After almost six years of living next to Daron Northeast, Tom Prendergast knows to place the china securely toward the back of the cupboard.
When Daron’s trucks rumble by, the vibrations are enough to rattle the porcelain cups and dishes right to the edge of the shelf.
For Evann Xanthis, it’s the dust. The chalky, pervasive dust that coats everything and jams air conditioners.
Ms. Xanthis can’t remember the last time she opened a window. Being across the street from Daron is “like living in a catacomb,” she said.
For Daron and its neighbors in Lower Green Ridge, this winter is the beginning of the end for what was an uneasy relationship from the start.
In November 2007, the masonry and concrete company announced it would relocate its plants from Scranton and Ashley to an industrial park in Archbald, with production beginning there in February.
Winding down
As Daron readies to move, there has been less truck traffic, and dismantling began of its heavy machinery. The 16-acre property at 530 Electric St., a tax-free Keystone Opportunity Zone through 2010, is listed at $3.5 million by Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate.
To residents, Daron’s departure is a relief, though bittersweet because it took so long.
Four lawsuits are pending against the company for the detrimental impact it allegedly had on residents’ lives, namely the dust, noise and traffic, which Daron denies. In 2005, the company paid a $3,700 fine to the state Department of Environmental Protection for air-quality violations.
Daron’s tenure in Scranton wasn’t rosy for the company, either. In 2007, it threatened to sue if city council banned trucks from Dickson Avenue. A few months later, it sued resident Daniel Hubbard and the Lower Green Ridge Neighborhood Association for slander.
Mr. Hubbard accused Daron of violating zoning law and causing “long-term lung damage.” The case was later discontinued, and Mr. Hubbard issued a public retraction as part of the settlement.
Repeated calls and visits to Daron in attempt to speak with general manager David Lewis about the move to Archbald were unsuccessful.
Breathing a sigh of relief
Daron’s presence has been maddening to perhaps no one more than Ms. Xanthis, who chokes back tears as she talks about her daughter’s breathing problems and the medical bills they have incurred.
After 20 years on Dickson Avenue, Ms. Xanthis is selling her home, though she would love to stay just long enough to see Daron leave first.
A block away on Sanderson Avenue, 20-year-old Katie O’Neil said Daron has been more of an annoyance than a bane, but she won’t miss needing to clean dust off the car and backyard deck.
Mr. Prendergast, one of the four residents suing Daron along with Ms. Xanthis, blames the city and believes officials could have better protected the neighborhood. He also worries about what will come in Daron’s place.
In recent weeks, council discussed rezoning the Daron property from light industrial, citing a DEP report that recommended such a change. But Dan Penetar, the zoning board solicitor, advised against that action, saying it would be illegal “spot zoning.”
Already, though, it is apparent the pall Daron cast on the neighborhood is lifting.
Look no further than Debbie Roth, who bought a house on Delaware Street in June. Ms. Roth said before her Realtor could convince her to move in, there was one thing she needed to hear — that Daron was moving out.
– Courtesy of The Times-Tribune
