PRINCETON: Residents sound off about hospital demolition fears

Neighborhood residents fear the demolition of the former Princeton Hospital is causing allergy-like symptoms, sore throats and in one case the coughing up of a black substance.

Respiratory illness was the chief grievance aired during a public forum Jan. 20 organized by Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller for residents to discuss their concerns with the demolition.

Susan Jefferies of Jefferson Road, who was one of the first residents to report a respiratory illness caused by the demolition, said the townships response has been lackadaisical.

I feel like we are not being heard, she said. Out-of-the box thinking can help protect the public. We are asking for something more than the minimum.

Many of the dozen residents in attendance at the meeting echoed Ms. Jefferies remarks, stating that the current procedures in place for monitoring the biggest demolition project in the history of Princeton are insufficient.

Marco Gottardis, of Harris Road, alleged that workers are not dampening down debris enough, which is causing dust to scatter throughout the area.

I do not believe their air monitoring is accurate and that they have enough monitors, he alleged.

Township Administrator Marc Dashield said the township is monitoring the site on a regular basis with surprise visits.

They are there every day, Mr. Dashield said. They are not there 24/7, however, theyre there. What we need to know from residents is if something is going on, we need to know when to be there.

For example, Mr. Dashield said, residents who see dust should call the police on weekends or the non-emergency police number 609-921-2100 on weekdays so a staff member can go out and take a reading.

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PRINCETON: Residents sound off about hospital demolition fears