To the editor:

Why are city tax dollars being used for high-risk business and real estate ventures? City officials are walking into an environmental train wreck if they purchase the contaminated Farmland Industries plant. The site has potential for redevelopment under the brownfield program, but this type of risky redevelopment should not be managed by the city.

First, there is an unacceptable level of financial risk. Should Lawrence take ownership, under federal law, the city could be held responsible for any future remediation, which can be very expensive. If Koch Industries, which is purchasing most of Farmland’s sites, is avoiding this property then maybe the city should take a clue.

Having environmentally dangerous industrial sites near residential communities is not a priority for most citizens. Fifty years ago, Farmland built this plant away from residential areas for a reason. Now the Prairie Park community exists within a quarter mile of the property. The city should focus on the environmental impact that a future industrial owner may have at this location.

Lastly, our city does not possess the specialized environmental and legal expertise required to manage this type of project. Projects like this can cost millions in planning, legal assistance and outside contractors. Lawrence should avoid purchasing this site.

Kristine Burrichter,

Lawrence