Residents of one Moncton neighbourhood packed city council chambers on Monday night with concerns about a metal scrapyard.
Lewisville residents have launched a petition asking that the American Iron and Metal scrapyard on Toombs Street in Moncton be relocated to a Heavy Industrial Zones area.
Erin Lantz acted as a spokesperson for the group, expressing their frustrations.
“This is not a new issue, but rather one that citizens have been dealing with for at least 10 years if not longer. Previously, a school was even moved due to these issues. In recent months, we have found that the issues have intensified,” said Lantz.
“Some of our concerns from the operations along this area are excessive noise that is affecting residents who live very close by and even within a kilometre radius. It has been reported that one citizen measured personally in their home over 70 decibels of noise. There are reports of trucks idling overnight. There’s the inability to enjoy property and recreation area, for example, the Humphries Brook trail.”
Environmental concerns are also an issue with the industries being so close to a conservation area and the river, as well as the walking trail.
“This industrial park is almost surrounded by residential areas and I can only imagine as the city grows that the need for housing will continue to grow in this area as well. There have been reported traffic blockades by train in the past couple of weeks. There have been at least three that I’m aware of that have blocked traffic for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, causing backups,” said Lantz.
“This is a concern for fire, police ambulance, also for parents trying to pick up their children or for people going about their day-to-day business.”
The request from residents is to review and relocate the business, ensuring they are in the appropriate zone for their intended use.
“We ask that you review the locations and the appropriateness of having them so close to residences, schools, daycares, recreational areas, et cetera. We find it unacceptable for our community to be placed under such stress exposed to fumes and high levels of noise for these prolonged periods of time,” Lantz said.
Deputy Mayor and Ward 1 Councillor Shawn Crossman said he has received around 40 emails with concerns regarding these issues, and he also pointed out that MLA Daniel Allain was also in attendance at council.
“We all need to work together. The longer this goes on, unfortunately, the more noise we’re going to hear, the more pollution we’re going to see,” Crossman said.
“What I really would like to see moving forward, is a committee. I know there was a meeting held today with MLA Daniel Allain. I think we need to make sure that if we’re going to do this committee, we do it the right way. Try to have the community, both levels of government, the businesses along Toombs Street and in the area, and public safety and Environment New Brunswick. We need them in the room as well because we need to work on solutions together.”
Lantz agreed that there were at least a few residents who would be happy to assist with a committee.
Acting City Manager Nick Robichaud adds the city’s bylaw department has also been made aware of the many concerns raised by residents.
“We are currently looking into that, but as active enforcement files, we can’t discuss particulars of that but it is something we are looking into currently,” said Robichaud.
Ward 1 Councillor Paulette Theriault agreed with Crossman’s comments. “The importance here is the environment. This has been an ongoing issue, and hopefully, we will find the means to resolve it and make sure that all the citizens are safe, protected and living a healthy lifestyle.”
Mayor Dawn Arnold also thanked the residents for coming and reassured them that their message had been heard loud and clear and they would do everything in their power to help them.
