Artificial turf war divides Montclair, NJ
A contentious dispute over a plan to install artificial turf in an athletic field at Montclair has become the latest example of growing concern on both sides of the Hudson River about the environmental and health effects of the material. Critics of artificial grass say it creates heat islands, and worry that the “crumb rubber” used in the subsurface is toxic. Supporters of the turf say it requires less maintenance and is easier on young athletes’ bodies.
Critics of the project have teamed up with advocates in neighboring communities who are waging their own campaigns against artificial turf. The Board of Education, which is spearheading the renovations, has responded with a lawsuit seeking to uphold approvals of the project scheduled to be finished this spring. The board did not respond to inquiries, but critics say it’s an attempt to ram the project through despite opposition.
Allison Sargent, who lives across the street from Woodman Field, holds a photo of what it used to look like before renovations.The activism comes amid growing national awareness about artificial turf, which requires less maintenance than a grass field. The union representing NFL players has spoken out against synthetic fields, saying they are more likely to cause injuries than grass fields.
Local parent Tyler Mathison spoke in favor of the turf project at a public meeting in October, saying the material was safer for young athletes.
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