Councilman to Testify Before Congress on GenOn Closing

Anneliese March 16, 2012 at 09:02 pm

does the toxicity related to the power plant have anything to do with the unusually high cancer percentages in avon lake??

Lee Pena March 17, 2012 at 03:24 am

I would hope that as my council representative that you communicate how the Avon Lake plant has been polluting our great city for decades with increasing volumns of emissions and toxic chemicals no individual should have to endure. Many residents are aware the city will be negatively impacted by a decrease in tax revenues from the GenOn plant. It is unfortunate. However, these revenues are not what they have been in the past and should not be the primary reason for pushing to keep a high polluting plant opened. It is time that we draw a line in the sand, and encourage GenOn to close this facility in its current plant production capacity sooner rather than later. The city of AL and all surrounding communities will be much better in the long run for that decision. I look forward to the day our property values will rebound and increase at a faster pace; children and adults will have less health issues; and we could all breath a big sigh of relief.

sandy maline March 17, 2012 at 02:41 pm

I am not thrilled to hear that one of our councilman considers the financial strain of the closing of this Genon is worth testifying about. I am thrilled it is closing and was glad to hear that plans were already started to make this an opportunity to develop our lakefront. Yes it will have a short term impact but over the long run if handled corrrectly this could be both financial and environmental wins. If this man halts its closure with his testimony we should be outraged.

Jessica Fink March 17, 2012 at 02:58 pm

To Quote the Councilman
"I hope that a balance can be found between environmental regulation and the ability of the facility to provide jobs, taxes and support to the community.” ummmm......that's tea party talk andwhen translated it really means this: I want the EPA to back off and let the businesses do what they need to in order to profit. The only phrase he did not use was "big government" being all up in our environmental business (profit)

Candace Ashton March 17, 2012 at 04:59 pm

I am VERY disappointed that this is the position my Councilman is taking ... and I will call him to say so. I will definitely vote against him in the next election. The sooner this plant closes and the site is cleaned, the sooner cancer rates go down and property values go up.

Jessica Fink March 17, 2012 at 07:45 pm

According to the EPA records the plant filed, the following was released into the air in Avon lake.
more than 2 million pounds of lead, mercury, arsenic and other toxic chemicals in 2010 about 2.39 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, 6,532 metric tons of methane and 14,030 metric tons of nitrous oxide. In addition, In October 2011, the U.S. EPA released information from a 2010 national data analysis set that showed the power plant disposed of 2.1 million pounds of chemicals on site, including 1.75 million pounds of hydrochloric acid and 214,014 pounds of sulfuric acid. After digesting this data Councilman James, who serves as Chairperson of the Environmental committee said the following: "It’s important we balance the environment and the loss of business,” And: "anytime there’s a loss of jobs because of environmental regulations, it is a concern." These council people are not protecting capitalism - they're covering up crimes. They are trying to stop the only organization that cares if we are healthy - the EPA. They are selling our air and water for tax money to spend on projects to make them look good during election time. I heard Councilman Martin O'Donnell thinks the EPA should be shut down. That scares the cr*p out of me. These people need to be replaced in the next election. Their true colors are showing!

Joshua Talbot March 17, 2012 at 07:56 pm

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THIS GUY SAYING???
anytime there’s a loss of jobs because of environmental regulations, it is a concern." - HOW ABOUT ANYTIME THERE IS A VIOLATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS THERE IS A CONCERN? THE LOSS OF JOBS IS A SECONDARY EFFECT, BUT OBVIOUSLY THE ONLY THIS GUY CARES ABOUT "It’s important we balance the environment and the loss of business,” I GUESS THIS MEANS THAT WE SHOULD MEET IN THE MIDDLE SOMEWHERE! SORRY CHARLIE THERE'S NO NEGOTIATIONS ON THE LAWS NO MATTER HOW MANY JOBS IT COSTS. YOU SHOULD BE SAYING " IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE FOLLOW THE EPA REGULATIONS THAT I SWORE TO UPHOLD WHEN I WAS SWORN INTO COUNCIL. YOUR OATH OF OFFICE DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE PRIVILEGE TO DETERMINE WHICH LAWS TO "BALANCE" WHEN YOU SWORE TO UPHOLD THEM!!! THIS GOES FOR ALL COUNCIL PEOPLE OF THIS CITY. UPHOLD THE LAWS REGARDING SAFETY OF YOUR RESIDENTS. ANYTIME OUR SAFETY IS IN JEOPARDY BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU PEOPLE DO - WE ARE GOING TO BE ON YOU LIKE WHITE ON RICE.

