Full Breakdown
Landlords in Brooklyn Superfund Site Resist Free Toxicity Testing
3/17/2026, 4:24:44 AM
Overview of the Superfund Site Issue
In Brooklyn's Meeker Avenue Plume area, designated as a Superfund site in 2022, a significant number of landlords are reportedly refusing free air testing for cancer-causing toxins due to concerns over property values. Approximately 260 out of 1,000 properties in this 45-block region, which spans Greenpoint and East Williamsburg, have undergone testing offered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). City Councilman Lincoln Restler has expressed concern over the low testing rate, stating that only 25% of buildings have been evaluated, which he deems "unacceptable."
Health Risks and Contamination Sources
The Meeker Avenue Plume site has a history of industrial activities, including dry cleaning and metal foundries, which have contributed to hazardous solvent dumping. The EPA is currently testing for toxic substances such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), both known carcinogens that pose risks of liver and kidney damage with prolonged exposure. The potential for toxic fumes to infiltrate homes, particularly affecting basement and ground-floor tenants, raises significant public health concerns.
Landlord Resistance and Community Response
Despite the availability of free testing, many landlords are reportedly hesitant to participate due to the stigma associated with having a contaminated property. This reluctance is particularly pronounced in a trendy area where rental prices have surged by 43% since 2022, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $4,575. Restler highlighted the case of a major landlord who retracted a promise to conduct testing shortly before it was to take place, illustrating the challenges faced in encouraging compliance.
In response to the landlords' resistance, Restler's office is actively engaging with property owners through door-to-door outreach and informational postcards to promote testing. He noted that some residents have resorted to fundraising to pay for private testing due to uncooperative landlords.
Official Statements and Future Actions
Restler remains optimistic about increasing testing participation through continued outreach and dialogue with the community. He emphasized the importance of reducing stigma and helping landlords recognize the health risks posed to tenants by inaction. The EPA has also installed groundwater monitoring wells in the area to gather more data on contamination levels.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics argue that the landlords' refusal to test their properties reflects a disregard for tenant safety in favor of maintaining property values. Restler has described this behavior as "incredibly disappointing and dangerous," urging landlords to prioritize public health over financial concerns.
Verbatim Quotes
- “when there is testing completed, [then] we can evaluate with high interval of certainty whether people working or residing in building are at a public health risk.” — Lincoln Restler, City Councilman
- “This is someone who fully understands the facts and is choosing ignorance.” — Lincoln Restler, City Councilman
- “We want to reduce the stigma and help landlords understand that a failure to act puts their tenants at serious health risk,” — Lincoln Restler, City Councilman
The ongoing situation in the Meeker Avenue Plume area highlights the tension between property values and public health, as community leaders strive to ensure safety in a historically contaminated environment.
