New elementary school in Greenpoint sparks debate over safety
GREENPOINT, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- A new elementary school is set to be built in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, marking a significant addition to the neighborhood's educational infrastructure.
However, its proximity to the former NuHart Plastics Superfund site has ignited concerns among residents about the safety of the land.
The school, planned for 257 Franklin Street, will offer 450 seats and feature modern amenities, including ADA accessibility and an all-electric, sustainable design. The NYC School Construction Authority (SCA) emphasized that the project addresses urgent overcrowding issues in local schools and provides a much-needed resource for the growing community.
Despite these assurances, some Greenpoint residents remain uneasy. Samantha Sicilian, a local parent, expressed her reservations: "I have a nine-month-old son, and so I probably won't stay for him to go to school here... I don't feel great about it." Her concerns stem from the site's history as a factory that contaminated the area with harmful chemicals like trichloroethylene and polychlorinated biphenyls.
To address these fears, the SCA has implemented several safety measures. These include installing an underground hydraulic barrier, a gas vapor barrier, and a sub-slab depressurization system to prevent harmful gases from entering the school. Additionally, the site is enrolled in the NYC Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation Voluntary Cleanup Program for extra oversight.
While skepticism persists among some residents, others are optimistic about the project. One local woman noted her support: "As far as the school, I’m happy to have kids move to the neighborhood." Another resident added pragmatically, "If there are chemicals in the ground, of course, they have to clean it up before they put the school there."
The SCA maintains that extensive cleanup efforts have rendered the site safe for development. Community Board 1 has unanimously approved the project following public meetings and consultations.
Click here for more information on the project.