Kanjorski told residents that although their properties are virtually worthless now, the values will climb back to pre-gas spill levels once federal and state cleanup efforts are completed in five to 10 years. That's what has happened in other environmental disaster areas across the country, he said. Kanjorski also told residents data is inclusive and there is no solid proof that the spill site poses large-scale health hazards. That angered leaders of the local Group Against Gas, the citizens group whose members include those who live in the gas spill area. Overall, we are disappointed with the handling of the cleanup.
Residents believe it can be done more strongly.
Hazleton council voted Thursday night to ask the Luzerne County Assessment Board to reduce the assessed values of the affected properties to zero until the environmental problems are resolved. Officials are expected to make the request at the board's next meeting on Jan. 17. After Friday's meeting, Kanjorski said he didn't understand why the residents were upset with his comments. But that impact will leave and the real estate values with rise again. I am doing everything I can.