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Message |
    
sullymw
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 696
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 8, 2005 - 5:36 pm: | 
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Just curious...I haven't heard much about it recently. Are there homes there now? |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2601
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 8, 2005 - 6:25 pm: |
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Read the following threads to get a taste of the "great" things happening there:
McMansions in SO/M: Do they belong here?
Pulte Still Sucks
Pulte Trucks - VERY BAD! |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 795
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 8, 2005 - 6:31 pm: |
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A number of people are purchasing million dollar homes and becoming our neighbors and fellow taxpayers.
Personally, I don't think their styling fits well in our town, and I'll be glad when the building is done and Pulte is gone, but would like to give a big welcome to any new occupants who might happen to venture onto MOL. |
gotcha
Citizen
Username: Gotcha
Post Number: 51
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, July 8, 2005 - 7:33 pm: |
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Good Lord M(More)••••H(higher)D(deeper)...
you certainly are an one person welcome wagon!!!! |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2602
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 8, 2005 - 7:38 pm: |
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Sully asked a question. I told him (her?) where to find more information. Period.
They can read those existing threads & draw their own conclusions.
BTW, gotcha...glad to see there is enough room to stick your head in the sand and pretend everything is perfect, along with Soda and hariseldon. |
Lucy
Supporter
Username: Lucy
Post Number: 57
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, July 8, 2005 - 11:08 pm: |
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MHD Gotcha sounds more like S who sat on a board and we were supposed to do without how many trips to Starbucks? |
Quint
Citizen
Username: Shark_killer
Post Number: 18
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 10:25 am: |
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The homes are in, deal with it. It beats a big dirty hole in the ground, let them enjoy the "fine tax rate" in this town. |
Dan Shelffo
Citizen
Username: Openspacer
Post Number: 159
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 10:31 am: |
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One day last winter, while driving to the train I saw tracks in the freshly fallen snow leading from one of the new homes on Underhill.
My route down Tillou paralled the tracks in the snow and when I came upon the guy making them I asked him if he wanted a ride to the station. He said yes and jumped into my car. We intoduced ourselves and I welcomed him to the neighborhood.
After a few more rides I now hear him complaining like an oldtimer about his taxes, the lack of a better way to get to the train station and the silica laden dust that is a threat to his young children's health and the trucks so loaded with dirt that they can not safely stop when traveling down Tillou.
What a NIMBY.
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Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 312
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 2:36 pm: |
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Speaking of dust, new mountains are being created from the blasted material blowing potentially dangerous dust onto the neighborhood.
We have raised the question of what plans exist to clear this mountain - crush, transport - and the impact to the community (how many truck trips per day and for how long)?
We have filed complaints, suggested ordinances, discussed the issues, the Township hired "consultants" but still the mountain grows (now higher than the adjacent properties) spreading/blowing potentially hazardous dust.
If anyone would like additional information or join the discussion please private line me.
 |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2605
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 2:55 pm: |
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Be careful, Howard. They might try to arrest you for taking that picture on their "private road".  |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 313
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 4:20 pm: |
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It was just on the way to the access path to the 10-acre wetland reserve. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2632
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 9:15 pm: |
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Doug Gill just spoke before the BOT about the rock crushing that is occurring in the Quarry.
WHY DID BILL CALABRESE NOT RECUSE HIMSELF FROM THE DISCUSSION???
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bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 2130
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 9:27 pm: |
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Stretch, yawn.
I'm sure they're still awaiting "official" confirmation of a conflict before barring the VP from discussion, since he's been participating up until now.
It's easy when you really think about it. Just keep on keeping on. See my post in the parking thread - there's nothing we can do or change until more outrage is generated. That'll happen when the tax bills hit.
Hopefully. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 1876
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 10:43 pm: |
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BETS-
Hopefully things will FINALLY change in the next election. I like Bill as a person, but this is just so double standard! |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 306
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 1:00 am: |
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Wow... I didn't even think about that MHD and I don't think the Village Attorney picked up on it either.
But he didn't recuse himself at the last discussion when Mr. Gill spoke either.
Are we sure he has to? |
Spitz
Supporter
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 1223
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 7:05 am: |
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My recollection is that although Patrick Joyce and Bill recused themselves when the quarry was dicussed pursuant to the ruling, neither Patrick nor Bill recused themselves when Mr. Gill spoke at the last or two last meetings prior to Patrick's departure from the BOT.
As I recall, Patrick said it was a safety issue and he was not going to recuse himself.
