Neighbors from Northern Philadelphia fear that the growth of the recycling company will create more dust, traffic and unhealthy conditions in their neighborhood.  Therefore, last October 7, they interrupted a meeting between the environmental authorities and the company, to which they were not invited.

Rirchard Burns and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had met to analyze the growth project that consisted in increasing the recycling production to 1,500 to 2,500 tons a day, in addition to increasing the hours of operation, according to Maritza Cruz, one of the affected neighbors.  “We neighbors seek to solve the contamination, health and traffic problems that the company has caused”, Cruz specified, questioning the fact that no neighbor representatives were present.  

Adrea Hiargesell, Richard Burns’ spokesperson, explained that t general invitation was made to the public through different media so that they could attend the meeting, and added that the company has been a part of the neighborhood for over 25 years and thus makes it an important work source for the Latin community in the city.

“It is important that we solve the complaints that arose because of the growth project (…).  We are working with the community and attending to the requests made”, Hiargesell stated. 

On the other hand, Cruz assured that if the neighbors had not interrupted the meeting, the project would have been accepted without presenting a full report.  “We do not seek to have the company close down, but rather that they take us into account to solve the existing problems instead of creating new ones that continue to affect us”, Cruz concluded.   

Next Thursday, October 16, a meeting will be held between the neighbors at the Antonia Pantoja School, at 4101 to the North of American street.  For more information, plase call Mayra Pavón at 215 455 1300.