Harrison Cancels 5th Back-to-Back Meetings Amid Toxic Sludge Questions

In an unexpected move, the Town of Harrison has canceled the Mayor & Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, 2024, marking the fifth consecutive public meeting cancellation by the town. This series of cancellations include the August 20 Mayor & Council meeting, the August 21 Harrison Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, the August 26 Redevelopment Agency meeting, and the August 28 Harrison Planning Board meeting

This ongoing pattern of cancellations has raised concerns among residents, particularly in light of the recent controversy surrounding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) plan to build a Toxic Dioxin Sludge Plant in Harrison. The plant, intended to process toxic sludge with NAPL from the Passaic River, is planned for the PSE&G site between the Jackson Street Bridge/Cape May Street and the Harrison PATH Station.

At a public meeting held by the EPA on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, the agency confirmed its intentions to proceed with the toxic sludge plant, contradicting earlier public assurances by Harrison Mayor James Fife and Harrison Public School Director/Councilman James Doran. Both officials had previously denied any such plans, even going so far as to accuse former Councilman Anselmo Millan and local Attorney John M. Pinho of lying when he warned the community about the EPA’s intentions. These denials have now been proven false, leading to significant public outcry and allegations of a cover-up.

2022 Facebook Post of James Doran Lying in the Worst Way Possible Accusing then Councilman Millan of Lying When Doran knew Millan and John Pinho's Statements Were True

The controversy stems from an initial statement made by Mayor Fife nearly two years ago, on August 29, 2022, during a Harrison Redevelopment Agency meeting. At that time, Fife revealed that the EPA and PSE&G were involved in plans to use the site for processing the river dredge material, a project expected to last up to 10 years. However, Mayor Fife and Councilman Doran later denied these claims, leading to confusion and mistrust among residents. James Doran holds several public jobs including among them Harrison Public Schools Director, Harrison Councilman, Harrison Democratic Party Leader, and Passaic Valley Sewerage Authority (PVSC) Commissioner among several other jobs.

The EPA's Project Director, Alice Yeh, confirmed the existence of the plan at an EPA Community Advisory Group (CAG) meeting, bringing the issue to the forefront of local concern. Despite the denials from town officials, the EPA's confirmation has intensified scrutiny on the town's leadership, particularly regarding transparency and the handling of environmental health issues. It was also learned that the PSE&G property is 100% de-contaminated and ready for the proposed redevelopment agency plan of a Green Space / Park, Community Center, and a turn-around / Drop Off Zone to alleviate Harrison PATH Station traffic and Red Bull Arena traffic.

The next meeting of the Harrison Redevelopment Agency is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024, at 1 p.m. Mayor Fife is the Chairman of the Harrison Redevelopment Agency whose redevelopment zone encompasses the PSE&G property. However, it remains unclear whether this meeting will proceed as scheduled, given the recent trend of cancellations.

The public is encouraged to attend all scheduled Mayor & Council meetings in Harrison, where they will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions during the public session. The next Mayor & Council meeting on the calendar is set for Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Harrison Town Hall. If you happen to have Mondays at 1 p.m. free you can attend the Harrison Redevelopment Agency meetings.  Make sure you check the Town of Harrison's Calendar before heading out for possible cancellation.

Related Article:

Concealment, The Truth & Lies About EPA's Toxic Sludge Plant in Harrison NJ

As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and engaged, particularly on matters concerning the EPA's plans, which have significant implications for the community's health and well-being.

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