Joshua Talbot March 17, 2012 at 08:10 pm

To the Editor:
Mrs. Switaj - after reading the story and comments about the power plant closing I am outraged at the position of City Council. Would it be possible to ask these council people if they fully support the EPA mandates they swore to protect and respectfully ask them for a public response on your website? I think we need to know which of our elected officials think the EPA laws are a recommendation to follow only when it does not effect our tax stream. Thank You Joshua Talbot Jaycox Rd. Resident

Lori E. Switaj (Editor) March 18, 2012 at 04:14 am

Well thought out comments. Joshua, I will definitely pose your question to our elected officials.

T.S. March 18, 2012 at 04:22 pm

Our city "leaders" have been shouting from the council chamber roof top that we need economic development in Avon Lake, but now seems so hypocritical in trying to keep a plant that yes, means jobs & lower utility rates, but if this waterfront was planned with intelligence can replace part, half or all of it. This will bring folks DEEP into Avon Lake, help other area business with much needed traffic, provide our city residences a place to enjoy the waterfront that's only currently currently those few who have homes on the lake. There has to be someone with brains to provide a well balanced plan to provide a harbor like community with an almost ( but not quite ) Euclid Beach/Boardwalk type attraction of years past that will attract families, the elderly and teen-agers alike to spend their entertainment dollars here while offering optional living arrangements. Imagine having apartments, condos, etc... next to Beachpark towers where the coal presently is stored and transported with a tunnel under Lake Rd to easily access the park and an assortment of small businesses bike trails, and entertainment features. C'mon city leaders, isn't it time to think outside to box (to coin a phrase I HATE) There are more developers in this world than Kopf, try utilizing the brains God gave you and make a difference in Avon Lake that's sure to spur economic & housing development! Stop delaying Genon's inevitable closure, do what's right to not only spur develpment, but replace the tax revenue.

Kathryne Bradesca March 18, 2012 at 05:42 pm

Please keep our children safe. Your time "testifying" to keep GenOn open would better be served finding alternate sources of income for our city. We need to be pollution free.

Lori E. Switaj (Editor) March 18, 2012 at 06:37 pm

Look for a poll tomorrow on what you'd like to see at this location. T.S. (and others) have made a great point about developing this into a marina. It would certainly bring people, as you say, "deep into Avon Lake" for eating and shopping. That would solve the "3-sided city" problem by creating a "wet" fourth side, for at least 5-6 months. A project like that would be long term, but we have a few years to develop it. It would also mean a bonus to the west side of Avon Lake.

T.S. March 18, 2012 at 06:42 pm

Hi Lori, not to be mean, but It would only be for at least 5-6 months IF city leaders only used half their brain; Many businesses & attractions could keep it alive all year--an outdoor ice skating rink, restaurants, arcade, a hall-- free for Avon Lake residents that allowed alcohol for receptions-- (with proper permit, deposits, fees to cover security), a 3/4 story mid-sized structure for businesses & parking there wouldn't block anyone's views since no one can take advantage of it anyway. Our rec department would be able to hire a small staff while generating revenue with events from folks using the hall not residing in Avon Lake..There's so much land there and across Lake Rd that could make AvonLake such an attractive place to live, play and work that could triple the tax revenue it brings now. This is what I mean, think big, think smart, stay with the small town feel while keeping growth in check so the area doesn't turn into a congested night mare. I've got to think that there are some smarter people out there than me that can come up with ideas that make most sides of this issue happy without going overboard. Controlled growth, plans could be made and possibly voted upon sections at a time. Knock those smoke stacks down and (almost) instantly you have a break wall, or at least a nice, cheap starting foundation of one. Parts could even be "for residents only" or charge a daily pass. I can't be the only one able to throw ideas, good or bad, out there. 1 Word: LEADERSHIP!

