The Paradise City Forum

I am suprised actually, given the amount of possible negative impacts the landfill expansion could have versus what seems to be relatively few and uncertain positive results, that the city council as a whole has not official called for a public hearing or inquiry on the subject of the landfill expansion

Along with other people I spoke during public comment on March 20th. I wrote and read a resolution for the concideration of the city council in hopes that it would being the conversation on having a forum on the landfill expansion. Here is what I wrote and read. I feel that many of the city councilors were listening to what we said, and I am hopeful that they will act upon it



City council resolution to hold a public forum on the landfill expansion

Whereas - Northampton residents have expressed concerns about the landfill operations and the proposal to expand the landfill

Whereas - Dr. Newton of the Barnes Aquifer advisory committee has not been given the opportunity to present his understanding of the possible affects of the landfill expansion in a public forum

Whereas - the city held a public meeting on February 28th 2008 that was limited to the subject of the landfill odor concerns, and did not include discussion on the landfill expansion project

Whereas - during the February 28th meeting individuals voiced concerns about the proposal to expand the landfill over an aquifer

Whereas - the Easthampton city council has signed a letter addressed to the MASS DEP requesting the waiver granted to the city of Northampton to expand the landfill in a zone 2 water protection area be revoked

Whereas - the city councilors have been advised by attorney Michael Pill to have all information concerning the special permit vote be a matter of public record and to not engage in any ex-parte communication about this subject

Whereas - the Northampton city council may soon have a special permit before them, on which they must cast a responsible and intelligent vote either for/ against/ abstain

Whereas - the Northampton city council is interested in having this issue approached in a formal, fair and balanced manner to avoid legal issues annulling their decision on the special permit

Be it resolved by the city council that there should be a public forum on the subject of the expansion of the landfill, sponsored by the city council to be held after all of the results of all of the health studies come back, but before the special permit is brought before the city council.
The meeting should be open to the general public with advance notification to all parties interested in attending. Efforts should be made to inform the public of the meeting and to invite residents of Northampton and Easthampton. The meeting would be made a public record.