Selectmen in Framingham, Mass., last week decided not to extend a salvage license to Framingham Salvage Co., saying neighborhood concerns about it and several other businesses in the area make the move unwise at the moment.
Two years ago, the board granted the company its license after agreeing to restrictions aimed to improve living conditions in the bordering Morton Street neighborhood.
Neighbors to the scrap metal salvage yard have complained that dust and rust from the 25-foot high piles of metal and aluminum blow into the neighborhood, coating their homes and cars.
Neighbors also said they are tired of looking at the piles that loom over the 8-foot-high fence that is broken in several places.
Town Manager George King still sees "significant environmental concerns" at the salvage yard, but said Public Works Director Peter Sellers is among those looking to solve the problem before it worsens.
King is confident the license will be granted eventually, he said. Still, the company will likely be operating without a license until a new deal is struck, he said.
"I don't think we'll shut them down," he said. "That's not our intent."
The conditions recommended by King two years ago include:
- The fence along Morton Street be solid at the bottom to prevent leakage. The fence was bowed chain link and had gaping holes near the bottom. All material can be no higher than the top of the fence. Company officials have since erected a 15-foot-high fence.
- Framingham Salvage must sweep the street at least once a week.
- Gravel is brought to the site to alleviate standing water, which could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The town has also stepped up police patrols to curb illegal dumping and posted "no dumping" signs in Spanish and Portuguese. Framingham Metro West Daily News