COMMUNITY SANITATION STEERING COMMITTEE PLEAS WITH CITY TO OUST “GARBAGE GARAGE.”

Its dirty business when it comes to erecting a “garbage garage,” especially in a neighborhood on the rise with million dollar real estate at stake. Thus is the case in Hudson Square, where the city is planning to build a 120 ft. tall Sanitation facility on the lots at Spring and West Streets. The building will hold Manhattan’s garbage trucks, store supplies and act as a refueling station.

The plan was proposed in early 2007 and since has united both residents and developers, who all have a stake in the growing neighborhood. Brokers foresee property values decreasing by an estimated 30 to 40 percent.

Community Boards 1 and 2, representing the opinion of most residents, oppose the plan. However, the city has already rejected proposed suggestions for a smaller facility and alternative locations. City Planning is expected to approve a revised proposal later this month, though changes will only slightly mollify residents.

This week the Community Sanitation Steering Committee, formed in early 2007, has once again expressed their concerns. In a letter to City Planning, Chairs Philip Mouquinho and Denise Levine have outlined their persisting worries with the updated proposal and to “advise of errors of fact.”

Among the concerns are noise and congestion, which the City addressed by proposing a mid-day blackout period during which City vehicles (which include garbage trucks, street cleaners, salt spreaders, and vehicles from other city agencies) will not be allowed to refuel. However, the Committee fears that it will only increase congestion in an area already “overburdened” from rush hour gridlock due to its proximity to the Hudson Tunnel. Also the committee points out that while the city cited less than 20 public agency vehicles fuel at Spring St. now on an average day, “the actual number of vehicles on a peak day (Monday) was 38, almost twice that amount.”

The Committee also has fears that the storage of 34,000 gallons of fuel is a danger due to the proximity to the Holland Tunnel, a supposed terrorist target. “The community wants no fueling at Spring Street. Collection trucks should fuel where they tip off, and the remaining DSNY vehicles should be fueled at an alternate site, such as a large gas station or the UPS fueling station.”

Another critical concern is the environmental issue, which seems to have burgeoning facets. Air pollution, chemicals and rodents have always been top billing but as plans unveil even more concerns are raised. The Committee re-addressed the DSNY’s plan for a salt shed, an issue first pointed out in August. As per the Committee’s accusations the shed would not be completely enclosed, raising questions about impacts to the neighborhood.

In the Committee’s letter, they write “We remain concerned that windstorms and rainstorms, and loading and unloading of salt (which contains an array of hazardous substances and heavy metals) will be inhaled by humans and pets, erode buildings and infrastructure, harm fish and wildlife in the river near the shed, and damage plants and soil in Canal Park and the Hudson River Park.”

Also addressed was the added mileage, which according to the Committee will be more than 4,200 miles per year that the trucks will have to travel to reach northern locations across Manhattan.

Despite the stark opposition, insiders still predict the plan will be approved later this month, fueling chatter that in response residents are planning to sue. This is unconfirmed.

A press conference by City Planning and the Department of Sanitation is expected to occur next week.