The Shoreline Clubhouse, in disrepair and needing extensive upgrades, had been shuttered by MidSouth. By the time our community voted to purchase the 385 acres in 2016, the building had become an eyesore, filled with mold and had declined from being the center for dinners and entertainment in a growing community. In addition, it was a very noticeable drag on property values and a depressing reminder of what once had been. Its signature anchor pool, leaking irreparably, was now algae-filled, an “attractive nuisance,” and an insurance liability. Clearly, Fairfield Harbour needed to modernize, to accommodate a new population and lifestyle, a new image. The eyesore had to go. But how?
Removal by mechanical demolition might be costly. In late 2017, the Board determined burning as a fire department training exercise would be cheaper. It would remove an eyesore while providing valuable training for firefighters. At the time, it seemed to be the best solution. The asbestos was duly removed, and the permit application process begun.
Then in 2018, Herman Bozenhardt, chemical engineer and civic-minded resident, wrote the Board warning of the dire consequences of burning plastics, fiberboard, and other materials within the building structure. Toxic chemicals such as ammonium chloride from PVC or PET pipes, “glass dust” from fiberglass insulation, and other toxins would fill the air, contaminate the water and poison aquatic wildlife. Soot, and ash would rain down on boats, houses, landscapes and residents. Mr. Bozenhardt warned burning would create an environmental disaster, endangering residents, pets, wildlife and property.
After Cindy Pellegrini read Herman’s letter, she wrote, then phoned Mr. Doug Byrd, the Environmental Specialist, Air Quality, for our area, asking him to help dissuade Mr. Anthony Scarbraugh, Environmental Senior Specialist, Water Quality Regional Operations Sections for our area, from granting the water quality permit and to deny his own air quality permit.
Inexplicably, he told her that he and Mr. Scarbraugh had already granted their respective water and air quality permits. He cited the overriding benefits of firefighter practice and dismissed her fears about the resulting pollution.
Cindy’s concern grew. She searched for additional voices to persuade the other Directors. Eventually she found invaluable support from our own Riverkeeper, Katy Langley and Wilmington’s Dr. Robert Parr, and the organization to which he belonged, MAHA (Medical Advocates for Healthy Air). All wrote letters to the Board, warning of the very serious consequences incurred by burning the clubhouse. She also appealed to FACTS’ Joe Schulties, who knew Herman, and now, got to know Bob Parr. Joe was as concerned as she was and assured her FACTS would join the fight.
Dr. Parr became a dedicated proactive advocate for our cause, emailing Joe and Cindy videos of other “controlled burns,” One was of a house in his own area, showing the plumes of black smoke stretching for more than five miles, and the pile of residue which smoked and continued to emit pollutants for days. He also sent articles citing the dangers to both firefighters and the area. In September 2018, he drove from Wilmington to personally lend support.
FACTS readied its informational flyers and prepared an online community protest. Yet, because burning seemed cheaper, the plans to burn continued. The Community Center (CC) parking lot was cleared for vehicles local to the fire site; the CC calendar cleared; and Trunk or Treat was rescheduled (moved forward.) The burn was planned for late October of 2018, weather permitting.
The clock continued to tick.
In the end, three things saved Fairfield Harbour. Insurance on the burn was probably impossible to procure. Hurricane Florence (September 2018) and its financial ramifications put everything else on hold. And, the composition of the Board changed.
Spring 2020 brought a new focus, this time on mechanical demolition. Requests for Proposals were mailed to interested firms and returned with bids. The successful bid was submitted by Coastal Dragline Services. This company specializes in demolition, has the necessary large equipment, and, therefore, was able to submit the most favorable bid. Their bid was well within what the Board had budgeted.
Weather and contractor schedule permitting, in June the Shoreline Clubhouse and pool will be demolished, all debris removed, and the land leveled, seeded and strawed. Interestingly, Coastal Dragline Services will grind the concrete and reuse it, an added plus for the environment and the landfills.
The clock can finally rest!
Your FACTS Reporter