Free Exhibit - District Court of Connecticut - Connecticut

1 _ s ._ ` . . Case 3:03-cv-00945-CFD Document 213-17 F`
` IlGCl 05/10/2007 Page 1 Of 2 A
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Newhall Coaliti0¤
46 Wadsworth Street 1 1» QIAZ ii
Hamden, Connecticut 06517-3241 jp
203/865-2879 Office/Fax EQ?
April 1 8, 2001
Honorable Carl J . Amento *
Mayor of the town of Hamden
Memorial Tonm Hall
A 2372 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06518 _
- Dear Mayor Amento,
On behalf ofthe residents ofthe Rochford field community, l am writing to you
to express our concerns regarding the known contamination in our neighborhood.
, This is a very challenging time for us.
i The contamination effects our lives in many ways, namely;
+ Stress of unknown potential health problems.
• Drastic reduction in property value.
• The perception that this community problem is not a high priority for
town officials.
As Town leader this community is asking for your immediate support and action
on the following items: .
• Seek prpperty tax relief for the affected property owners.
• Do not use town resources to fix Rochford field temporarily.
i • Keep Rochford field closed until the contamination is permanently tix.
We seriously doubt this community is totally safe. Many of us have lived here for
‘ more than twenty (20) years; therefore the term “not an immediate health risk"
does not make sense to us. Let me point out some of the reasons why we have
serious doubt about the HITIO immediate health risk" statement.
First, after the Board of Education comprehensive testing concluded the I
school was safe, within days of that conclusion the school was closed for
extended vacation because remediation was necessary in order to have the
grounds and school meet health standards (The records reflect the fndings).
Second, at a press conference on March l5u` you, DEP and Health
, Officialsstated that Rochford Field was safe. Less than two weeks later, without
notifying the residents the field was closed due to health concerns-
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· ` ‘ -j t-» ,_ t Case 3:03-cv-00945-CFD Document 213-17 Filed 05/10/2007 Page 2 of 2
Third, the Armex is declared safe, even though health officials concede
high level of contamination exist on this site. Regardless of the fact other areas
have similar level, we do not have any data to ensure these levels are safe. Our
‘ young children are playing on this field every day.
Why as hard working taxpayers of this town do we feel we are not treated with
the same sense of urgency as other neighborhoods! And or the students and staff _
at the middle school?
The health and welfare of this community cannot hinge on what the town can or
cannot afford. This is an emergency situation to us.
V _4We·<;annot afford a temporary tix. There is no question that our neighborhood is i
contaminated.
I Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
..»~ ·‘ `Rejpectfully submitted
Q E f M//{ >` ~.
%oseph R- Frasier
VCC: Connecticut DEP
Legislative Council Members
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