Breaking News
Fort Lauderdale Developer Under Fire for Styrofoam Pollution
Share your love
Residents of Fort Lauderdale are raising alarms over environmental hazards stemming from a developer’s mishandling of Styrofoam debris. The material, originating from a property along Southwest Fourth Avenue, has dispersed into local green spaces and the New River, prompting city officials to take action.Local 10 News
The Issue Unfolds
Locals such as Joey Alaimo, Michael Haze, and Dave Marino have observed fragments of Styrofoam littering areas where children play and wildlife thrives. The debris emanates from workers breaking down large Styrofoam sheets stored for years on the property across from The Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Alaimo expressed confusion over the sudden disintegration of the material, stating, “It looked like it had been vandalized. I don’t understand why it had to be broken up in pieces like this all of a sudden one day.”
City Intervention
In response to the escalating pollution, Fort Lauderdale officials issued a citation to Raintree 18 LLC, a company registered by developer Asaf “Asi” Cymbal. This area previously witnessed a dispute over relocating a historic raintree closer to the water. Despite attempts to reach Cymbal for comments, no responses have been received.
Community Concerns
Residents are baffled by the disposal methods employed. Haze questioned the necessity of breaking the Styrofoam into smaller pieces, stating, “If they were able to bring them in in full sheets, they could bring them out in full sheets. It doesn’t make sense to break them up into little pieces and have things blow all over the neighborhood.”
Developer’s Response
A representative from the debris removal company attributed the situation to strong winds and mentioned that cutting the Styrofoam was essential for removal. They assured that additional trucks were being deployed to expedite the cleanup process.
Environmental Implications
Styrofoam, a non-biodegradable material, poses significant environmental threats. Its presence in waterways can harm marine life, including manatees in the New River. The City of Fort Lauderdale has been proactive in reducing plastic pollution through initiatives like the “More Flavor, Less Plastic” campaign, which aims to eliminate single-use plastics. Local 10 News
