ASBESTOS IN THE NEWS
Gov. Paterson announces multimillion-dollar asbestos abatement project for Rochester, NY

March 6, 2009 -- New York Gov. David A. Paterson said yesterday that New York will contribute $55 million in state money for asbestos abatement at the Midtown Plaza complex in Rochester.

The money will be used for asbestos removal work this summer. City planners seek to rebuild the 8.6-acre area with new streets and sidewalks after the asbestos abatement project is completed.

“Ridding Midtown Plaza of asbestos is an essential step toward realizing the potential of Midtown Rising, a project that will help transform downtown Rochester,” said Gov. Paterson.

“The commencement of the asbestos removal clears a major hurdle standing in the way of the City’s renewal. This area will be transformed into an urban mixed-use development and include the national headquarters for PAETEC Communications,” said Gov. Paterson. "I am committed to working with my partners in government and the private sector to see this project through and to see Rochester revitalized.”

Rochester asbestos abatement

Without the state funding, Rochester would be left with 1.5 million square feet of abandoned retail and office space that cannot be redeveloped because of asbestos contamination and other problems.

The asbestos project will take approximately 10-12 months, and at its peak will create up to 200 jobs.

The truth about asbestos

Despite the fatal health consequences associated with asbestos exposure, asbestos is still imported and used in the United States in the construction and automotive industries. The United States imported and used an estimated 1,820 tons of asbestos in 2007, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Government sources estimate that in the next decade more than 35,000 people nationwide will be diagnosed with the deadliest form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. This disease is most often the result of industrial workplace exposure to asbestos – and usually contracted through employers’ blatant disregard for the health and safety of their workers. That’s why people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their family members have strong cases in court.

Time to seek justice

Weitz & Luxenberg has protected the legal rights of workers for 25 years. And in that time the firm's mesothelioma lawyers have won several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and seek FREE legal guidance and answers to your concerns, please notify us through the communication form below. We will pursue your claim with vigilance to help you pay for medical bills, future and past lost wages, and damages. There is no cost to you until we win a settlement or a verdict.