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MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2636
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 8:01 am: |
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Sheena,
Calabrese lives within 200 feet of the property and MUST recuse himself and leave the room on all discussions, according to the Ethics Board.
Ed Matthews & the BOT are hypocrites to suddenly stop enforcing this rule now that Patrick Joyce is no longer on the BOT. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 309
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 9:03 am: |
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MHD...
You're incorrect...
They enforce it with Eric  |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 335
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 9:36 am: |
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The issue still remains - we still have no resolution on how this growing mountain of rock/stone is to be maintained and ultimately removed.
Dust creation is an ongoing product of this construction site. Proper controls must be in place to limit exposure to potentially hazardous conditions.
To resolve the question of inspection/monitoring of the site I would suggest that a CCTV (Web Cam) be installed at Mr. Gill's property so that the construction operation can be observed and recorded. |
mary brenner
Citizen
Username: Marybrenner
Post Number: 31
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 9:54 am: |
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Mr.Levison.........you are obviously a fan of BIG BROTHER WATCHING. Boy am I glad you did not win the election. You probably would have installed cameras all over town. |
jayjay
Citizen
Username: Jayjayp
Post Number: 97
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 9:57 am: |
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It seems to me that there is no protocol for monitoring what is going on at the quarry site to insure conformance to health and safety standards. Mr. Gross was very vague when he said "we monitor". He couldn't who "we" was, or what specifically they are doing. This is monitoring?
When they do the blasting there, the blast is felt for blocks around. I had occassion to call the state who sent an inspector. He confessed that the state does not have enough resources to monitor things like this.
I suspect Pulte knows that they can get away with whatever they want to, and there will be few, if any, repercussions.
This is not acceptable when there are health issues at stake. |
mary brenner
Citizen
Username: Marybrenner
Post Number: 32
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 10:02 am: |
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I am not saying we should not monitor or supervise the situation but to start installing cameras? What is next? This type of thinking is very bothersome to me.
I am glad he did not get into office. |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 336
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 10:20 am: |
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I am sorry about your opinion on the election.
I do not believe in generalizing the camera proposal other than it is a tool to solve a specific problem.
We have a critical situation which the administration seems not able to resolve.
Note that we put cameras in Police cars so that we can record situations for documentation purposes. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 2133
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 10:21 am: |
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Were you a registered voter in the election, "mary"? How "new to town" are you? |
mary brenner
Citizen
Username: Marybrenner
Post Number: 33
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 10:41 am: |
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Mr. Levison I do not doubt you have a honest concern about the Quary. Do you have any evidence that there is a problem? |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2638
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 10:58 am: |
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Mary,
Doug Gill (a resident on Overhill) spoke at length before the BOT last night (and several times previosuly) about an ongoing problem with rock crushing and the potential health hazards at the Quarry site. |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 338
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 11:47 am: |
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Yes. Take a look at the pictures above in this thread. We have filed complaints with the NJDEP, stopped previous crushing, established a testing protocol when crushing was in operation that showed dust levels above acceptable levels.
What is being done is what one would call quarrying. When it was a quarry it operated under an ordinance that specified monitoring and controls (see: http://www.southorange.org/general_code_online.htm
Chapter 120).
That mountain that has been created will need to be removed since it is more material than what is required for construction project. Our concern is how it will be done and the impact to the community - the dust created is dangerous!
Will it be crushed?
How may trucks per day and for how long?
What monitoring will be in place?
What protocol will be in place? |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 1336
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 2:58 pm: |
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mary, Howard is not talking about installing cameras to monitor citizens. He's talking about putting up a web cam to monitor construction and specifically activities that are not supposed to be happening at the site. Pulte was crushing rocks on site. They were told not to. They did it again. They weer shut down and told not to, again. Now it appears they're at it yet again.
This is not big brother. It is no different from the town having someone on site watching the construction. While I have nothing against Pulte as a company, it appears that they do not take our town ordinances very seriously, and I for one would like for SOMEONE to be monitoring this. if it's not going to be the town, it might as well be us. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 315
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 5:52 pm: |
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Mary,
If you watch the BOT meetings or attend - (which I assume you do since I don't think you're as "new" as you claim to be and have an opinion on an election from 3 months ago), Mr. Gill has attended several and anyone who has listened to him speak can sympathize with the severity of the case at hand.
I don't feel that Mr. Gross provided adequate answers last night but I do realize he's been out for the past several days and needs to be caught up to speed.
PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY should TRUMP anything in this town. More so than redevelopment, taxes, anything you can imagine - citizens MUST feel safe and know that by living here, they're not endangering their lives or anyone in their family.
