A notice posted on the entrance of Star Market in Newtonville announced the emergency closure. (photo: Oct. 29, Charlie Johnson)
The Newtonville Star Market at 33 Austin Street remains closed after City officials ordered an emergency shutdown on Tuesday, October 28, following a report that demolition work inside the store may have released asbestos into the building, creating a potential “imminent health hazard,” according to Newton Health and Human Services Commissioner Shin-Yi Lao.
“The Newton Health and Human Services Department was notified by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection late yesterday … that demolition work inside the Star Market … may have resulted in the release of asbestos,” Lao wrote in a statement to Fig City News. “Newton Health and Human Services Department closed the store at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday… to allow for a full investigation by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and any mitigation measures that may be necessary by Star Market.”
Lao said MassDEP is continuing its investigation to determine the extent of any possible contamination. The commissioner added that the store will be allowed to reopen only after any asbestos that is found is removed and/or contained.
Massachusetts requires notification and compliance for asbestos-related construction and demolition activities. Asbestos, a fibrous natural material that for a time was used in many building materials, is known to cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
A spokesperson from Star Market sent an email statement to Fig City News.
“At Star Market, the safety of our stores is a top priority, and we take this matter seriously. We appreciate the collaboration and support of the City of Newton as we address the matter,” the spokesperson wrote. “We will continue to stay in close coordination with the Newton Health and Human Services Department as we work towards reopening the…