Pretty good N&R editorial on the controversy surrounding the White Street landfill, which will come before the City Council yet again.
I certainly agree that “one reason this issue won’t die is the council’s reluctance to discuss it clearly, completely and forthrightly.” But do they even no what to discuss? Let’s face it, some the proposals from these companies sound as crazy as the downtown hotel, even crazier, because we’re talking about a landfill here, a much more complicated endeavor.
One proposing company says it would take revenues from landfill operations and invest it “in a nonprofit that would help develop the community around the landfill.” How would that work?
Another company says it would “build a recreation facility for the community” as part of any agreement with the city. Yippee.
Here’s something that has to be said: Greensboro voters elected this council on a platform of fiscal responsibility. With that in mind, someone on the council should have the courage to propose re-opening the landfill, as the one true budget hawk on the previous council —-Mike Barber —- did before he left office.
I’m not saying that’s the right answer, but if the council is dedicated to its platform — and thus dedicated to the majority that at least bothered to show up at the polls —- then that option at least needs to be considered.