Sherman neighbourhood residents push for answers on garbage plant

Residents expecting firm answers to some of the biggest questions about a potential waste-to-energy gasification plant proposed for Hamilton'sindustrial waterfront didntget manyWednesday ata Sherman neighbourhood meeting.

But that didnt stop some from trying to push project proponents on questions like how much ofthe waste will come from Hamiltonand how much would be brought infrom elsewhere.

I dont want anything coming in from outside this area.- Project head Robert Clark

Project head Robert Clark said the Port Fuels and Materials Services plant is designed tosource its waste locally and feed its energy back to local needs. The goal is to function withinthe boundaries of the Hamilton Port Authority, he said.

I dont want anything coming in from outside this area, Clark said to Bob Assadourian, councilcandidate for Ward 3, who asked for percentages during a question time.

We dont need it. We dont want it," Clark said.

"Signed, sealed, delivered? Assadourian asked.

As well as I can do, Clark replied.

Assadourian appeared encouraged by the response. We just dont want to be known as thegarbage capital city, he said.

Port or cityjurisdiction?

Later, Clark reiterated his contention that the Port has jurisdiction on the land, not the city. Citystaff have said the project would require a zoning change on the land. Clark said the legalexperts need to have a sit-down on that jurisdiction issue.

• RELATED:Company behind proposed garbage plant not seeking city approval
• RELATED:City should formally oppose waterfront gasification plant: Morrow

For Coun. Bob Morrow, who has said the city should formally oppose the project, the questionsare about image and pollution.

But, trying to get the meeting off to a balanced start, Morrow emphasized that the projectsproponents claim the plant would raise $500,000 per year in taxes.

Which is not to be sneered at as we try to replace the industrial jobs and companies lost hereand elsewhere, especially in our manufacturing city, traditionally so, Morrow said.

Clark said the plant would provide between 30 and 50 full-time jobs, plus construction jobs while the plant is being built.

About 75 area residents attendedWednesday'smeeting and many remained skeptical.

A few grew passionate during the public question time as they contemplated their neighbourhood's future as a place to raise families. Steve Calverley, chair of the Sherman Hub, emphasized the association's values on showing respect and room for differing opinions.

Residents also heard fromEnvironment Hamilton CEO Lynda Lukasik, whoraised more questions she urged the community tobe asking about the technology, operations and land use and project's economic impacts.

Airshed impacts

She said the provinces environmental review may give a go-ahead to a project even though itssurrounding airshed is already compromised.

While we may have a facility that would be well within the limits, I think what you need to thinkabout is have we already passed the tipping point? she said.

Clark said its too early to answer many of the questions raised Wednesday. But he committedto responding to all of them.

The setting for the meeting fit the questions about Hamiltons identity. The warehouse at 270Sherman Ave. North once held a textile factory. Now its been re-done to house artist studiosand photography spaces.

The venues website claims its a symbol of Hamiltons industrial pastrenewed as Hamiltons creative future.