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Residents tell Forest Park council blasting near Gillam Logistics Center cracked homes; mayor urges collective reporting
Summary
Several Forest Park residents told the City Council on April 20 that repeated blasting associated with work at the Gillam Logistics/Data Center site damaged home foundations, siding and roofs; residents said the contracted blasters denied claims and asked for attorney involvement. Mayor Ellison said the property is private and urged residents to contact the blasting contractor while the city pursues community-benefit language and transparency.
Dozens of Forest Park residents told the City Council on April 20 that blasting connected with work at the Gillam Logistics/Data Center site has damaged homes in nearby Crown River/Crown Point neighborhoods.
At least three residents described cracks, separated siding and a sinkhole behind one home they said developed after "two to three explosions a day" over several weeks. Janet Robinson said her home developed a sinkhole "larger than two bedrooms," and Melissa Cooper said she documented "divinely shifting, separation of the structure's components" and cracked concrete that she believes resulted from the blasts. "It's not normal wear and tear," Robinson said.
Pamela Felder told the council the blasting company denied responsibility and told her she would need an attorney to obtain blasting measurements. "That's BS," Felder said of the company's denial, adding that roughly 12 of the subdivision's roughly 56 homes have visible damage.
Ann Pelle…
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