On Brookline

Okay, so demolition begins at the St. Aidan’s housing project at 7:15 this morning (though the Town assured residents it will begin after children are safely ensconced in school). Neighbors tell me that the contractor is using the “wet method” of asbestos abatement during demolition, as in a garden hose spraying the buildings as they come down.

Oh, and the state of the art monitoring [so says Selectman Robert Allen] the Town of Brookline has employed to test potential asbestos release into the environment? It consists of a flunky from an “environmental services firm” watching the demolition. And placing two detection meters well away from the site of demolition. [View pictures: Monitor 1 and Monitor 2]

Brookline town government. Utterly incompetent. Unworthy of the public trust.

An aside: I f you’re thinking of calling town hall to complain, it will have to wait until Monday. Brookline town government closes at noon on Friday.

Update: During Monday’s so called information session with the Archdiocese, a neighbor to the project scoffed at the risk to (her) kids because they would be in school during the demolition. She thanked those assembled for their courtesy and consideration in setting a late start time.

I remember thinking, as I listened to her laud the team, “Let’s see what that gets her.”

This morning, as kids walked to school, walls were coming down.

Update (2): Notice in the picture above how the workers on site are not wearing the protective gear that the Archdiocese said would be in use during demolition. Class act.

Update (3): The Town and developer are, of course, reminding neighbors that they are not required to begin work after 8:00 AM.  And this developer “makes no promises” as to the time of day work will commence.  Ah, Brookline.  Give someone in $6 million in public funds to build a housing project, and then watch them tell the public to go screw.