Implosion of former Nabisco plant in Fair Lawn called off
FAIR LAWN, N.J. -- The implosion of a tower at former Nabisco plant in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, is officially canceled.
It is like a big crumb remaining from a giant smashed cookie. The Nabisco tower, the tallest structure in the area, will come down - but bit by bit. An idea to blast it flat was just scrapped.
"They decided they are not going to implode the building," Glen Rock resident John Mulholland said.
Mulholland lives in the Iris Park community in Glen Rock, situated up right against the former Nabisco property in Fair Lawn. He and his neighbors made repeated pleas and helped circulate petitions to stop what they feared was going to be toxic, dusty and dangerous.
"We were concerned about the toxins, whether it was being monitored property," Mulholland said. "What started out as a tiny little grassroots activity to get noticed, they get some help, politicians, and slowly people started to listen to us. We made enough noise."
The announcement was made by Fair Lawn Mayor Kurt Peluso on social media, He's out of town and was not immediately available for follow-up questions.
Mayor Peluso's Facebook message included a statement from the developer. A managing partner of Greek Development said in a statement:
After extensive dialogue with local communities and businesses, Greek Development has made the decision not to implode the remaining portion of the Nabisco Tower. We will utilize an alternative method of demolition that does not include the use of any explosives. Ownership is proceeding to undertake the additional time and expense to ensure the wellbeing and peace of mind of the surrounding residents.
"With all the surrounding houses around, I think it's safer way to actually bring it down... by not imploding it," Hawthorne resident Berlley Derilus said.
Nabisco closed its factory in 2021 and sold the land. Neighbors say new the new owner is planning a warehouse complex on the 40-acre site.
The project is the subject of a planning board meeting at Fair Lawn borough hall Monday night. In attendance will be neighbors eager to learn about future plans for the site after the tower structure is brought down.