Mr. Gill has backed up his concerns with studies from the EPA showing that we're WAY ABOVE the limit alloted for the releases from dust, etc. He also stated he has a child that is 1 1/2 yrs old.
Am I concerned? Darn right I am... I don't have to live in the quarry to realize this is a HUGEEEEEE issue for the residents over there.
BTW Mary - Howard is one of the MOST dedicated and compassionate people you will ever meet. He has put a lot of time into the Village and you should recognize that. Your "glad I didn't vote for you" mentality is not appreciated on my end... esp. when Howard actually takes action to supplement his discussions on an online board and has nothing but the utmost respect from me and others.
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mary brenner
Citizen
Username: Marybrenner
Post Number: 36
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 10:13 am: |
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Sheena first of all please keep your personal attacks to other residents not me. I am new to the town and I do not like your calling me a liar.
I have a right to my opinion on a person who has run, won or lost for office. I am not in favor of cameras watching I believe in our right of freedom. I have not questioned mr.levisons dedication. If you do not mentally appreciate me saying I am glad I did not vote for him then either grow up or stay out of a forum of this level. If you read what I wrote "Mr. Levison I do not doubt you have a honest concern about the Quary. Do you have any evidence that there is a problem?" You would understand that I only have issue with the placement of cameras.
Now perhaps you have something to attack Elaine Harris about again! Oh but obviously she is wrong too as you are the South Orange expert all departments! |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 1342
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 10:39 am: |
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But Mary, you made your comment about Howard without understanding the facts. Again, (not to put words in his mouth) Howard is not talking about monitoring citizens. He's talking about monitoring a CONSTRUCTION SITE that has repeated violated town ordinances about crushing stone on site.
Hence I'd say an apology is warranted (again, given that you either didn't understand or ignored the facts). |
Pizzaz
Supporter
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 2185
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 10:43 am: |
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The issue of Mr. Gill and the surrounding neighbors has approached "ludicium" (NJslang for incapable of taking thoughtful action). The complainant has been diligent for about a year in voicing issues concerning the well being of his infant and family members. The town administration has been alerted numerous times, and it is beyond comprehension why this problem has not been nipped in the bud. The development is of magnitude to know that the town needs to be monitoring this construction DAILY! They don't, and when someone goes on vacation or is away from the office or attends to other matters without having stipulated procedures and follow-up things revert to the prior no action resolve.
The cycle begins again. The homeowner comes forward and yada yada yada is expressed by the VA with another request to the homeowner to be diligent in filing a complaint with the county (UNBELIEVABLE Ludicium).
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mary brenner
Citizen
Username: Marybrenner
Post Number: 38
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 10:56 am: |
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Rasto I understand your point and I respect your point of view. I understand Mr. Levisons concerns and I agree with his concerns and I share all the same feelings towards the health issue at hand. But I do not agreee with the use of cameras. If there is a issue with the Quarry then the town, the police or county should monitor it daily and deal with the issue. If this is truly the way it is supposed to be handled then no one should settle for less. |
sullymw
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 742
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 11:01 am: |
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Is this problem just affecting the residents of the quarry? If not, what other neighborhoods are impacted? |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2644
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 11:09 am: |
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Considering there aren't many "residents of the quarry", the impact is currently greatest on the surrounding houses. However, the trucks transporting rock travel up and down Tillou, Harding, South Orange Avenue and Wyoming Ave, further spreading the dust. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 1344
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 12:43 pm: |
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Mary, assuming you are new to this board, you'll learn we're (at least on paper) a pretty active bunch, suggesting all kinds of things to improve the town. Whether any of them actually get implemented is a completely different story.
I am incredibly concerned about government monitoring its citizens in all kinds of ways. I'm a large contributor to privacy advocates and have written on the dangers of relying on surveillance to police people. But this is not monitoring of citizens. it's monitoring a construction site. And if having a camera there will allow the tow/county/police/citizens to monitor the site remotely (rather than strolling over), I'm all for it. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1323
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 12:50 pm: |
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I bet there are about 20 owners living in the Pulte development already -- the single family homes plus a number of townhouses.
Have any of them been approached -- if they have concerns? Anyone on MOL??
I realize is a possibly difficult situation, since the developer still controls the association, and owners will be relying on Pulte for a while to make fixes and adjustments.
But I would think they'd want that mountain to disappear quickly, too.
