Homeowners incensed over city's dump expansion idea

florence - Exasperated homeowners Wednesday had a clear question for city leaders who want to expand the municipal landfill near their property: Why?

Gathering for an impromptu meeting at City Hall - in a chorus of dismay - nearly three dozen residents expressed environmental worries about Cypress Creek and doubt that councilmen are aware of the ramification of their vote, citing the rapid turnaround for the deal's passage.

"I'm all for the city buying property if it's going to be used in the right way, but not for a freaking dump," said Robin Wade, who lives near the creek. "This is like a California joke. They're going to say, 'you hear what that town in Alabama did?' I don't get it at all."

Last week, the city's offer on the 157-acre Florence Golf and Country Club, adjacent to Cypress Creek, was accepted for more than $2 million. The deal must be approved by the City Council.

Mayor Bobby Irons and a majority of council members have indicated they would like to use part of the property to expand the city's landfill, which is expected to reach capacity in seven years.

They are expected to vote Tuesday to approve the acquisition, but that will not address how the property is to be used. It is unknown when that vote will take place.

If Wednesday night was any indication, they should expect plenty of criticism.

At this point, Councilman Dick Jordan is the lone council member against more landfill use, a stance he repeated to the residents in his district.

"I'm adamantly opposed to expanding the landfill," he said, shaking his head and letting out a prolonged sigh. "Why would you ever think of doing that? My feeling is that you need to get out of the landfill business, period."

City leaders have suggested more landfill space would save the city - and ratepayers - millions of dollars compared to building a transfer station and contracting another company to transport the waste.

Some environmentalists have said the current landfill is leaking into Cypress Creek and believe it would be just as expensive to pay for the damage caused by a dump on a site not geologically suitable.

Lauderdale and Colbert counties transfer household garbage to a regional site.

There is some doubt about whether the vote will take place Tuesday night. Councilman Barry Morris said he would like to see the full council present, and Jordan will be out of town next week.

"I think the vote Tuesday night is premature," he said during the meeting. "There are plenty of questions left to be answered."

But he would not commit to voting against immediate consideration, which would cut off debate on the issue for at least two weeks.

Morris was somewhat of a target for the homeowners, as he had voiced support for expanding the landfill. He said to them he would still approve it if the "vote were today."

Among council members, nobody has criticized acquiring the land - just its use.

But some, such as lawyer Elizabeth Messer, questioned why they are signing off on a deal with no concrete plans. She suggested a feasibility study be performed before anything is approved by the council.

"If you buy this property and discover it can't be permitted, you've wasted $2 million," she said. "That's something we should demand before they spend our money."

Irons has said he would prefer the property be resold if they can not obtain a landfill permit from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

Butch Davis has lived along Cypress Creek for more than 20 years. He said the council should remember those who will be impacted the most by landfill growth.

"It sounds like this is on the fast track," he said. When asked if he thought they could make a difference, he added, "I don't know."

Brian Hughes can be reached at 740-5720 or brian.hughes@TimesDaily.com.