What's below the surface

To the editor: In reference to the ad placed by the Monroe Republican Committee in The Photo News, I feel compelled to point out that they only told you half the story regarding being sued. The lawsuit against Monroe does in fact include the Planning Board. After numerous letters and speaking up at meetings, the suit was a last resort by citizens that felt the answers by the town were unsatisfactory in regards to the Henry Farm development and the adjacent Old Monroe Landfill, which is on the border of Chester. The suit is in the appeal process outside the county because the case needs to be heard on its merits. The issue of possible water contamination to private groundwater wells as a result of the development project’s proposed water supply (approximating 100 feet from the oozing debris field) is of grave concern. The applicant claimed to have studied the issue, but its findings weren’t filed until the project’s final environmental impact statement, one of the review’s last steps. “By dropping this information in at the very end of the process rather than at the beginning, as the statute requires, the respondents here were plainly trying to have as little public discussion as possible on this issue,” wrote the citizens’ attorney. I think this is a HUGE “oversight,” considering the so-called experience of the current Monroe Town administration. Let it be known that they (the Town Board) knew all about the current contamination before the development project began the review process. In addition, I personally offered to research the contents of the landfill for them, before they cap it, so the health department has a better understanding of the risks of allowing this water district proposed by the Town Board. However, they did not agree and this is not being done. Without knowing what’s underground, they have created a big risk to residents getting the water that will be filtered underneath the cap. Yes, the lawsuit against the Town and Planning Board cost money by residents as well as the citizens who filed it, but that rate is minimal compared to the long-term cost a bad decision by the town will be in the future. With only four sporadic water quality tests conducted in 15 years, the health of residents is in danger. I’m proud of those citizens who are standing up for their welfare. They deserve better treatment by the current Monroe administration. Bob Fury Chester