should have dealt with many years ago. Lois and Andrew have communicated with the building inspector for guidance. The Town Board has never taken the responsibility of having it demolished, even though they have options. They could place an initiative on the ballot to request permission have the local tax base pay the expense of demolishing the building. Or, the Town Supervisor could reach out to the Federal Government to have the site classified as a Super Fund. Instead Andrew and Lois have been served a letter stating that if they do not demolish the building by July 27th, 2019, that they will be fined $1,000 a day and/or serve jail time until the building has been safely removed.
Lois and Andrew are looking to raise $25,000. This would help them avoid jail time, avoid paying $1,000 a day, and remove an unsafe eyesore for the community of Enfield in a safe and responsible manner. It would also help defray income tax on the donated funds.
Please donate today. Thank you, Elena McCabe
Lois and Andrew, who I’ve met because their horses live next door to me and sometimes come to eat breakfast (with permission) on my lawn, are neighbors who are need of help. A long-standing couple in the neighborhood, they have been living in and remodeling a turn of the century church building. The house adjacent to their sanctuary turned home was abandoned for multiple years when the previous owner, a middle aged man, died of cancer. The property changed hands multiple times, including being purchased by young couple that experienced two pregnancies and was thus not able to do the needed renovations.
At this point Lois and Andrew, with the support of the community, decided to take on the property with the intention of demolishing the sorely compromised building and reclaiming the salvageable building material. When they were acquiring the building it came to light that there was bare asbestos plasterboard around the tub, and asbestos tiles on the kitchen floor. This would be easy enough to contain. Neighbors with experienced helping hands committed to working with Lois and Andrew to safely dismantle the community eyesore. Lois and Andrew began preparing for the project with initial estimates of around $14,000: high but manageable.
In order to get the needed demolition permit, Lois hired an Environmental Specialist to advise on the risks and process of demolition. Taking a sample from the plaster walls, he sent the sample in to the lab. The results were staggering: Asbestos in the plaster of the walls. Any attempt at a neighborhood project was rendered unsafe and toxic. This places the demolition costs at $30,000 and renders all the building’s materials un-salvageable. If the building collapses, asbestos will cover our neighborhood.
Many of the town’s residences have said that Lois and Andrew are taking on the responsibility that the Town of Enfield should have dealt with many years ago. Lois and Andrew have communicated with the building inspector for guidance. The Town Board has never taken the responsibility of having it demolished, even though they have options. They could place an initiative on the ballot to request permission have the local tax base pay the expense of demolishing the building. Or, the Town Supervisor could reach out to the Federal Government to have the site classified as a Super Fund. Instead Andrew and Lois have been served a letter stating that if they do not demolish the building by July 27th, 2019, that they will be fined $1,000 a day and/or serve jail time until the building has been safely removed.
Lois and Andrew are looking to raise $25,000. This would help them avoid jail time, avoid paying $1,000 a day, and remove an unsafe eyesore for the community of Enfield in a safe and responsible manner. It would also help defray income tax on the donated funds.
Please donate today. Thank you, Elena McCabe
Fundraising team (2)
Lois Gallegos
Organizer
Ithaca, NY
Benjamin Gallegos
Team member