Neighbors speak out against proposed development near old Wheatfield dump

The goal for one Western New York developer is to turn a plot of land off Nash Road in Wheatfield into a cul-de-sac with 20 plus homes. The engineer representing Bob Weaver, presented the plan to the Wheatfield Planning Board Wednesday evening.

“My first reaction was, horse crap,” said Brett Grawe.

Some neighbors who own homes on nearby Forbes Street are against the plan, fearing flooding in surrounding areas and contamination concerns from a nearby former landfill that contained waste from Love Canal.

Brett Grawe believes his liver cancer is directly related to that landfill. He was released from the hospital on Tuesday. He abandoned his home last year.

The engineer said the site has been tested for radiation. The neighbors on Forbes Street say they should test for other contaminants such as dioxin and pcbs.

The blueprints currently have the closest home 650 feet away from the old landfill. Far enough says the developer, but not far enough for Grawe. 

“I'm over 1000 feet away and they're welcome to look into my basement, my sump pump with the orange film, the black stuff on the walls,” said Grawe.

Most of the neighbors are currently suing the town of Wheatfield.

Next for the proposed development, the Wheatfield Town Board will determine if the developer will need an environmental review for the project. That's when more testing could be done.