Some residents call the hill at Sloan and Depot streets "Mystery Hill," because of asbestos buried there. A developer is considering cleaning up the asbestos as part of a redevelopment of the former mill site. (David Boraks photo)
Residents of Davidson’s West Side who are concerned about redevelopment of the Metrolina Warehouse will hear a presentation about asbestos removal by a Mecklenburg County environmental expert at their next meeting Thursday, Nov. 20. The meeting is open to all Davidson residents and begins at 7 p.m. at the Senior Nutrition Center cafeteria behind Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble St.
The expert will talk about how asbestos is cleaned up from industrial sites. Organizer Elizabeth Wilson said this week organizers hope the information will help residents better understand the process as they try to reach a consensus on plans for a cleanup at the former mill site.
GreenHawk Partners LLC, of Raleigh, has an option to buy the site, at Sloan and Depot streets, which was once an asbestos factory and Linden Cotton mill. GreenHawk wants to build a transit-friendly mixed-use development of offices, shops and housing on the 5½-acre property, which is next to the site of the town’s stop on the proposed North Commuter Rail Line stop.
Since the plan was unveiled last summer, some neighborhood residents have expressed concerns about the development and about what might happen to asbestos on the site. Environmental reports and town officials say asbestos was buried and encapsulated on the west side of the property in accordance with federal regulations. The developer has said he is considering removing it.
Residents also are trying to line up a second speaker for next week on the topic, from the state Department of Health.
RELATED LINKS
Mecklenburg County asbestos removal information, CLICK HERE>
The Davidson town website has a page about the possible Linden Mill redevelopment, with maps and other documents, including the environmental assessment. CLICK HERE>
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
Nov. 2, 2008, “West Side residents still lack consensus on mill project”
Oct. 7, 2008, “West Side worry: Is Mystery Hill an asbestos danger?”
Oct. 3, 2008, “Residents plan meeting about asbestos at old mill.”
July 25, 2008, “Would warehouse project link West Side, downtown?”
June 20, 2008, “Developer eyes warehouse for mixed-use project.”
