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Norfolk leaders bring strong opposition to proposed trash facility

Norfolk city leaders held a press conference opposing a solid waste facility in the Bruce's Park neighborhood.

NORFOLK, Va (WVEC) – It was a powerhouse showing of city leaders with one message Monday.

Mayor Kenny Alexander, council members, and even state delegates made it clear that they do not want a solid waste management facility in one neighborhood.

"These are just some of the businesses we don't want in the City of Norfolk, much less our fragile neighborhood!” said Councilwoman Angela Graves.

Graves said the facility, proposed at a building in the Bruce’s Park area of town off St. Julian Avenue, would bring unwanted traffic, smells, and noise. She and other residents said they are concerned for children’s safety because there are schools in the area.

Graves plans to work with city management to “ensure the that a permit is not issued for the activity proposed at this facility."

"This type of infringement would never be considered in a more affluent neighborhood in other parts of town,” Graves said.

She and other council members accused the owner of Select Recycling Waste Services, Danny Meeks, of going to the Department of Environmental Equality without their knowledge.

The former Portsmouth city council member told 13News Now he was not trying to hide anything and he went through all the proper channels with the DEQ.

A spokesperson for the agency confirmed that with 13News Now. She said a variance was already approved for a waste permit and issues like smell were accounted for.

"It all goes back to what it's zoned. If it's already allowed by right, I don't see where the issue is,” said Bill Terry, the building’s owner. "If the city has concerns and everybody has concerns, let's regroup and come together and work toward a solution that works for everybody."

Meeks accused this move as being politically motivated, as Graves receives campaign finances from Bay Disposal.

“They don’t want the facility,” Meeks said.

Monday, Graves adamantly denied the allegation.

The DEQ is accepting public comment on the issue until Friday, March 23rd.

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