Most of the objections raised about the ongoing demolition of the old Con Ed power plant on Kent Avenue in South Williamsburg have to do with destruction of a building that had been deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and that preservationists would have liked to see saved. As it turns out, people that live nearby are afraid of the demo for the exact reason that Con Ed said it had to come down: that the plant was too full of asbestos to save. So, yesterday, there was a demonstration to call for a halt to the tear down because Con Ed hasn't addressed concerns about possible health hazards. The fear revolves around asbestos (which a public official told us was "baked into the walls," according to Con Ed) and lead paint. There are apartment complexes nearby and a park and ball field directly across the street. A Con Ed spokesman says the demo "is being carefully carried out in a way that is environmentally responsible and safeguards the community." Originally, Con Ed denied it was demolishing the plant, even after the work had started.
· Environmental Concerns Raised About Brooklyn Con Ed Project [Sun]
· Hardcore Destructoporn: Burg Power Plant Coming Down Fast [Curbed]
· Burg Power Plant Deemed Historic As It's Demolished [Curbed]
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