Talking trash

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Gwinnett News
Now that my Gators have been crowned BCS National Champions once again I can finally relax and talk some trash.

Well you know I had to mention it, but that isn’t exactly the kinda trash I am referring to.

If you will recall a few weeks ago, I mentioned the extraordinary turnout at the Gwinnett Commissioners’ meeting in opposition to the proposed waste transfer station in Norcross off Beaver Ruin Road.

As far as I am aware, this is the third such facility proposed for Gwinnett since I moved here.

The first in Duluth and now two in Norcross – the other off Jimmy Carter Blvd.

Both the facility in Duluth and off Jimmy Carter Blvd. were of course denied by the commission. Maybe the third time’s the charm, right?

Don’t bet on it.

One of the biggest questions I have is “Why Gwinnett?”

I contacted Lee Tucker, the attorney representing Lancaster Enterprises, LLC, who is attempting to obtain approval for the latest waste transfer facility, to answer that very question.

In reply, he pointed out the need to support the amount of waste a county the size of Gwinnett can accumulate:

“Transfer stations are essential to a county such as ours and the health, safety and welfare of Gwinnett Residents. It is apparent to me that no one seems to want to be located next to a landfill or transfer station; however, these uses are necessary to the orderly functioning of a developed county such as ours with +/- 800,000 residents.”

I asked about whether there are more appropriate sites, for example the heavier industrial/factory sites like you would find near Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard in Atlanta or in more rural areas with less traffic, and he maintains that the Beaver Ruin site is “ideal for this use.”

Mr. Tucker also stated that the turnout at the commission meeting was not necessarily indicative of the will of the citizens since many of the participants may not be actual Gwinnett residents.

Valid point, however, I have to disagree. I think that the public has made it quite clear where they stand on these types of facilities in the past.

They don’t want it in Gwinnett, and if you believe past votes on the matter set any sort of precedence – neither do the commissioners.

This will come before the Board again in early February to allow incoming District 2 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter time to review the matter and make her decision.

This week I want you to play her consultant. Determine whether a facility of this nature is actually needed in Gwinnett. List the pros and cons should this proposal be approved or denied, and also make recommendations for alternative, and possibly more effective, solutions to the problem.