T.S. March 18, 2012 at 06:43 pm

Hi Lori, not to be mean, but It would only be for at least 5-6 months IF city leaders only used half their brain; Many businesses & attractions could keep it alive all year--an outdoor ice skating rink, restaurants, arcade, a hall-- free for Avon Lake residents that allowed alcohol for receptions-- (with proper permit, deposits, fees to cover security), a 3/4 story mid-sized structure for businesses & parking there wouldn't block anyone's views since no one can take advantage of it anyway. Our rec department would be able to hire a small staff while generating revenue with events from folks using the hall not residing in Avon Lake..There's so much land there and across Lake Rd that could make AvonLake such an attractive place to live, play and work that could triple the tax revenue it brings now. This is what I mean, think big, think smart, stay with the small town feel while keeping growth in check so the area doesn't turn into a congested night mare. I've got to think that there are some smarter people out there than me that can come up with ideas that make most sides of this issue happy without going overboard. Controlled growth, plans could be made and possibly voted upon sections at a time. Knock those smoke stacks down and (almost) instantly you have a break wall, or at least a nice, cheap starting foundation of one. Parts could even be "for residents only" or charge a daily pass. I can't be the only one able to throw ideas, good or bad, out there. 1 Word: LEADERSHIP!

Lori E. Switaj (Editor) March 18, 2012 at 06:47 pm

T.S., I am recommending you for a seat on the Economic Development Advisory Board (which is different from the council Committee) if there's an opening. Not that it's my decision, mind you. Good thinking, nice, big vision. I've spent plenty of time out at Put-In-Bay when I had a boat and the marina was great. Pull up the boat, spend an afternoon eating and shopping.

S.K. March 18, 2012 at 07:10 pm

These are excellent, positive ideas, and ones that would invite others from outside of Avon Lake to help boost our tax base. I'm appalled that our elected officials would opt for the easy way out, and, not voice their concern on the health risks imposed on the citizens of Avon Lake with this decrepit plant which has also been an eyesore for those who drive buy it. A marina tied in to the Miller Road Park, and, like the above note posted--why not a Boardwalk that has the restaurants, galleries, t-shirt shops, etc. Who wouldn't want to enjoy lobster bisque while watching the sunset that AL offers! Plus something like this would also boost the established businesses in the Artist Gallery Plaza. Perhaps some condo development where dwellers would consider with the marina within walking distance, a laundromat, power car/boat wash, etc....Or a lighted ferris wheel for the kids to enjoy--make it family friendly. Endless positive possibilities that would require long range planning and city officials that would go to boot for its citizens! Just how much longer can that plant last anyway! Let it go!

j.s March 19, 2012 at 01:58 am

I view the closing of GenOn as a positive. A marina, open area park, and water related businesses would make perfect sense for the area. The possibilities for the area are endless. Hopefully our politicians will see it that way also and not take the easy way out. Just a thought....... how about a few wind turbines where the coal piles currently sit. They won’t generate the income of the power plant but it’s a start. As I said...................the possibilities are endless.

Lori E. Switaj (Editor) March 20, 2012 at 12:18 am

I'm at council right now and they are discussing the comments left here about this subject. Mr. O'Donnell said he never said the EPA should be shut down and wants that on the record. Mayor Zilka just read a lengthy statement that I'm hoping to post, in its entirety, Tuesday or Wednesday. He had some good points.

A. Gray March 20, 2012 at 12:00 pm

I cannot believe that this is the position of the chairman of Avon Lake's environmental council. Whatever financial strain this will cause can be temporary if the city makes plans to use the property wisely----you can't put a price on improved health. It seems that they would rather have the money and leave citizens breathing in the plant's toxins than improve Avon Lake's air quality.

