Public Health Fear Grips Franklin Lakes as Asbestos Removal Moves Near Elementary School
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Franklin Lakes NJ, Officials in Franklin Lakes, NJ are scrambling to secure state guarantees that a major asbestos remediation project near a local elementary school is 100% compliant with all public health guidelines. The project at the 89-acre former Cigna property on Parsons Pond Road has sparked deep concern among residents, especially since the work is happening just 600 feet from Woodside Avenue School (K-5) and adjacent to local athletic fields.
Mayor Charles Kahwaty has been communicating with residents, acknowledging the “many residents” questioning whether “every possible safety measure has been implemented” by the contractor, Sky Contracting. While initial verbal assurances from state agencies indicate the work is in compliance, the borough is taking aggressive action to get concrete proof.
The Quest for Written Proof: OPRA Requests and Legislative Pressure
Verbal assurances are not enough when an elementary school is involved. Despite the state Department of Labor indicating that inspectors have not found any violations and that external air monitoring reports look compliant, Franklin Lakes officials are demanding definitive, documented evidence.
The borough has taken the following steps:
- Filed a Comprehensive OPRA Request: A full Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request has been filed with the Department of Labor to obtain all official records pertaining to the asbestos remediation project.
- Enlisted State Legislators: 40th District representatives, including Senator Kristin Corrado, have sent a joint letter to the Commissioners of the Departments of Labor, Health, and Environmental Protection. Their goal: to secure documentation of all inspections, testing, and abatement procedures to guarantee “no public health risks exist.”
- Reaching Out to State and Federal Agencies: The borough has contacted the Governor’s office, the state Department of Health, the federal EPA, and the Bergen County Health Services, though Mayor Kahwaty notes they’ve met with “varying degrees of success.”
The core issue remains: The borough is awaiting the official documentation and the expiration of the legally required time period for a formal response.
The Backdrop: A Controversial Affordable Housing Site
The land in question is part of a much larger, controversial development. The 189-acre complex—once an IBM and later a Cigna/Express Scripts office campus—was sold to developer S. Hekemian Group (SHG LLC) and is designated for a future affordable housing project.
The approved plan for the site allows for two options, both including over 60 affordable units, and a separate 3.5-acre parcel was donated to the borough for a 65-unit affordable housing complex. While SHG LLC has yet to submit an application for the full development, the current asbestos remediation is part of clearing the former office buildings.
Mayor Kahwaty is also actively seeking a state spokesperson from the Department of Labor or Health to host a “public question and answer session” for concerned Franklin Lakes residents.
Need to Share Your Concerns?
Mayor Kahwaty has encouraged continuing comments and questions. Residents can contact his office at 201-891-4000, ext. 1203, or via email at [email protected].
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