/p
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MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2646
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 1:37 pm: |
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This shows that when you give a developer $1.2 million to subsidize their project (as the Village did with Pulte), the developer seems to assume that you are desperate and they can then do whatever they want. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1326
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 1:48 pm: |
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Developers get away with murder in most townships. The towns simply don't have the people to monitor what is happening closely enough. (look at all the developments in NJ -- that 5 - 10 years later have had to replace fire walls, chimneys, add ventilation, etc. -- because it was never done properly)
Typically, most of the inspectors are contract employees who fill in. I would think espcially in SO -- where large scale new developments are a rarity -- there just isn't any staffing for continuous monitoring.
Wonder what Pulte is paying in permit fees?
/p |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 342
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 3:25 pm: |
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I have a fairly large amount of documentation that relates to the impact of dust to a community - referred to a "fugitive dust."
If anyone is interested please PL me and I will provide as an attachment or place on my web site.
We are planning to produce a newsletter and a neighborhood association. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2649
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 3:37 pm: |
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Howard,
We have discussed a neighborhood association on several occasions (usually at our annual Block Party), but it never materialized. However, I think it is a great idea.
Please PL me and I would like to get involved in helping you to get it started. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1329
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 3:50 pm: |
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You may be intested in an article in today's Star Ledger -- Pulte was fined $555k for disturbing wetlands beyond what was permitted in Somerset (a development of 499 homes).
To what extent is the DEP involved at the SO site?
They are appealing the fine...
/p
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gotcha
Citizen
Username: Gotcha
Post Number: 64
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 3:50 pm: |
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Gonna invite the new "Pulte" neighbors to yer neighborhood ASSociation? |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 343
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 4:14 pm: |
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The DEP has been contacted and provided us with procedures to file complaints.
The process is cumbersome since each incident requires that a complaint to be filed by a resident. It is designed for one time events not projects that span long (years) periods of time.
Essex Regional will responds to the complaint (45 min - hours) and that the resident/property owner be present. At that point a determination is made if there is a violation.
We have requested from day one that some form of continuous monitoring be provided. This was done for a short period while there was a crushing operation but stopped when the crushing was halted.
Our position is that the whole process not just the crushing operation needs to viewed as creating potential hazardous conditions (Fugitive Dust - Respirable Dust) and therefore needs to be monitored on a continuous basis.
A KISS solution at least on the short term would be to install a Web Cam that watches the site. |
Pizzaz
Supporter
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 2193
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 4:15 pm: |
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Gotcha: And old neighbors, including morons like you! |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 344
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 4:16 pm: |
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Thanks MHD ... will contact.
gotcha ... yes and we have had discussions with some already. |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 7013
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 4:22 pm: |
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Gotcha and Pizzaz trade barbs ... and win temporary bans.
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MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2651
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 4:57 pm: |
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Pizzaz,
Thanks for "taking one for the team". |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 345
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 5:11 pm: |
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Thanks Pizzaz, I ignored the "ASSociation" comment.
This is a serious issue that requires dialogue. |
Dan Shelffo
Citizen
Username: Openspacer
Post Number: 160
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 9:00 pm: |
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Big Brother is already watching, at least in the downtown:
There is another camera at Taylor Place and Scotland Rd. What's so important on this block? |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 1903
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 10:17 pm: |
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It's unfair John got suspended for sticking up for someone else who was attacked. |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 346
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, July 29, 2005 - 8:32 am: |
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Cameras were installed in our parking facilities as well. |
Dan Shelffo
Citizen
Username: Openspacer
Post Number: 161
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 3:09 pm: |
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I saw an example of vigilantism in the hood. I guess people are fed up with trucks loaded down with stone to the point where stopping for stop signs is an option.
NIMBY? You bet. And proud of it. Wait until your family and home are threatened and see how quiclky you jump on the NMBY wagon.
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Brett Weir
Citizen
Username: Brett_weir
Post Number: 800
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 4:41 pm: |
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My recollection is that those cameras are about 15 years old and defunct. |
Old and Gray
Citizen
Username: Pastmyprime
Post Number: 176
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 4:59 pm: |
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Is anyone even watching them, or do they record digitally???? |
Laura_facc
Citizen
Username: Laura_facc
Post Number: 150
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 2:23 pm: |
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I am responding to Danny Shelfo.
Are you Andy Shelfo's brother? His wife Carrie was my best friend when I was little. I wonder how she is doing
Laura Facciponti |
Dan Shelffo
Citizen
Username: Openspacer
Post Number: 162
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 4:31 pm: |
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Laura,
Andy Shelffo is indeed my brother. Carrie and Andy live up in MA where he is the webmaster for one of the colleges.
You can contact them through Andy's blog on MassLive:
http://www.masslive.com/northampton/prospect/weblog/
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