LAST WEEK'S OBSERVER ARTICLE REGARDING A TRUCK PARKING LOT ON THE BOLENDER LANDFILL

I would rate the story by Leah Gerber as excellent. The title is "Petition against proposed parking lot is gaining traction". Both Dr. Dan Holt and Ed Northcott, local residents, speak out against the proposal. Mr. Holt points to the proposed location  next to the Kissing Bridge Trail, Bolender Park and the kids splash pad. He also adds that it is very close to the Canagagigue Creek which has had enough contamination over many decades. There are also noise and toxic odours (diesel) likely from a 115 truck parking area.              .............................................................................................                                                                              The Petition was at 815 signatures a week ago and was started by Ed Northcott. His and others concerns include increasing the already substantial truck traffic on Arthur St. near Church St. as well as the cutting down of 360 mature trees. There are also increased concerns regarding the still present methane gas at explosive levels. The proponent suggests that a gravel parking lot will allow the methane to vent naturally versus say a paved parking lot. The problem is that the methane has had approximately seventy years to vent yet is still present at explosive levels and higher.  Covering it even with a foot of gravel will decrease vertical venting to surface even more than it apparently already is. The last issue raised was the devaluing of the neighbours' property.