HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-14 Residential NeighborhoodsRESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS JULY, 14, 2014 3:15 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Karen White, Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Gavin Ferlic
Citizen Members Present: Jack Smith
Other Council Present: Valerie Schey, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Dr. Varner, Derek Dieter,
Oliver Davis
Others Present: Tim Sexton, Stephen Studer
Agenda: Update on Beck's Park by City Attorney Cristal Brisco
South Bend Corporate Counsel Cristal Brisco at the request of the Council's Residential Neighborhoods
Committee provided an update on EPA concerns in the LaSalle Park Beck's Lake area.
Residential Neighborhood Committee Chair Karen White asked for the update in response to
neighborhood concerns about this area designated by the EPA as a hazardous site.
Cristal provided two handouts, one from the EPA, and one detailing the background of Stephen Studer,
a partner in the Krieg /DeVault law firm out of Chicago. This law firm has expertise in environmental
issues and have been commissioned by the City to respond to the EPA.
The EPA report noted the Beck's Lake site posed no immediate health risk in the LaSalle Park area.
Cristal expanded on what tests have already been undertaken by the City to test for hazardous
materials. Using superfund dollars the cost of sampling to date approaches $500,000. Soil samples
including soil vapor intrusion testes have resulted in very low levels of pollutants, well within acceptable
risks.
Cristal went on to explain the site would most probably be placed on the National Priorities List meaning
it would continue to be monitored for possible future cleanup.
Karen opened the update to Council questions. Oliver Davis asked whether the nearby soccer fields
were tested. Cristal said they had.
Derek Dieter asked for an explanation of "immediate "risk. Mr. Studer said these levels were no higher
than normally found in the environment.
Tim Scott asked about the lake itself. Cristal said the lake had been tested and was in acceptable levels.
Karen White, summing up, suggested the reports be communicated to the Charles Black Center and to
the LaSalle Park neighbors, Gail Brodie in particular.
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Karen adjourned the meeting at 3:30 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen White, Chairperson
Residential Neighborhoods
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