Sen. Goodwin and Rep. Tobon???s legislation addressing controversial Pawtucket transfer station proposal passes the General Assembly
CARLOS E. TOBON
STATE HOUSE ??? Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) and Rep. Carlos E. Tobon???s (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket) legislation (2018-S 2026 / 2018-H 7787) that addresses the controversial new transfer station proposal in Pawtucket was passed by the General Assembly tonight.??
The City of Pawtucket has proposed moving the current transfer station, located on Grotto Avenue, to a new site on Concord Street.?? Residents and businesses of the Fairlawn neighborhood, where Concord Street is located, have decried the proposal, citing concerns of health and quality of life issues if the proposal goes through.
???There are places where solid waste management facilities simply do not belong. Unquestionably, they do not belong in or very near a residential neighborhood. The very valid concerns that neighbors have about rodents, environmental hazards, odor, traffic and noise must be given considerable weight in any decision about siting a waste facility. Facilities like the one proposed in Fairlawn can destroy the quality of life in a neighborhood, and the licensing process is failing citizens if that fact is not taken under consideration,??? said Senator Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence).
???From the moment this proposal became public, I have listened to the concerns of the Fairlawn residents and small businesses, as well as the points made by the administration in favor of the relocation of Pawtucket???s transfer station, and, despite understanding there may be significant cost implications, my position has remained unchanged in opposing this proposal,??? said Representative Tobon.
The legislation would require state officials to give ???great weight to the detrimental impact that the placement of such a facility shall have on its surrounding communities??? before approving solid waste management facilities.??
The bill now heads to the governor for consideration.