oEPA r Superfuncl Redevelopment Initiative For more information, please contact Melissa Friedland at or (703) 603-8864 or Frank Avvisato at or (703) 603-8949. Celebrating Success: Havertown PCP Haverford Township, Pennsylvania June 2012 Collaboration between Haverford Township, the Community Capital Campaign, YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a much-needed opportunity for the residents of Haverford Township. A portion of the Havertown PCP site was selected for the location of a new YMCA facility. Haverford Township represents an area where the community does not have access to a YMCA. In April 2011, the demolition of the remaining on-site factory building marked the beginning of the redevelopment construction. Fund-raising efforts continue and local officials anticipate the opening of Haverford Township Area YMCA in September 2013. "... (We have) reports and paperwork that support the health and safety of this site and we're very confident that is not an issue or we wouldn't be here.. John Flynn, President and CEO, YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity From 1947 until 1991, a wood treatment facility operated at the 12-acre site. Waste handling practices led to contaminated ground water and soil at the site. EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983 and completed construction of the cleanup remedies in 2010. EPA Fund-financed cleanup activities included removal of tanks and drums from the facility area, removal of contaminated soil from residential properties and a recreational area, and installation of a ground water pump- and-treat system. The site also received $3.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to expedite and support site cleanup. . Right now the property is an eyesore, and the Y redevelopment will completely transform it. Haverford residents are clamoring for this Y and all it will bring to the community." Lori Hanlon-Widdop, Assistant Township Manager, Haverford Township The YMCA had been looking for land to expand their facilities into the Haverford community and was attracted by the cleaned up property, now available for reuse earlier than previously anticipated thanks to EPA's expedited cleanup. Although cleanup remedies are in place at the site, community residents remained concerned about the site reuse. EPA, Haverford Township, the Community Capital Campaign and YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity worked together to provide the community with information supporting the safety of the site for the planned YMCA facility. Support for the new YMCA facility continues to grow as local officials and community members realize the range of benefits the facility will offer. When completed, the 70,000-square foot YMCA facility will include a wellness center with strength training equipment, an aquatic center with three pools, a gymnasium, a running and walking track and a child and family development center. Not only will the YMCA provide recreational and fitness activities, but will also bring an estimated 150 new permanent jobs to Haverford Township, increase economic activity and promote a safer and healthier community. ------- |