Mid Hudson Times Jan. 04 2017 | Página 3

Mid Hudson Times , Wednesday , January 4 , 2017 3

Johnes Street brownfield site meeting set for Wednesday

By SHANTAL RILEY sriley @ tcnewspapers . com
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the City of Newburgh will hold a joint meeting to discuss the planned cleanup of 7-11 Johnes Street at the Newburgh Heritage Center on Wednesday . Contaminants at the site include mercury and volatile organic compounds .
The vacant lot , less than an acre in size , is located slightly south of Washington ’ s Headquarters . A drycleaning business operated at the site for about 40 years , until the property was taken due to back taxes in 1954 . A building was demolished on the property in 2012 .
Three underground storage tanks and 362 tons of soil were removed from the site in 2000 , according to the DEC . However , the tanks were deteriorated and volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds spilled into the soil and groundwater .
The DEC ’ s proposed cleanup calls for a site cover – possibly a building , pavement or sidewalks – soil cover , soil excavation , a site-management plan and an environmental easement carrying development restrictions .
The cleanup will be performed by the City of Newburgh with oversight by the DEC . The cleanup cost is estimated to be $ 125,000 . Under the state ’ s Environmental Restoration Program , municipalities are reimbursed for the cost of brownfield cleanups . Once remediated , these properties can be redeveloped for commercial , residential and public use .
The DEC defines a brownfield site as “ any real property that is difficult to reuse or redevelop because of the presence or potential presence of contamination .”
The DEC will collect and consider public comments as part of its “ record of decision ” for the cleanup until Jan . 27 .
The state DEC is currently accepting comments regarding the cleanup of 7-11 Johnes Street .
Submit comments to Bill Bennett , Department of Environmental Conservation / Division of Environmental Remediation , 625 Broadway Albany , NY 12233 – Call 518- 402-9659 or send comments by email to william . bennett @ dec . ny . gov .
The meeting takes place at 7 p . m ., on Wednesday , Jan . 4 at the Newburgh Heritage Center , located at 123 Grand Street .

DA : on Monday , don ’ t forget to thank a police officer

Orange County District Attorney David M . Hoovler ; Orange County Sheriff Carl E . DuBois ; William Worden , outgoing President of the Police Chiefs ’ Association of Orange County ; and other law enforcement representatives issued a statement recognizing Law Enforcement Appreciation Day ( L . E . A . D .), a nationwide day of support for police officers , established by the organization Concerns of Police Survivors ( C . O . P . S .). L . E . A . D . will occur on Monday , January 9 , 2017 .
All of Orange County ’ s citizens are encouraged to show their support for our police officers .
“ These are trying times for police officers ,” said Hoovler , “ men and women who selflessly dedicate their careers to the security of the public , and who daily risk their lives and their safety to protect us all . Despite their sacrifice , many in our society have advanced a false narrative designed to paint all police officers with a
broad brush , improperly suggesting that police officers are bad people who do not deserve our support . Nothing could be further from the truth . Without the hard work , dedication , and bravery of our men and women in police uniforms , this country would be a far worse place to live . I urge everyone in Orange County to take the time on January 9 to acknowledge the efforts of our police officers .”
“ Over the past 14 years as Orange County Sheriff ,” said DuBois , “ not a day goes by without my thanks to the men and women of law enforcement and corrections , for doing a difficult job that becomes more complex each passing day . Thanks to all of you that feel the same way , and I know there are many .”
“ Police officers across this great nation have answered the noble calling to face tremendous dangers each and every day to protect and serve others selflessly with honor and dignity ,” said William
Worden , outgoing President of the Police Chiefs ’ Association of Orange County . “ Our profession is becoming increasingly dangerous to the men and women who wear a uniform , as witnessed tragically in 2016 with the increase in deliberate attacks directed at those who risk their lives to enforce the law and to keep us safe . This is completely intolerable , and we , as a society , must hold accountable anyone who targets police officers simply because they have the courage and the selflessness to wear the badge each and every day . The men and women in law enforcement deserve our gratitude and our respect for their courage , their bravery , and their service . I know I am deeply thankful for police officers and the critical role they serve in maintaining the peace and protecting our communities .”
The L . E . A . D . organizers at C . O . P . S have suggested several ways that citizens may show their support for police officers :
• Change their profile pictures on social media to the . jpg image provided at www . facebook . com / nationalcops .
• Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement .
• Send a card of support to their local police departments or state police agencies .
• Share a story on social media about a positive law enforcement experience .
• Ask children in their communities to write letters in support of law enforcement .
• Participate in Project Blue Light , by proudly displaying a blue light in support of law enforcement .
• Organize an event or a rally in support of their law enforcement officers .
• Post a public service announcement supplied by C . O . P . S . to their organization ’ s webpage or social media pages .
• Most importantly , if they see a police officer , thank a police officer .