Joe March 20, 2012 at 04:10 pm

I think the idea the councilman is trying to push is for government to cover some of the nearly $600,000,000 price tag on the environmental projects the EPA is forcing the plant to make in order to keep it open. Not continue to polute our great city. The effects of the plants closure will be positive in only one respect (air quality), but negative on so many others. There are many good jobs at stake, other businesses will certainly fail, creating more job loss and where are all the new good jobs???? In other countries, because the government cant see the big picture. Perhaps the people could go work st the Ford plant. Oh wait the government bailout forced labor concessions and now those jobs only pay double minimum wage, and a newly created job will pay less than that, and your lucky to get benefits included. So once those people at that plant and those affiliated with the plant lose there houses I'm sure all of your property values will go up along with your property taxes. So I think the councilman is doing the right thing. Lets help Genon get the money it needs to make a AL a cleaner place to live.

Lori E. Switaj (Editor) March 20, 2012 at 04:26 pm

Thanks for the comment, it does provide balance. I will be providing a statement Mayor Zilka made at council last night. It's important to remember that Mr. James was asked to testify on the financial impact the closing has on the city. The assessed value of that plant is $36.5 million and the total property and income tax realized to Avon Lake is $3.45 million. The school district will take an annual hit of $2.3 million and the library $102,000.

Joe Too March 20, 2012 at 11:33 pm

The Councilman IS doing the right thing by trying to keep the plant open. The financial impact that its closing would have on this beautiful city will cause many more job loses besides those at the plant. I moved my family out here in order to give my children a better opportunity with their education and the security of a safer city. In the amount of time we have been here, our son has not had one single episode with his asthma, and even played basketball and joined running club. He has not had to use his inhaler since we moved here. Maybe our government who can spend billions in bailout money on other businesses to pad their pocket would take the opportuniy to offer a little assistance to some of these power plants in order to help them become compliant with the EPA's standards, they could save the thousands of jobs that are going to be affected. It's not just the many employees at the plant, but the many contractors, vendors, local businesses, and public service jobs that will also be affected. The thought and nerve of people who would rather see another marina on the lake or more overpriced stores or resturaunts is outrageous, THEY must be the ones that were born with a silver spoon in their mouths. One last thing, I would like to know how many people who are against this plant have lived here before it was built, and if not then you chose to move here with it already in existence. Should of thought about that before you signed the papers.

Scott Rollins March 21, 2012 at 03:34 am

I dont see the point of a marina, i dont own a boat, there cant possible be that many people that own a boat and need another place to launch from.
Maybe we can get another furniture store that will go out of business every other year.

Lori E. Switaj (Editor) March 21, 2012 at 12:12 pm

Please see Mayor Zilka's comments in today's Patch in response to the closing. http://patch.com/A-rJkg

lisa March 22, 2012 at 03:08 am

I agree with everything that Joe and Joe Too had said. If we support the plant in getting environmental controls, then this will be a great impact for the city. I also agree with what the councilman said as well. Also, there is already a boat launch, a nice beach at miller road park, and other marinas on the lake to choose from.....

lisa March 22, 2012 at 03:25 am

also, you could have the plant produce an alternative source of energy in the fore-seeable future.

T.S. March 22, 2012 at 12:12 pm

Maybe I'm only speaking for myself, but wanting a harbor is only a suggestion or example that something needs to be planned just in case Genon closes the plant. The economic impact of losing Genon has to be first and foremost along with lobbying for funds to help get the plant to meet EPA standards. Is the EPA too powerful and unreasonable? A simple example would be to just ask Mike and Chantell Sackett of Idaho, google it if you don't know who they are and their battle with this unchecked Goliath of our government. My 'desire' to have a harbor (or something that makes sense) & develop the land with a solid plan is only if Avon Lake loses THREE MILLION DOLLARS. Losing $3mill for a small town like ours will be devastating. Do I want a powerplant? Its ugly, its polluting our water & air, its seems to be a waste of great real estate. But folks, I think we'd all rather see us get some funding to clean up the plant and keep $3mill for the city than to try to replace that revenue...UNLESS, there's a smarter plan for replacing that plant with a top notch entertainment/retail/residential complex that can draw folks into Avon Lake, revitalize the west side of AL, and replace that annual revenue. If AL loses $3mill, that effects everyone-our schools, which in essence directly impacts our children, and our property value- Our Children, and our property values--our two greatest personal assets. Ether way, alternative energy should also be planned--not forced-- as a replacement.