The Alternative Press

PATERSON, NJ - City officials are planning to apply for state and federal funding to clean up environmental problems at the Paterson Armory.

Mayor Jeffrey Jones has touted the redevelopment of the Armory, which has been closed for more than two decades, as one of the cornerstones of his revitalization efforts for the city.

But before the century-old building on Market Street can be put back to use, asbestos and other environmental problems need to be cleaned up, officials said.

The City Council on Tuesday night is scheduled to vote on two resolution designed to get the cleanup going. One would authorize an application to the state Department of Environmental Protection for funding for hazardous site remediation.

The second resolution would sign off an application for $600,000 in federal environmental money to clean up the Armory as well as the Addy and Columbia Textile mills, both on Ryle Avenue. Under the federal application, the city is asking for $200,000 for each location.