Chapman Valve Plant to be Demolished

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Chapman Valve Plant to be Demolished

By Liz Tufts

Residents in Indian Orchard are looking forward to some demolition. A plant that once used radioactive materials is set to be leveled, but is the land safe enough for new development?

"It's an eye soar and I'm glad they are tearing it down," says Gloria Mitchell.

Gloria Mitchell calls herself a lifelong resident of Indian Orchard. Her father worked at the former Chapman Valve Plant in the 19-40's--a plant that milled uranium for nuclear weapons.

But it closed in the 1980's and soon after former workers fell sick after they say they had been exposed to radioactive materials. Since then the neighborhood has been on edge.

"Many families from Indian Orchard that have been effected by the uranium. With the contamination issues of the past, we just want it gone out of the neighborhood," says Indian Orchard resident, Susan Craven.

And the City agrees. The finally got the go ahead, and the 1-point-3 million dollars needed clear the 12-acre sight.

Although the building is known for radioactive materials, the city is more concerned about another hazard, asbestos.

"Since that time the U.S. Navy has come through and has decontaminated the site. The entire building itself contains a lot of asbestos, even some of the exterior," says David Panagore, Chief Development Officer.

Asbestos removal will begin next week, and the total project will completed by late winter, making the site ready for new development.

An old chapter soon gone, but a new one filled with more opportunities and relief for Indian Orchard.

"We want to see something nice and bright, instead of kind of dark green. Make it a productive part of the city once again, " adds Craven.

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