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Resident urges inspections during downtown building refurbishments, cites dust and possible asbestos exposure
Summary
A downtown resident asked council to require or perform inspections during building refurbishments after reporting dust, odors and health impacts in an apartment adjacent to a renovation; city staff did not record a formal response but the comment raised concerns about oversight of renovation activities.
Dana Schilling, a resident of 1 West Franklin Street in downtown Troy, told the City Council Monday that dust and chemical odors from a neighboring refurbishment have affected her health and she urged the city to require inspections during teardown and chemical application phases.
"I endured this week about 4 weeks of dust...now they're using chemicals ... I don't know what that is," Schilling said, describing breathing impacts and concern about asbestos and other hazardous materials migrating into occupied units.
Schilling asked that the planning commission or inspection staff perform checks when older buildings are being refurbished to confirm hazardous materials are removed safely and that contractors comply with legal handling and disposal practices. She said residents receive little notice and raised worries about nighttime removals.
Council did not take formal action during the meeting. The comment was entered into the public record and raises an issue city staff may consider addressing through inspection protocols or clearer communication for adjacent residents during substantial building renovations.
