Letter to the Editor: A new transfer station would be a wise investment for Fall River

I would like to address Joe Soares of Fall River who had written a Letter to the Editor in the April 8 edition of The Herald News regarding the transfer station ("Transfer station plan a bad idea for Fall River").

As for the situation he spoke of in terms of this idea as being problematic, I ask in what capacity and what concrete facts does he have to support such a disagreement or argument? Yes, I agree that the Fall River landfill was closed prematurely some years past, but an incinerator would resolve such an issue and generate monetary compensation for the City of Fall River. As it currently stands, the people of Fall River are paying many dollars for their trash removal. Such a situation has placed a great burden and will only increase over time.

As for his concerns about arduous traffic flow from Plymouth Avenue onto Rodman Street to Lewiston Street and then a return trip back onto I-195, such congestion is really no more challenging than the current situation. The area consists of a business district and would normally create such traffic. Plymouth Avenue and Rodman Street have always been a main route for all traffic, consisting of automobiles, large commercial trucks and buses.

Soares' concerns are valid, but he does not offer any concrete facts to support such, therefore, his hope to infiltrate the minds of the City Council in gaining votes for this financial and beneficial opportunity down would not only go against the hard working taxpayers of this city, but also would lay more burden upon our local businesses. It was a mistake from our city councilors of years past, who voted down an initial investment in bringing the former incinerator into compliance with the law. If such an investment were approved, the city of Fall River today would be gaining a steady income on a yearly basis, and such talk about the unfair purple bags program would have never been born.

I do understand and respect Soares' position and commend him for being active and dedicated in protecting our great city and its citizens. But I am also a strong believer in gathering all the facts before rendering a final decision. I ask the City Council to not only explore all avenues and gather as much information and facts needed before giving a final vote regarding this proposal. Investing in a transfer station would not only release the burden off the taxpaying citizens of Fall River, but also generate great financial income from our surrounding towns.

Sam Macedo

Fall River