Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today voiced grave reservations about the proposed construction and operation by AL Asphalt Corporation of a hot mix asphalt facility on Camp Road in the Town of Hamburg immediately adjacent to the boundary of the Village of Hamburg. In a letter to NYSDEC Region 9 Director Abby Snyder, Poloncarz noted that the proposed facility is in very close proximity to residential areas, playfields and the Hamburg Central School District’s High and Middle schools. Poloncarz also cited a letter sent earlier this month by the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning to the Town’s Planning Department noting the need for control structures or mechanisms in the proposal to address potential off site odor/air pollution.

“This proposed hot mix asphalt facility is located close to homes, playgrounds, and schools and could negatively impact air quality in the Town of Hamburg.  Another cause for concern is the proximity of senior housing, which is located just across Camp Road from the site. As I stated in my letter to Director Snyder, I have grave reservations about this facility at that location,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “I have spoken with elected officials in the Town and Village who share my concerns and want to take a close look at the proposal in order to ensure that community safety and public health are not overlooked. We can’t have a facility that spreads air pollution and odors wherever the wind blows. Today I am urging the DEC to undertake a stringent review of the company’s application to protect the quality of life in the Town of Hamburg.”

The sending of this letter follows-up separate conversations Poloncarz had today with Town of Hamburg Supervisor James M. Shaw and Village of Hamburg Mayor Thomas J. Moses, Sr. in which Poloncarz expressed to both his reservations and noted the Department of Environment and Planning’s concerns with the proposed project.

The Town has scheduled a Planning Board public hearing on the issue for September 4.

# # #