Guest Post: Christian DiPalermo on Toxic Turf

Following this week's Hearing by the Committee on Parks and Recreation on Artificial Turf, our guest post today comes from Christian DiPalermo, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Parks.

“For the last seven years, we have seen the Department of Parks and Recreation use artificial turf fields throughout the city.  In 2006, we issued a report calling on the City to “proceed with caution” when using artificial turf.  However, the City did not heed our call; rather; they have continued to put down artificial turf fields on new ball fields. In the next few years, 365 acres of parkland will have artificial turf.  

In the past two years, there has been much debate about the associated health and environmental risks associated with specific types of artificial turf.  We feel strongly, in light of finding high toxins on older fields in Thomas Jefferson Park that the Parks Department should establish protocols and conduct a General Environmental Impact Statement before they put down any more artificial turf fields or before they rip up old fields.  Because technology is ever-changing, we may never know all the risks associated with artificial turf, but we do know we need protocols to ensure the safety of our children and the environment."

Comments

[Jen Rivera]

But NY4P did not even make a stand on the issue when it counted at the City Council hearing!!! Obfuscated with their "report" and "study" and call for "protocols" but they didn't even come out clear to support the legislation now pending. Plus, they had their staff there and they all left after Chris testified, really lame, because City Hall was packed with people speaking about Parks, you would think that they would stay to listen and learn what concerns people had. Look, in their own turf report is a letter from the parks Commissioner, so they are not really an independent organization, they are a feel good park dept. allied group that is losing it's relevance under his leadership. Disappointed that you'd promote this kind of group's mealy work.

[Chris Bird]

I think they are against it, but you are right, stronger language would have been more effective. I was disappointed that the NY4P staff left right at the beginning instead of staying to hear all the people there.

[Pablo Genarro]

This is embarrassing. I was at the hearings and I concur with Jen (are you the person with Scott Stringer's office?).

NY4P acted so gross at the hearings. They were like corrupt politicians not taking a position to protect our kids but just weighing the winds of general public opinion against the resistance and interests of powerful lobbies & bureaucracies like parts and the infil industry!).

Why didn't they stay? Their staffers just up and went. No wonder Palermio didn't even mention the many orgs fighting it!

Synthetic turf has been given a moratorium in Connecticut. People have been opposed to it for more than 2 years.

Yes, they work for the Parks Dept that works hard to be unaccountable to New Yorkers and our neighborhoods.