EPA interested in Troy investigation

Troy

The City Council has turned over records of its ongoing investigation of two demolition projects to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA requested records regarding the emergency demolition of 4-6-8-10 King St. last year, during which Bombers Burrito Bar remained open at 2 King St., and the ongoing demolition work at the King Fuels site in South Troy, City Council President Rodney Wiltshire said.

At each location, the threat of asbestos contamination has been brought up during the questioning of witnesses.

"It vindicates and validates what we're doing," Wiltshire said about the federal agency's interest in the events.

The EPA received transcripts and recordings of testimony given by various city officials, contractors and property owners before the City Council since April, Wiltshire said.

"The agency does not comment or provide information on ongoing or potentially ongoing investigations," said Elias Rodriguez, a spokesman for the EPA in its regional office in New York City.

All of the council's records for its hearings were forwarded to the federal agency after Bill Dunne, the commissioner of planning and economic development, testified in June, Wiltshire said.

Dunne also is executive director of the Troy Local Development Corp. which owns the King Fuels site.

The EPA is the second federal agency to look into events regarding the emergency demolition of 4-6-8-10 King St. last year and the demolition work ongoing at the King Fuels site in South Troy. The FBI interviewed former City Engineer Russ Reeves earlier this year regarding the two projects.

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EPA interested in Troy investigation