Controversy Erupts as Cambridge Courthouse Project Faces Environmental Scrutiny

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News Summary

The redevelopment of the former Edward J. Sullivan Courthouse has become a significant environmental battleground, raising asbestos concerns and community backlash.

Controversy Erupts as Cambridge Courthouse Project Faces Environmental Scrutiny

In the heart of East Cambridge, the redevelopment of the former Edward J. Sullivan Courthouse has turned into a monumental battleground, raising serious questions surrounding asbestos exposure and environmental safety. Once a hub of legal activity, this building has remained vacant since June 2014 due to significant mold and asbestos concerns, ultimately deteriorating under the oversight of the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.

Settlement Funds Headed for Environmental Justice Trust

Recently, settlements were reached with two contractors—TRC and John Moriarty and Associates—amounting to a combined total of $155,000, pending court approval. These payments will mark the first deposits into the state’s newly created Environmental Justice Trust. This case is linked to serious violations of the Massachusetts Clean Air Act that occurred during the illegal handling of asbestos-contaminated debris. TRC will incur a penalty of $110,000, with a noticeable portion earmarked for support to disadvantaged communities in Massachusetts, while the settlement with Moriarty outlines a $225,000 penalty, with a significant amount directed to the Environmental Justice Trust.

Asbestos Concerns: A Neighborly Nightmare

Throughout the renovation project, which led to the establishment of 40 Thorndike—a mix of office and residential spaces ready for tenants—serious allegations emerged regarding the handling of asbestos on-site. Contractors allegedly left asbestos-containing demolition debris improperly disposed, causing widespread worry among local residents. This concern heightened in August 2019 when a resident’s tests on ceiling tiles confirmed the presence of asbestos, leading to air quality tests that found asbestos levels below allowable limits.

A Growing Backlash Against Development Priorities

Local government officials have faced intense scrutiny, as many perceive that the push for development has often overshadowed essential safety concerns regarding the former courthouse. Criticism directed towards the Cambridge City Council has emerged, questioning whether the city did enough to tackle the dangers posed by the presence of asbestos prior to approval of this extensive redevelopment.

New Tunnel Project Raises Additional Environmental Alarm

As if the courthouse redevelopment wasn’t enough, an MBTA Red Line tunnel project at Alewife Station has compounded environmental concerns. Soil tests revealed alarming levels of asbestos, detected in 56 out of 148 samples collected in just the first six feet of soil. With the highest detection rate hitting 1.92 percent, the community remained on high alert, apprehensive of potential contamination and health risks associated with the ongoing tunnel construction.

Future Implications of the Courthouse Redevelopment

The newly transformed property at the former courthouse holds more than 400,000 square feet of office space as well as 48 affordable housing units under the management of the Cambridge Community Development Department. This redevelopment is expected to significantly boost tax revenue while contributing to the local economy. However, the future of East Cambridge hangs in a delicate balance as residents grapple with the legacy of asbestos, air quality issues, and the contentious development priorities that seem to shape their community’s future.