By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – An agreement has been reached for a $16.5 million clean-up of the former LTV site and the Hickory Wood neighborhood in South Buffalo. Mayor Masiello says the deal isn't final, but believes it's a big step in solving contamination problems.
Hickory Woods residents have been demanding action for some time to have their subdivision and the former LTV Steel site cleaned of contamination. Masiello says LTV and Hanna Furnace agreed to a judicial consent order. It would require the companies to clean up waste left from coke and steel production.
"Those who created this problem are going a long way in helping to remediate this problem," Masiello said. "And to me this is very significant."
Masiello says the agreement was signed by all parties before federal court judge John Elfvin. He calls it a victory for Hickory Woods residents. But Rick Ammerman, leader of the Hickory Woods Homeowners for a Clean Environment, says while this is a "step forward," he remains cautiously optimistic until the deal is finalized.
"I'm guardedly optimistic," Ammerman said. "A number of things have to be signed off on. There is a bankruptcy court decision that must rendered. I'm not going to pack my bags until I actual seeing the deal is sealed."
Ammerman says he believes a "vast majority" of residents will want to permanently leave Hickory Woods.
A company called Steelfields will conduct the cleanup and redevelopment of LTV site. Steelfields will also provide an addition $1 million for a "fair market value protection plan." Masiello says that funding will be available to help Hickory Woods residents who want to stay or leave.
"The fair market value plan that we are establishing will deal with appraisals already made and the selling prices of the homes, guaranteeing them according to normal market conditions," Masiello explained.
The agreement is pending bankruptcy court approval. A decision is expected by August 15th. Masiello says it also needs approval from the Department of Environmental Conservation, but he expects that within a "matter of days."