Mesothelioma and Asbestos

An environmental impact hearing was held concerning a proposed housing development, as well as demolition of the former Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center in Wingdale, New York may finally begin this summer.

It’s been six years since the Benjamin Companies bought the site at a total cost of $9 million. Part of an adjacent farm was bought for $1.5 million in 2007. The developer has proposed a project called the Knolls of Dover that would create 1,376 housing units ranging from single-family houses as well as townhouses to two-story apartments, loft conversions as well as apartments above retail stores. The project would include 238,500 square feet of retail space as well as 99,450 square feet of recreation space.

With the additional housing units, the Knolls of Dover has the potential of adding 3,500 residents to the current population of 9,000.

The Benjamin Companies held a job fair before the community hearing to collect applications from job seekers for a training program people in asbestos removal as well as remediation certification. More than 280 applications were received, some of which were from people who are already certified. They hope to start training people over the summer in order to get the project moving as well as get the area redeveloped.

For the filled story, go to Poughkeepsie Journal.