GREENFIELD — With the goal of applying for grants that would make it possible to hire an independent licensed site professional, the neighborhood group that has been outspoken in its concerns over the environmental cleanup process at the former Lunt Silversmiths building has been incorporated into a nonprofit.
Retired health agent Glen Ayers, who initiated the petition that launched the process to designate the former Lunt Silversmiths property on Federal Street as a Public Involvement Plan (PIP) site, and subsequently an audit of the site cleanup process, said the incorporation of the group into a nonprofit makes it possible to apply for grants. In particular, the group of 111 members wants to apply, in advance of an October deadline, for a $20,000 Department of Environmental Protection Technical Assistance Grant.
“We were hoping the mayor would put forth a request for funding to the City Council last month, but that didn’t happen,” Ayers said, noting that grant funding wouldn’t be available until next spring. “I’m disappointed. I think we were looking for some funding for the interim period, between now and when we hope to get funding from DEP to hire an independent LSP.”
Mayor Roxann Wedegartner, however, reiterated that hiring a new LSP is not at the top of her priorities.
“There is an LSP currently working through the process, and he’s working with (Audit Section Chief John Ziegler) and the PIP group, doing the work on behalf of 1 Liberty St. LLC and the city,” she said.
Wedegartner added she doesn’t think a new LSP is necessary.
“We’re in the process right now, and it is — as far as I can tell — working,” she said. “The LSP is doing the job he’s been asked to do by the DEP.”
Still, Ayers said it would be helpful to have the cooperation of the city’s executive branch. He said City Council passed a resolution expressing a lack of confidence in the licensed site professional.
“All the indications are the City Council would be supportive if the mayor proposed a small amount of funding to fill in this gap period,” he said, noting the request would be in the range of $10,000 to $15,000, which he expects would cover the cost of a new LSP until the grant came through.
The property on Federal Street — which the Springfield-based 401 Liberty St. LLC subleases to the Behavioral Health Network and Clinical & Support Options — has been the subject of controversy among residents and city officials who have expressed concern about the status of the environmental cleanup. The issue was raised late last year by Precinct 3 Councilor Virginia “Ginny” DeSorgher when the property was brought before City Council to declare it as surplus and authorize the mayor’s sale. In particular, there is concern for contamination levels of trichloroethylene (TCE).
An audit conducted by the DEP showed more work is needed with respect to the environmental cleanup. The audit found that the Phase II Comprehensive Site Assessment — completed in April 2020 — was incomplete, and did not adequately assess contaminant sources and the extent of contamination
As a nonprofit, named the Lunt Neighborhood Action Group Inc., the group of concerned residents can also receive donations, which could be used to hire an attorney if the need arises.
“We certainly don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but it’s good to be prepared,” said Ayers.
A bank account, he said, has already been set up at Greenfield Savings Bank.
Ultimately, the organization of the nonprofit allows for a more organized approach to decision-making, with a board of directors — including residents Matthew Perry, Susan Worgaftik, Ayers and DeSorgher — to represent the wider group.
“We have 111 people in the PIP group — that’s a lot of people to manage,” Ayers said. “Making decisions by consensus is often difficult. … We have a core group of folks in this nonprofit, which should make it easier to get things done, to make decisions.”
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.