An Ariel view showing the Weitsman Scrap Metal business and its close proximity to residential housing as well as the Chadakoin River. (Image from Google Maps)
JAMESTOWN – A group of residents from Jamestown’s north side are voicing their concern over the noise and pollution that is coming from a locally operated scrap metal business.
Earlier this month, four individuals spoke to city officials about the Upstate Shredding – Ben Weitsman Company scrap metal and recycling operation on W. 8th St, which has seen a recent increase in business and as a result, has expanded the size and hours of its operation.
That isn’t sitting well with some residents, including Rhonda Swanson of nearby Lafayette St. Swanson said that since the business expanded operation, it has created a number of concerns for residents related to safety, noise, public health and environmental concerns, all of which negatively impact the neighborhood.
“Due to the very disruptive nature of the scrap yard in a resident neighborhood – all of which is downwind of the facility – along with health hazards, property value is diminished, causing reduced incentives for investment by property owners and further destabilizing an already challenged neighborhood,” Swanson said.
Another person who was concerned with the business is Cathy McCarthy of the Chautauqua Lake Rowing Association, who said the business makes it nearly impossible for rowers to enjoy their time out on the water.
“The noise, the dust, the pollution – it’s deafening,” McCarthy said. “I don’t row at 5:30 on a weekday morning, but I’m often out there at 7 o’clock on a Saturday morning and it’s bang, bang, bang and dust, dust, dust. I worry about the ecosystem and I worry about the beautiful things we’re seeing on the river.”
The concerns were brought before the city council last week and council presidents Greg Rabb said that officials will be looking into it. “The city absolutely can do something and we’ll be looking into the operation of the business during Sunday hours and whether or not they can continue doing that,” Rabb said. “I really appreciate the neighbors coming to our meeting, but I think they felt that they got some answers, that we will be on top of it and monitoring the situation.”
The city had already signed off on the expansion of the scrap metal business, so its unlikely the Weistman’s will cease its normal operations.
The company has 18 locations across New York and Pennsylvania. The Jamestown business is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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