Bayview District Residents Fear Health Risks From Candlestick Park's Possible Implosion
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Some people in San Francisco's Bayview District are worried about potential health effects from the tear down of Candlestick Park.
The demolition was originally supposed to be piece-by-piece. But now, developer Lennar Corp. is requesting San Francisco to study the impacts of an implosion demolition, which would be quicker and cheaper.
Worried neighborhood leaders say that an implosion would send toxic dust across the area, such as asbestos, lead and PCB's.
"Imploding Candlestick will cause irreparable environmental harm," Shirley Moore, vice president of the Bayview Hill Neighborhood Association said at a recent Office of Community Infrastructure and Investment meeting.
The city's Planning Department is working on a study to examine the possible negative impacts. In the meantime, residents are relying on past studies of similar demolitions while knowing that lead-based paint and other toxic materials lie inside the stadium's walls.
In an email to CBS SF, a representative for Lennar said they are not commenting on Candlestick's demolition at this time.
Lennar is the developing what's been called one of largest urban mixed-use projects in the United States to replace Candlestick Park. It's expected to span 500,000 square feet and feature a large shopping center with homes, restaurants and parks.
